Message for American Citizens

Message from U.S. Embassy Kigali

17-Oct.-2012

The Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration has announced the mandatory registration of all non-diplomatic foreigners in Rwanda.   Registered foreigners will be issued an electronic ID card that is similar in design to the national ID card.  The registration is taking place at the district immigration offices and immigration headquarters.  The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration has informed the U.S. Embassy that the registration process is compulsory and ongoing.  According to the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, no deadline for registration has been set, but all foreigners are expected to comply and the current paper “green cards” are being phased out.

Get the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration announcement.

Please direct any inquiries about this program to the Government of Rwanda contacts listed in the announcement.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Kigali website or receiving consular information on Twitter.  You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the 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, you may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or from other countries on 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 (252) 596-400.  For additional information on consular services, please visit the Embassy's website.