rwanda travel restrictions south africa

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Rwanda Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from South Africa to Rwanda

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Rwanda from South Africa?

Most visitors from South Africa, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from South Africa can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Can I travel to Rwanda without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from South Africa can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Rwanda?

Visitors from South Africa are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda without quarantine?

Travellers from South Africa are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Rwanda?

Mask usage in Rwanda is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Rwanda?

Restaurants in Rwanda are open. Bars in Rwanda are .

• Info Note For Passengers

INFO NOTE FOR TRAVELLERS

As part of the Government measures to prevent diseases that can potentially become epidemics, the Ministry of Health informs the general public and the international travelers visiting Rwanda of the following:

YELLOW FEVER

The following is the WHO list of Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination. This list of countries is dynamic can change anytime depending on situation:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela In a bid to prevent transmission of Yellow Fever in Rwanda,

1. All travelers traveling to Yellow Fever endemic countries should be vaccinated 10 days before traveling.

2. To enter Rwanda, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required to travelers (Residents / Non-Residents) coming from Yellow Fever non-endemic countries and without an active transmission outbreak of Yellow Fever.

3. To enter Rwanda, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory to travelers (Residents / Non-Residents) coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries and any country with an active Yellow Fever transmission outbreak

4. For travelers (Residents / Non-Residents) coming from an active Yellow Fever transmission outbreak country or have recently (within 24 days) visited an active Yellow Fever transmission outbreak country, the following instructions are applied:

i. An entry will bowed to a traveler (Residents / Non-Residents) who at arrival presents:

-A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

-Without fever (less than 38.5oC)

-Consents to self-report for any symptoms for 6 days

iii. A traveler (Residents / Non-Residents) with an invalid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (less than 10 days after vaccination) will be quarantined until the certificate becomes valid

iv. A traveler (Residents / Non-Residents) coming from a country with active Yellow Fever transmission or known Yellow Fever endemic country without a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate will be vaccinated upon entry.

v. No entry will be allowed to a traveler (Residents / Non-Residents) who does not consent for preventive measures described in points 1-4

vi. The cost related to quarantine and/or the vaccination upon entry will be covered by the traveler.

The following Covid-19 travel guidelines and procedures are in place for travelers, effective immediately. These guidelines will be regularly reviewed and revised in light of health conditions.

Before departure:

1. Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding the flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.

2. The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure.

1. An additional Covid test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.

2. Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda, but people are encouraged to wear a face mask in public indoors/closed spaces.

3. In addition, the public is urged to get frequently tested while continuing to observe preventive measures including social distancing and hand hygiene.

Test results:

Test results will be shared by SMS, and via the online portal accessible at www.rbc.gov.rw. In case of difficulty obtaining results, contact the RBC on 114 or [email protected].

1. A 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.

2. 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.)

Emergency contact information

Call 114 or email [email protected]

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Rwanda Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Rwanda.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Rwanda.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Rwanda. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Rwanda.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Rwanda take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Rwanda.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Rwanda. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Rwanda, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Rwanda. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Generally not recommended for travel to Rwanda.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Mosquito bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Rwanda, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Rwanda. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Rwanda include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Rwanda. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Rwanda’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Rwanda. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Rwanda may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Rwanda, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Rwanda for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Travel requirements by destination

The information below is dynamic and may change anytime on short notice. Therefore, we recommend that you check this page regularly while planning your trip.

• Central Africa
• East Africa
• Middle East
• Southern Africa
• West Africa

Destinations in Asia

Flight number/ routing.

• WB9500/KGL-CAN

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• A certificate of a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid & lgM anti-body tests taken within 48hrs before boarding. The test should be done at medical institutions designated or recognized by Chinese embassies abroad.
• All passengers must apply to the Chinese Embassy for Health Declaration Code with the “HDC” Mark for foreigners & “HS” Mark for Chinese.
• For more details on how you can apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/3eLyKS4
• WB500/KGL-BOM
• WB501/BOM-KGL
• All travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.
• Any passenger having symptoms of COVId-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol
• De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing.
• Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry.
• The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol (as above).
• All travellers should self-monitor their health post arrival also shall report to their nearest health facility or call the National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive.

Destinations in Central Africa

• WB212 KGL – DLA – BGF
• WB213 BGF – DLA – KGL
• WB214 KGL – BGF – BZV
• WB215 BZV – BGF – KGL
• A certificate of a negative PCR Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure time is required for arriving passengers.

