Explore the land of a thousand hills’ natural and cultural diversity. a land that will bring a grin to your face, Rwanda’s doors are now open; it’s a friendly country where you may get in touch with nature while being safe and healthy.
In accordance with increased COVID-19 preventive measures, all tourism operations have now resumed. Rwanda’s primary priority is the safety and well-being of visitors, and the country has put in place strict health and safety regulations to assure this.
TRAVELERS COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
- All visitors to Rwanda must have a COVID-19 certificate that is negative. A SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) done within 72 hours of departure is the only acceptable test (meaning travelers must be tested and get results within 3 days of their first flight). Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and other tests are not accepted. Upon arrival, they will undergo a second PCR test, with results arriving after 24 hours, during which time they will be hosted in designated hotels at their own expense. COVID-19 Test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.
- International travelers arriving by plane can currently visit Rwanda. These guests are allowed to enter Rwanda if they meet the health and safety conditions described in these FAQs and this information note. Before arriving, visitors must fill out the Passenger Locator Form.
- A negative SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test is needed of all guests staying at various hotels across the country. Negative test results will be valid for 72 hours for overseas tourists who will have taken a second test upon arrival in the country. After this time period has passed, they will be required to take a rapid test.
- The SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) done within 72 hours is the only acceptable test for travelers visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Gishwati-Mukura national parks. Akagera National Park will accept a negative Rapid Antigen Test taken within 72 hours.
- All other touristic destinations including hotel stays, shall accept a Rapid Antigen Test or a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours.
- Travelers, including drivers, must fill out and submit movement requests here, along with copies of negative COVID-19 test results, at least 24 hours ahead to their journey to [email protected].
- The Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test costs Rwf 47,200 (USD 50) for tourists leaving Rwanda and Rwf 57,200 (USD 60) for those arriving. A Rapid Antigen test costs Rwf 5,000, and results are usually available within 15 minutes of doing the test. www.rbc.gov.rw has a list of accredited private clinics that perform COVID-19 Rapid Antigen tests.
- COVID-19 testing is not necessary for hotel visitors under the age of 12 who are accompanied by parents who have a negative test certificate.
- A list of frequently asked questions about visiting Rwanda may be found here.
- Visit the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s website for additional information on Rwanda’s response and daily updates on COVID-19.
