Rwanda Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Rwanda is operating overall, including international flights and tourism in Kigali and the country’s main visitor destinations. However, Ebola-related health measures affect some travellers connected to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while conflict in eastern DRC creates additional risks near the border.

Kigali remains accessible

Kigali and most of Rwanda remain accessible to international visitors. The country’s main tourism infrastructure and international aviation are operating.

Kigali International Airport

Kigali International Airport continues to handle international and regional flights. Rwanda is not experiencing a nationwide aviation shutdown.

Ebola-related measures

Rwanda has introduced additional border and health measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers whose journeys involve DRC should check the latest requirements before travelling.

Transit from DR Congo

Transit from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rwanda is currently restricted and is generally permitted only in exceptional circumstances involving humanitarian missions or essential travel, subject to health assessment and approval by Rwandan authorities.

DR Congo border

The security situation along the Rwanda-DRC border remains sensitive because of continuing conflict in eastern DRC. Border crossings can close at short notice.

Gisenyi-Goma crossing

The crossing between Gisenyi in Rwanda and Goma in DR Congo can be affected by conflict, security measures and current Ebola-related restrictions.

Cyangugu-Bukavu crossing

Opening hours and conditions at the Cyangugu-Bukavu crossing can vary. Travellers should verify its status before attempting to cross.

Rusizi District

UK guidance advises against all but essential travel within 10 kilometres of the DRC border in parts of Rusizi District, including Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.

Burundi border

The Rwanda-Burundi border has been affected by political and security tensions. Travellers planning an overland journey should confirm the current status of their intended crossing before departure.

Uganda border

Crossings between Rwanda and Uganda operate, but they have temporarily closed at short notice in previous years. Travellers using an overland route should check current conditions.

Visa requirements

Visitors require the appropriate Rwandan visa or entry authorization. Many nationalities can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, while citizens of Commonwealth countries are eligible for a free 30-day visa on arrival.

East Africa Tourist Visa

Eligible travellers visiting Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda can use the East Africa Tourist Visa, subject to the applicable entry conditions.

Gorilla tourism

Rwanda’s major tourism destinations, including Volcanoes National Park, remain accessible. Travellers should use authorized tourism operators and continue monitoring local security information when travelling in western Rwanda.

Ebola border measures remain important

Rwandan authorities continue to maintain health and border measures introduced in response to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

DR Congo transit restricted

Transit from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rwanda is currently limited to exceptional humanitarian or essential travel and requires additional health and official approval procedures.

International aviation continues normally

Kigali International Airport and Rwanda’s wider commercial aviation network continue operating. The current restrictions do not represent a nationwide closure of Rwanda to international travel.

DRC border remains sensitive

Conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to create security risks near Rwanda’s western border. Crossings can close at short notice.

U.S. advisory remains Level 3

The current U.S. State Department advisory remains Level 3: Reconsider Travel because of health, crime and unrest risks, with a stronger Do Not Travel warning for the area within 10 kilometres of the DRC border.

Check your airline, passport and Rwandan visa requirements before departure.

If you have recently travelled in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or your itinerary involves DRC, check Rwanda’s latest Ebola-related entry and transit requirements before travelling.

Do not assume that a Rwanda-DRC land crossing will be open. Check the specific crossing immediately before departure.

Avoid areas near the DRC border covered by severe official security warnings and follow instructions from Rwandan authorities.

If travelling overland to Burundi or Uganda, confirm the status and opening hours of your intended border crossing.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.