Operating: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat

• WB210 KGL – BZV – DLA
• WB211 DLA – BZV – KGL
• WB214 KGL – BGF – BZV
• WB215 BZV- BGF – KGL
• Arriving passengers are required to present a certificate of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test performed less than 72hours before departure time. Upon arrival, they will have to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
• A second Covid-19 PCR test will be conducted for all arriving passengers at a cost of 40,000 FCFA and results will be shared electronically. 
• Passengers are required to register & pay the cost of RT-PCR test via dedicated platform: www.voyage-congo.com before departure. 
• WB210/KGL–BZV–DLA
• WB211/DLA–BZV–KGL
• WB212/ KGL – DLA – BGF
• WB213/ BGF – DLA – KGL
• WB218/KGL-DLA-COO
• WB219/COO-DLA-KGL
• A proof of a Covid-19 PCR negative test from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours before arrival is mandatory for passengers who are not fully vaccinated.

Operating: Mon, Wed

• WB266/KGL-GOM
• WB267/GOM-KGL

Effective date: 15 October 2021

• A proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72hrs before boarding is required.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is a RT-PCR test, a second RT-PCR test will be performed upon arrival and the results will be provided within 24 hours. During this time the passenger must remain in  quarantine at home.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is not a RT-PCR test, two tests will be performed. The 1st result will be provided within 24 hours and the second test will be performed within 72 hours of arrival.
• Non-residents are required to have insurance valid for the duration of their stay which covers among other things the cost of treatment on Congolese territory if they test positive for COVID-19.
• All passengers will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at a cost of USD45. Arriving passengers are required to register on www.inrbcovid.com before departure & receive a QR code to present at the testing center.
• WB260/KGL-FIH
• WB261/FIH-KGL
• WB262/KGL – FIH
• WB263/FIH – KGL
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72hrs before boarding is required.
• If the Covid-19 test taken is an RT-PCR test, a second RT-PCR test will be performed upon arrival and the results will be provided within 24 hours. During this time the passenger must remain in  quarantine at home.

Operating: Mon, Wed, Fri

• WB216/KGL-LBV-COO
• WB217/COO-LBV-KGL
•  Covid-19 PCR certificate test is no longer mandatory for all passengers arriving or departing Gabon.
• Arriving passengers are no longer subject to a Covid test on arrival, or self-quarantine in a designated hotel.
• WB264/KGL – FBM
• WB265 FBM – KGL

Effective date: 29 September 2021

Destinations in East Africa

• WB482/KGL-BJM
• WB483/BJM-KGL
• All nationalities can now obtain visas arrival on arrival in Burundi without any prior application. The cost of a visa is 90USD.
• COVID-19 testing is no longer a requirement before boarding the flight to Bujumbura. However, a PCR COVID-19 screening test is still required on arrival.
• A COVID test is no longer a requirement for those departing Bujumbura, however, it is mandatory for travelers whose final destination requires a COVID-19 certificate.
• All passengers will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at a cost of USD100 for foreigners and USD30 for nationals (Refugees and students are exempt from Covid-19 testing fees).  For citizens of EAC member countries, the cost of the test COVID-19 screening on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport is USD50.
• WB442/KGL-DAR-JRO-KGL
• WB446/KGL – DAR
• WB447/DAR – KGL

Fully vaccinated1 will be exempted from both RT PCR and Rapid Antigen Test requirements. Travelers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with a QR code for verification upon arrival. The only accepted vaccines are those which have been approved by Tanzania and the World Health Organization. Not fully vaccinated, unvaccinated and those not eligible for vaccination due to their country policies will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT- PCR or NAATs certificate with QR code obtained within 72 hours before departure. Not fully vaccinated, unvaccinated and those not eligible for vaccination due to their country policies and have no negative COVID-19 RT- PCR certificate will be tested for COVID 19 upon arrival using a Rapid Antigen Test at their own cost of TZS 23,000 (10 USD) for Tanzania Mainland except children aged 12 years and below and aircraft crew. Positive cases will be further confirmed by RT- PCR for 50 USD. Positive cases will be handled according to Bilateral and Joint Border agreements for ground crossings.

