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COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 12/15/2020
Country-Specific Information:
- Rwanda recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 14, 2020.
- At this time, Rwanda has resumed many business operations, including restaurants, hotels, shops, and tourism operations. National parks are open to visitors with a negative COVID-19 test.
- All gyms and swimming pools are closed (those at hotels may be used only by tested hotel residents).
- Rwanda has resumed international air travel, but its land borders remain closed except for cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and residents.
- Masks/face coverings are required in public.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
– Travelers to Rwanda must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate for a test taken no more than 120 hours before their initial flight. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers carry a printed copy of their negative test results during all legs of their flights to Rwanda. - Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
– Upon arrival to Rwanda, visitors will be tested at the airport (at their expense) and taken to a designated quarantine hotel of their choice. They will be required to quarantine in their hotel room until they receive a negative COVID-19 result, approximately 24 hours after arrival.
– Before travel to Rwanda, passengers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. To fill out this form, passengers must be able to provide passport information, travel details, negative PCR COVID-19 test results, and a booking confirmation at one of the designated hotels for a 24-hour quarantine upon arrival. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers carry a printed our copy of their Passenger Locator form during all legs of their flights to Rwanda.
– More information about travel, quarantine, and testing procedures for visitors to Rwanda can be found at the Government of Rwanda’s COVID-19 website.
– U.S. citizens may receive a visa upon arrival. Additional information about visas to travel to Rwanda and visa extensions can be found here.
– Travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19 within 120 hours before departure, and are encouraged to book and pay for their tests at least two days prior to departure through the online platform available here.
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
– From December 15 – 21, 2020 movements are prohibited from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
– From December 22, 2020 – January 4, 2021 movements will be prohibited from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM. - Specific measures in Musanze city:
– Movements are prohibited from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. - Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
– Travelers visiting national parks must test negative for COVID-19 at their own expense.
– The Government of Rwanda may, at any time, impose lockdowns of neighborhoods and cities to contain COVID-19. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist if U.S. citizens encounter difficulty with movement restrictions.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
– Travelers entering Rwanda, including U.S. citizens, must complete 24 hours of quarantine at one of the Government of Rwanda’s designated hotels while waiting for the results of their COVID-19 test. Travelers are responsible for making a reservation at one of the designated quarantine hotels before their departure for Rwanda. You can find information about the quarantine hotels here.
COVID-19 Testing:
- COVID-19 testing is available upon request by the Rwandan Biomedical Centre. A COVID-19 test costs $50 USD or 47,200 RWF. For more information about obtaining a COVID-19 test in Rwanda, please visit the Rwandan Biomedical Centre’s website. Very recent COVID-19 tests are required prior to visiting many of Rwanda’s national parks, including gorilla treks.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
– The Kigali International Airport is open with limited scheduled flights.
– Some travelers report difficulties in international travel en route to or departing Rwanda.
– Land borders remain closed.
– Public transportation, including motorcycle taxis, is available. Social distancing is required on buses, and masks are required.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Violations of COVID-19 restrictions may face punishments ranging from fines of up to 50,000 RWF and/or to up to five days in police custody depending on the violation.
Consular Operations:
- The U.S. Embassy is offering a reduced number of American Citizens Services, including passport renewals, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and notarial services. To make an appointment, please visit our website.
- The U.S. Embassy is offering limited visa services.
Local Resources:
- Additional information about COVID-19 in Rwanda can be found at the Rwandan Biomedical Centre’s website.
- Other links:
– COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
– CDC page on COVID-19
– Department of State’s Rwanda Country Information Page
