Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for choosing to visit Rwanda. To ensure your health and the well-being of those around you while you are in the country, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with new procedures in place detailed in this Arriving Passenger Information Note.

We hope the frequently asked questions below will assist you to plan your visit.

What should I do prior to departure to Rwanda?

Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new procedures detailed in this Arriving Passenger Information Note from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.

Are visitors coming to Rwanda required to have a COVID-19 test?

Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to arriving in Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.

Which COVID-19 test is required by health authorities in Rwanda?

The COVID-19 test required to visit Rwanda is known as a Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test.

What are the medical contacts in Rwanda for COVID-19 related issues?

For COVID-19 related health issues, please contact the Rwanda Biomedical Centre via the toll-free number 114 or the Medical Team on duty 24/7 at the Kigali International Airport on +250 781 415 724.

I have a long itinerary that will involve visiting three national parks and other places. Some visits to the parks will fall days after I received my test results. Will I have to test again before visiting a national park?

All international tourists visiting national parks are required to schedule their visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative test result. The only accepted test for tourists visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks is the SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). A negative Rapid Antigen test (RDT) will be accepted for Akagera National Park. If your visit/s falls more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.

If I test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda, who pays for my treatment and can I be evacuated to my country?

Visitors who test positive for COVID-19 can either be evacuated in line with medical evacuation protocols or seek treatment at a designated treatment centre in Rwanda at their own cost.

What are the safety and health measures in place at the Kigali International Airport?

To ensure the health and well-being of all passengers, a range of measures have been put in place, including:

Wearing of masks at all times for everyone
Readily available hand sanitisers
Physical distancing markings
Regular and thorough disinfecting of the airport and equipment

Kigali International Airport staff have been trained on Infection Prevention, and Control measures and comprehensive guidelines are in place to ensure safe operations. These measures are based on the Public Health Corridor approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association and the World Health Organization.

Is it mandatory to take a COVID-19 test before departure from Rwanda?

Covid test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, Covid testing (at own cost) is available for all travellers whose final destination requires one at health centres and other designated sites.

All Rwandan travellers aged 12 years and above must show proof of full vaccination before departing Rwanda by air. Fully vaccinated for people aged 18 years and above means having two doses and a booster when eligible (administered 3 months after second dose.)

What time should I arrive at the airport for departure?

Passengers are advised to arrive at the Kigali International Airport at least three hours before their flight.

Where can I view a list of licensed tour operators and tour guides in Rwanda?

The full list of licensed tour operators and tour guides can be found here.

Rwanda Reopens - Frequently Asked Questions