• Travelers in transit by air transport are exempted from both vaccination and COVID-19 testing requirements unless stated otherwise by the conveyance to be used or the countries of their final destinations.
• All departing travelers are advised to seek information before departure from their travel agents regarding COVID-19 requirements of their country of destination or conveyance to be used.
• WB422 KGL – EBB
• WB423 EBB – KGL
• WB434 KGL – EBB
• WB435 EBB – KGL
• All inbound and outbound travelers will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, except for travelers aged 5 years and below.
• The requirement for a negative PCR test done within 72 hours of pre-boarding for all incoming travelers is suspended with immediate effect for those who are fully vaccinated
• The requirement for a negative PCR test done within 72 hours for all outbound travelers is suspended with immediate effect for those who are fully vaccinated, except where it is a requirement of the destination country or the carrier airline.
• Travelers with partial or no vaccination will be required to present a negative PC test done within 72 hours of travel.
• Travelers below 5 years are not required to present a negative PCR test upon arrival or departure.
• WB601/KGL-KME
• WB602/KME-KGL
• Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding the flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.
• The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure.
• An additional COVID test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.
• Certain meeting venues and national parks require COVID tests. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites for 5,000 RWF (or US$5) for rapid antigen tests, and 50,000 RWF (or US$50) for PCR tests (required to access Virunga National Park). Rwandan citizens pay a subsidized cost for PCR tests of 30,000 RWF (or USS30).
• Face masks are no longer mandatory in Rwanda, but their use is encouraged in public indoor settings
• In addition, the public is urged to get frequently tested while continuing to observe preventive measures including social distancing and hand hygiene.
• Test results will be shared by SMS or email, and via the online portal accessible at  www.rbc.gov.rw . In case of difficulty obtaining results, contact the BC Medical Team on 114 or  [email protected] .
• A COVID test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, COVID testing (atown cost) is available for all travelers 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.)
• Passengers transiting through Kigali are no longer required to present a certificate of PCR, or Antigen COVID-19 test, however, they must be required to abide by the particular travel health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.

FLIGHT NO/ ROUTING

• WB452/402/KGL-NBO
• WB453/403/NBO-KGL
• WB464/KGL-NBO-EBB-KGL
• Travelers who are fully vaccinated shall be exempted from the requirement of a PCR test.
• All eligible unvaccinated travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya, must have a negative COVID-19 PC test result conducted not more than 72 hours before departure, regardless of the route of entry. Those below the age of five (5) years are exempted from this testing requirement.
• Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to an entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate. Travelers below the age of five (5) years are exempted from this testing requirement.
• All travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya will be required to fill out the passenger locator form on the ‘Jitenge’ platform: http://bit.ly/covid19moh
• Persons traveling out of the country will be required to abide by the particular travel. health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.

Destinations in Europe

• WB700/KGL-BRU
• WB701/BRU-KGL
• A  valid vaccination certificate , i.e. being fully vaccinated for at least 14 days,
• or a  recovery certificate ,
• or a  negative Covid-19 test certificate . Only a PCR test (less than 72h) or an antigen test (less than 24h) are accepted.
• This is not applicable for transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket to a non-Schengen country unless the country of their final destination requires otherwise.
• Children younger than 12 years are exempt from the above regulations.
• Non-essential travel is allowed with a valid vaccination certificate, i.e. being fully vaccinated for at least 14 days before departure
• Non-essential travel remains prohibited for not (fully) vaccinated passengers.
• Essential travel is allowed, subject to certain conditions. More info on  info-coronavirus.be
• Children younger than 12 years are exempt from the above regulations – if accompanied by an adult.
• WB710/KGL-LHR     NON-STOP TUE, THU, SAT, SUN
• WB711/LHR-KGL    NON-STOP MON, WED, FRI, SUN

Essential information to enter the United Kingdom

• From 4 am, on 18 March 2022, no one entering the UK will need to take tests or complete a passenger locator form.
• For information on Covid medical requirements for entry into Rwanda, please click on the link for East Africa, then Kigali.

