COVID -19 INFORMATION 

  • Rwanda recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 14, 2020.
  • Kigali International Airport remains open.
  • Negative RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours of departure are required to board a plane to Kigali.
  • Travelers departing Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure.
  • Masks/face coverings are required in public.
  • The Government of Rwanda has a zero-tolerance policy for exporting positive COVID-19 cases. If you test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival or during your time in Rwanda (even if you are fully vaccinated), the severity of your symptoms will determine whether you are isolated in a government-run treatment center or a hotel at your own cost. You will not be permitted to leave Rwanda until you receive a negative PCR test result, which could take several weeks from the first detection of your infection. Your Country or Embassy in Rwanda cannot pressure the Rwandan health authorities to release you from isolation or permit you to exit Rwanda until you receive a negative PCR test result. Your vaccination status does not change these protocols.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  •  All travelers are permitted to enter? Yes
    – The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) website is the source of detailed guidance for travelers to Rwanda and is located . www.rbc.gov.rw.  All citizens are encouraged to read the “Info Note for Passengers”, with the link located on the left side of RBC’s website.
    – All travelers arriving in Rwanda must complete the Passenger Locator Form and upload the negative COVID-19 test certificate before their departure to Rwanda. The Passenger Locator Form is available here https://rbc.gov.rw/travel/      Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
    – All travelers arriving in Rwanda are required to have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV2 Real Time Polymerase (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours prior to departure for Rwanda. All other forms of COVID-19 tests are not permitted.
    – COVID-19 testing is not required for accompanied children under 5 years old.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
    – Travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. The payment for the test at the airport is $60. The payment is to be made online or by cash upon arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to quarantine at designated quarantine hotels upon arrival, and before receiving their PCR test results. RBC will provide further details on acceptable evidence of vaccination.
    – Transit passengers who are not leaving the airport will be screened upon entry and are not required to test upon arrival.
    – If a traveler’s test result is positive for COVID-19 (even if asymptomatic or if the traveler is already vaccinated) while in Rwanda, they will be treated as indicated in the National COVID-19 Management Guidelines until they have fully recovered. All treatment is at the expense of the traveler.
  • Travelers departing Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV2 Real Time Chain Polymerase (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours before departure. All other tests are not permitted. Travelers are encouraged to book and pay for their tests at least two days prior to departure through their ground handler travel agents / tour operator for proper arrangement or online platform www.irembo.gor.rw