The U.S. Embassy reminds you that April is a time of significant public and private reflection during which many Rwandans grieve the loss of loved ones.   In previous years there have been fatal grenade attacks and other acts of violence before, during, and after the genocide commemoration period.   

The Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Rwanda to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gatherings - especially during the early evening.  Previous grenade attacks have occurred in crowded areas such as markets and taxi or bus stops, often between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 pm.

We encourage you to take the following measures:

• Be alert and report any suspicious activity to the Rwandan police.
• Ask yourself “What would I do in case of an attack?” and be prepared to enact your plan.
• Avoid large public gatherings, especially those with a significant numbers of westerners and/or no visible security presence.
• Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Kigali website or via Twitter.  You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips.  If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  

If you are going to live in or travel to Rwanda, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.  It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date.  It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. +250 (252) 596-400; fax:  +250 (252) 596-591.  The consular section’s e-mail address is consularkigali@state.gov.  Routine American Citizens Services are available by appointment Tuesdays from 09:00 to 12:00 and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00, except for U.S. and Rwandan holidays. 

For after-hours emergencies, please call +250 (078)830-0345.  For additional information on consular services, please visit the Embassy's website.