Destinations in Middle East

• WB300/KGL-DOH
• WB301/DOH-KGL

Effective Date : 1st December 2021

• Passengers must sign an Undertaking and Acknowledgement Form​ before arriving in Qatar. The form is available on the Ministry of Public Health website, pre-registration platform website ( www.ehteraz.gov.qa​ ), and airline online booking form. Citizens and residents who are immunized or fully vaccinated inside the State of Qatar arriving from one of the Green List countries are exempt from this requirement.
• Passengers whose final destination is Qatar must take a PCR test result at a medical center accredited by the health authorities in the country of departure. The test result must be negative and must be done 48 hours before arrival in Qatar.
• Qatari National or Residents of Qatar are not required to show proof of PCR COVID-19.
• Arriving passengers must download the Ehteraz mobile application and activate it on their mobile phones using a local or international SIM card.
• All transit passengers via Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha are not required to present a negative PCR test.
• For more details visit https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx
• WB304/KGL-DXB
• WB305/DXB-KGL
• WB302/KGL – DXB
• WB303DXB – KGL
• Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) that reflects the completion of doses of vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), provided with QR code System; or
• Present a VALID Negative Covid-19 Test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS-COV-2 viral RNA, that is issued within the valid time frame, namely, (48) hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service provider, which uses QR code System; or
• Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov-19 within a period of one (1) month (the date of recovery and the date of arrival) provided with QR code System, and
• Undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai, if requested, and self-quarantine until a negative test result is released to the passenger. In the event the passenger is tested positive, then such passenger shall follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.
• Travel insurance for inbound passengers to Dubai is mandatory.
• Note – the certificates referred to in this directive shall be Printed in English or Arabic language and provided with a QR Code.
• For Transit Passenger(s), the rules/conditions governing entry at the final destination of the transit passenger(s) shall be applicable. 

Destinations in South Africa

• WB110/KGL-HRE-CPT
• WB111/CPT-HRE-KGL
• Proof of vaccination against COV-19 and COV-19 test certificates are no longer required for international arrivals at all ports of entry
• WB110/KGL-HRE
• WB111/HRE-KGL
• WB102/KGL-LUN-JNB
• WB103/JNB-LUN-KGL

Operating: Wed, Fri, Sun

• WB102/KGL-LUN
• WB103/LUN-KGL

Effective date: 23 Dec 2021

• Fully vaccinated travelers do not require any form of negative COVID test results but shall be required to provide proof of full vaccination status.
• International travelers who are not fully vaccinated MUST show proof of a COVID- 19 PC test for a sample collected within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin.
• Re-testing at own cost will be applied for travelers who do not meet the above
• In case of a positive result, self-quarantine at the owner’s cost will be mandatory; following local Zambian protocols.
• Children below the age of 12 years are exempt from these measures.

Travelers from Zambia must ensure that they observe the guidelines of the countries they wish to visit.

In addition to the above information, the following will also apply;

• All arriving passengers will have their temperature checked
• All travelers should hand over their health declaration forms to the Port Health

Destinations in West Africa

• WB220/KGL-ABV-ACC-KGL
• COVID-19 Travel Testing: Pre-departure and Post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer required for all passengers irrespective of vaccination status. PCR tests required for all passengers who are partially/not fully vaccinated have been suspended.
• Health Declaration form: Permission to travel/ QR code is no longer required. A simplified Health Questionnaire form (non-COVID-19 specific) shall be completed by all passengers traveling to Nigeria preferably pre-departure on the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP). Passengers who fail to fill the health questionnaire on the NITP pre-departure will be required to fill the health questionnaire either onboard the aircraft before landing or at the Airport terminal building upon arrival.
• All International passengers including those from the ECOWAS region must complete a Port Health Declaration Form at https://www.ghs-hdf.org/ before embarkation on a flight to Ghana.
• All persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from any form of testing done either prior to boarding from the originating country or on arrival in Ghana except passengers originating their journey from China.
• Passengers originating from China will be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result performed within 48 hours before departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory covid-19 testing on arrival at the Kotoka international airport at no cost
• All other passengers, originating their journey from elsewhere other than China (i.e., Ghanaian citizens, permanent residents of Ghana, or non-Ghanaians), who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to present a valid negative covid-19 PCR test result within 48 hours prior to departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory covid-19 testing on arrival at Kotoka international airport at no cost
• In addition to the above, passengers may be randomly selected and offered tests on arrival
• Non-Ghanaians Travelling to Kotoka International Airport with fake or forged vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to the point of embarkation AT THEIR OWN COST.
• Airlines that bring passengers to Kotoka international airport who are not fully vaccinated or passengers originating their journey from china without a valid negative covid-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours prior to the departure would be surcharged $3500.
• Passengers transiting and transferring through KIA will be required to fully adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements at the destination countries.
• Children less than 18 years of age are exempt from mandatory vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and testing on arrival in Ghana
• Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival COVID-19 testing and should follow the Airline policy for testing.
• Passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation in their hotel.
• Traveling with pets into Ghana is allowed in line with the guidelines of the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture.
• Passengers departing Accra will be required to adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements for the destination countries.
• Departing passengers will undergo temperature screening at the entrance of Terminal 3 departures
• Wearing of a nose mask is recommended in all Airport Terminals and ancillary buildings

Operating: Mon, Fri

• Arriving passengers in Benin will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 test certificate.
• Outbound travelers from Benin must comply with the requirements of the country of destination.
• WB202/KGL-LOS
• WB203/LOS-KGL

Entry, testing and quarantine regulations

To make sure your trip is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared RwandAir Travel Briefing for you. It serves as your guide, with everything you need to know at a glance.

• Flying from

Frequently Asked Questions

01. what documents are required for travel with rwandair.

For all travelers, a valid passport and the necessary visas or entry permits for your destination are essential. Additionally, some countries might require proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within a specified timeframe before departure.

02. How do I stay updated on the latest requirements?

To ensure you have the latest information, please regularly check the official RwandAir website and the official websites of your destination country's government or relevant authorities. You can also reach out to our customer service team for assistance.

03. Are COVID-19 tests mandatory before departure?

Yes, many destinations now require a negative COVID-19 test before travel. The type of test, timeframe, and specific regulations vary by country. It is crucial to stay informed and adhere to these requirements.

04. Can RwandAir help with COVID-19 testing?

RwandAir has partnered with various medical facilities to facilitate COVID-19 testing for our passengers. Please visit our website or contact our customer service team for information on testing options available to you.

05. What health and safety measures are in place during the journey?

RwandAir is committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers and staff. We have implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, provide sanitization materials, and follow recommended health guidelines throughout the journey.

06. What happens if my flight is affected by changing travel restrictions?

Travel restrictions are subject to change. In the event of flight cancellations or rescheduling due to these restrictions, RwandAir will do its best to provide alternative options or refunds. Please refer to our flight disruption policies for more details.

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Rwanda Travel Advisory

Travel advisory march 29, 2024, rwanda - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to add area of Level 3.

Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence.

Reconsider Travel to:

• The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Rwanda.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Rwanda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Rwanda- Burundi  Border—Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution The Nyungwe Forest National Park abuts the border with Burundi. Borders may not be clearly marked. It is required to obtain permits from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are tense and there have been cross-border incursions and armed violence.

Rwanda- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  Border – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Armed groups operate in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park which is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area has experienced escalating levels of armed conflict which could spill across poorly marked borders. Permits are required from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

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• Full Restrictions

Full Restrictions:

All travellers.

The Government of Rwanda has published updated guidance for passengers arriving in and departing from Rwanda .

Rwanda no longer requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test before arrival into Rwanda. completing a Passenger Locator Form is also no longer required.

Certain meeting venues and national parks still require Covid tests. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites for 5,000 RWF (or US$5) for rapid antigen tests, and 50,000 RWF (or US$50) for PCR tests (required to access Virunga National Park). Rwandan citizens pay a subsidized cost for PCR tests of 30,000 RWF (or US$30)

You should monitor the website of the office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda and the Twitter account of the Office of the Prime Minister for further updates.

You will need a visa to enter or travel through Rwanda as a visitor.

See Visas section below for more information on how to obtain a visa.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Rwanda are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

See All travellers section

Proof of vaccination status

You do not need to present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Rwanda. However incoming travellers eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations (aged 12 years and above) are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before their travel.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

If you’ve had covid-19 in the past year.

Entry requirements for Rwanda are the same for all travellers, regardless if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year.

Children and young people

Incoming travellers eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations (aged 12 years and above) are encouraged to be fully vaccinated before their travel.

COVID-19 tests are not mandatory for entry for accompanied children under 5 years.

If you’re transiting through Rwanda

The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure. An additional COVID-19 test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for transiting/connecting travellers.

There are no exemptions to Rwanda’s entry requirements.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda. You’ll need one blank page on your passport for entry stamps.

You need a visa to enter Rwanda. Thirty-day tourist visas are free and available on arrival for citizens of member states of the Commonwealth (including the UK), as well as for those of the African Union and the Francophonie.

You can also choose to get a visa in advance at any Rwandan diplomatic mission or online . Further information about visa requirements is available from the Rwandan High Commission .

If you’re planning to apply for resident/business or missionary multiple entry visas on entry to Rwanda you will need to get UK police clearance before you travel. You can find details of how to do this on the ACRO Criminal Records Office website . This usually takes a minimum of 10 working days to process.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website .

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Breaking News

Rwanda announces visa-free travel for all Africans

Rwanda announced Thursday that it will allow Africans to travel visa-free to the country, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.

President Paul Kagame made the announcement in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where he pitched the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination” for a continent that still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

“We should not lose sight of our own continental market," he said. "Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come."

Once implemented, Rwanda will become the fourth African country to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin and Seychelles.

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Monday plans to allow all Africans to travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.

“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.

The African Union in 2016 launched an African passport with much fanfare, saying it would rival the European Union model in “unleashing the potential of the continent.” However, only diplomats and AU officials have been issued the travel document so far.

The African Passport and free movement of people is "aimed at removing restrictions on Africans ability to travel, work and live within their own continent,” The AU says on its website.

AU also launched the African Continental Free Trade Area, a continent-wide free trade area estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion, which aims to create a single unified market for the continent’s 1.3 billion people and to boost economic development.

Additional sources • AP

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Rwanda announces visa-free travel for all Africans as continent opens up to free movement of people

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said President Paul Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Rwanda announced Thursday that it will allow Africans to travel visa-free to the country, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure  aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade  to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.

President  Paul Kagame  made the announcement in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where he pitched the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination” for a continent that still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

“We should not lose sight of our own continental market,” he said. “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come.”

Once implemented, Rwanda will become the fourth African country to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin and  Seychelles .

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Monday plans to allow all Africans to travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.

“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.

The African Union  in 2016 launched an African passport with much fanfare, saying it would rival the European Union model in “unleashing the potential of the continent.” However, only diplomats and AU officials have been issued the travel document so far.

The African Passport and free movement of people is “aimed at removing restrictions on Africans ability to travel, work and live within their own continent,” The AU says on its website.

AU also launched the the  African Continental Free Trade Area , a continent-wide free trade area estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion, which aims to create a single unified market for the continent’s 1.3 billion people and to boost economic development.

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Rwanda announces visa-free travel for all Africans as continent opens up to free movement of people

FILE — President of Rwanda Paul Kagame walks along Downing Street to a meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in London, Thursday, May 4, 2023. Rwanda announced Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 visa-free entry for all Africans, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade to rival Europe’s Schengen zone. President Paul Kagame made the announcement in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where he pitched the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination” for a continent that still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda-File)

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Rwanda announced Thursday that it will allow Africans to travel visa-free to the country, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.

President Paul Kagame made the announcement in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where he pitched the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination” for a continent that still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

“We should not lose sight of our own continental market,” he said. “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come.”

Once implemented, Rwanda will become the fourth African country to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin and Seychelles .

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Monday plans to allow all Africans to travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.

“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.

The African Union in 2016 launched an African passport with much fanfare, saying it would rival the European Union model in “unleashing the potential of the continent.” However, only diplomats and AU officials have been issued the travel document so far.

The African Passport and free movement of people is “aimed at removing restrictions on Africans ability to travel, work and live within their own continent,” The AU says on its website.

AU also launched the the African Continental Free Trade Area , a continent-wide free trade area estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion, which aims to create a single unified market for the continent’s 1.3 billion people and to boost economic development.

Follow AP’s Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Rwanda Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Rwanda

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Rwanda entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Rwanda from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Can I travel to Rwanda without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Rwanda without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Rwanda?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Rwanda.

Can I travel to Rwanda without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Rwanda?

Mask usage in Rwanda is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Rwanda?

Restaurants in Rwanda are open. Bars in Rwanda are .

A Guide to Travel Restrictions Throughout Africa

By Sarah Khan

Many predicted dire consequences when COVID-19 made its way across Africa , but the case numbers in African countries have largely remained low, especially in contrast with the United State s and Europe . 

Experts have posited that factors like climate, strict lockdown, the continent’s relatively young population (more than 60 percent of Africans are under 25), and preparation measures already in place for other outbreaks may have all played a role. 

But case counts, as well as government responses, have varied across the continent. South Africa has been the continent’s worst-affected country, accounting for nearly half the deaths despite a rather strict lockdown, and now a new, more infectious variant ; Rwanda, which has also implemented strict measures, has reported just over 200 deaths; while Tanzania stopped releasing official numbers after April and resumed international travel early, with surprisingly relaxed measures.

Many African nations are welcoming foreign travelers again, but quite a few exclude visitors from America. On the flip side, the United States has recently added South Africa to its COVID travel restrictions, meaning that non-U.S. citizens (including residents), may not enter the country if they were in South Africa within the 14 days prior. If you do decide to travel, be conscientious about not overburdening the local health systems. Stay on top of each country’s rules—which are subject to change based on rising case numbers—and wear masks , practice social distancing, and sanitize regularly.

Northern Africa

As of July, Egypt has been open to international travelers. All visitors must present printed results from a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of entry, and must fill out a Public Health Card for contact tracing on arrival. Anyone flying directly into Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, or Taba who doesn’t have a PCR test must test on arrival and stay in their hotel room until the results are available. All indoor events are canceled, and restaurants and cafes are operating at 50 percent capacity.

Though Morocco began lifting travel restrictions in September, the country is under a new state of emergency, with a nationwide curfew. 

Morocco , which began lifting restrictions in September, has since instated a Health State of Emergency until February 10 at the earliest and implemented a nationwide curfew. Under that, restaurants, cafes, shops, and supermarkets throughout the country close at 8 p.m. 

Travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S.—with confirmed hotel reservations are allowed, as are business travelers invited by Moroccan companies. Visitors must have a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure, with printed results to be presented at check in and health screenings at the port of entry. The rules change frequently and can make travel within Morocco a challenge.

East Africa

One of the first African countries to open widely for tourism, back in June, was Tanzania . At the time, there were no testing or quarantine requirements. That was changed in August to require a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, but the rule was later lifted in September. Now only enhanced screenings (and testing on arrival, if deemed necessary) are required. That said, your airline will likely require a negative PCR test to board, so it’s best to get tested regardless of changing rules. Keep in mind that the Tanzanian government has not released any of its COVID-19 statistics since April, so accurate information about the impact of the pandemic on locals is not readily available. The U.S. has also given the destination a Level 4 travel warning , saying “travelers should avoid all travel to Tanzania” due to a “very high level of COVID-19.” 

Tanzania was one of the first African countries to reopen for tourism, though the U.S. government warns travelers against visiting right now.

Kenya reopened its borders to international travelers—Americans included—in August. As of February, all travelers must present a digitally verified COVID test through the Trusted Traveler program . Group gatherings are banned throughout the country, with the exception of funerals and weddings, which are allowed to host up to 150 people . 

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Rwanda is open to travelers, but you'll have to jump through some hoops before you can go gorilla trekking . First, fill out Rwanda’s passenger locator form online —you’ll have to upload a negative PCR test taken less than 120 hours before departure, along with your hotel reservation. A second PCR test is administered upon arrival in Kigali (at a cost of $50, plus a $10 medical services fee), and you’ll quarantine in your hotel room at your own expense until the results come back within 24 hours. To enter Volcanoes , Nyungwe , or Akagera national parks, you’ll have to submit a registration and indemnity form prior to arrival (ask your local tour operator for this), and also test negative within 72 hours of your park visit. Travelers must test negative once again before departure.

Uganda reopened borders October 1 with new safety measures: a negative PCR test issued within 120 hours of travel is required. Officials recommend arriving at the airport four hours prior to your flight to clear all medical screenings. In addition to regulated social distancing around other people, visitors to Uganda’s national parks must stay at least 32 feet away from gorillas during sightings.

Visitors to Ethiopia can fly into Addis Ababa Bole International Airport’s brand-new $300 million contactless, biosafety-focused airport terminal —but to do so, you’ll need to present a negative PCR test taken within five days of arrival in Ethiopia. Even with the negative test, all visitors must self-isolate at a hotel for seven days.

Indian Ocean islands

Seychelles has been slowly reopening to international travel, but Americans have not yet made the cut—except for those who are fully vaccinated. Anyone who’s received both doses of the vaccination is welcome from anywhere in the world, provided they show proof of vaccination and they’re traveling more than two weeks after their second dose. A negative PCR test within 72 hours is still required. The country projects that the majority of Seychelles’ adults will be vaccinated by mid-March, which is when they plan to open fully for international tourism.

Southern Africa

South Africa recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Africa—more than half of the total numbers on the continent. The country began reopening its borders to Americans in November, requiring a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival and the use of a COVID tracing app. Travelers must also fill out a health questionnaire two days prior to arriving and two days prior to departing. The emergence of a new variant in recent weeks has caused concerns. Last week, Biden added South Africa to a list of restricted countries (though U.S. citizens can return from South Africa), and there’s now a national lockdown in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

U.S. citizens will be permitted enter Zambia upon presenting a negative PCR test result taken within seven days of departure. You can apply for an e-visa online . Travelers to Zimbabwe must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, but should be aware that a new, strict lockdown began this month, which prohibits all gatherings, the closure of non-essential businesses, and a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. For Namibia , a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival is required; if your test was taken more than 72 hours but less than one week before arrival, you’ll have to undergo supervised isolation at a government-approved hotel for seven days.

West Africa

Arriving in Ghana is a two-test process: First, you need a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours of departure in hand; then, you'll head to a new state-of-the-art lab that has been set up at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport for mandatory antigen tests at each travelers’ own expense ($150). Results typically arrive within 15 minutes, though the test must be paid for online in advance.

Nigeria reopened in September with strict testing protocols. Travelers must upload proof of a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours before boarding their flight to receive a QR code with a Permit to Travel certificate; both this and the negative PCR test must be shown in order to board any flight to Nigeria, and then again on arrival. After seven days, a second PCR test must be taken at the traveler's expense (ranging from about $112 to $132). Before traveling to Nigeria, visit the country’s travel portal to fill out a health questionnaire, upload your first negative PCR test result, and schedule and pay in advance for your second test.

All travelers to Senegal must present a negative PCR test dated within five days of arrival, as well as submit a passenger locator form . While some public spaces, like bars and theaters, remain closed, restaurants, private beaches, and markets are partially open with social distancing measures in effect, and a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This article was originally published in November 2020. It has been updated with new information. We’re reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find our   latest coronavirus coverage here , or visit our complete guide to   COVID-19 and travel .

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Rwanda announces visa-free travel for all Africans as continent opens up to free movement of people

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Rwanda announced Thursday that it will allow Africans to travel visa-free to the country, becoming the latest nation on the continent to announce such a measure aimed at boosting free movement of people and trade to rival Europe’s Schengen zone.

President Paul Kagame made the announcement in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where he pitched the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination” for a continent that still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

“We should not lose sight of our own continental market," he said. "Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come."

Once implemented, Rwanda will become the fourth African country to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin and Seychelles .

Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Monday plans to allow all Africans to travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.

“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel we all become net losers” said Ruto at an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.

The African Union in 2016 launched an African passport with much fanfare, saying it would rival the European Union model in “unleashing the potential of the continent.” However, only diplomats and AU officials have been issued the travel document so far.

The African Passport and free movement of people is "aimed at removing restrictions on Africans ability to travel, work and live within their own continent,” The AU says on its website.

AU also launched the the African Continental Free Trade Area , a continent-wide free trade area estimated to be worth $3.4 trillion, which aims to create a single unified market for the continent’s 1.3 billion people and to boost economic development.

Follow AP's Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

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Updated African Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Written by  julie graham.

Kenya     Tanzania   Zanzibar     Rwanda     Uganda   Botswana   South Africa   Zimbabwe  Namibia     Madagascar     Mozambique     Zambia

With our finger on the pulse of Africa travel, we share the updated Africa travel restrictions due to COVID-19. See the new guidelines, protocols and safety requirements needed for your favorite destinations in Africa below.

Please note, it is highly recommended that you regularly check government and airline websites for any Africa travel restrictions and updates as the requirements are constantly changing.

– updated 9 June 2023 –

East Africa Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Wildebeest herds in the masai mara national reserve, kenya.

Countries allowed to travel to Kenya

Health & Safety COVID-19 Protocols

All passengers are no longer required to present COVID-19 test results or vaccination certificates on arrival, however, vaccination and regular testing is encouraged;

All travellers with flu-like symptoms will be required to undergo a Rapid Antigen test, at a cost of USD 30 per person per test. Test results are available approximately 15 minutes after sample collection. Travellers who receive a positive result on their Rapid Antigen test will be required to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test, at a cost of USD 50 per person per test.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Kenya:

Sub Saharan Kenya Safari Experience

Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti in Tanzania

International passengers entering  mainland Tanzania  from/through the Republic of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must complete an online  Health Surveillance Form .

Passengers travelling  within Tanzania  may be asked to complete an online  Domestic Departure Health Surveillance Form  before a domestic departure or on arrival at a domestic destination on a flight originating in Tanzania.

All travelers entering or transiting the mainland through land borders, ports or airports are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination or RT-PCR certificate. A Rapid Antigen test is not required either.

Thermal and physical screening will be done on arrival.

• No departure tests are required, but check with your destination country or transit country for any further requirements. If the destination country requires a RT-PCR certificate, this can be done for 50 USD per person.

Airlines Flying into Tanzania

Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar, KLM Royal Dutch, Emirates, Kenya Air, Precision Air, Swiss, Turkish.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Tanzania:

Great Migration Safari in Tanzania

Traditional Dhow off the coast of Zanzibar

Countries allowed to travel to zanzibar.

All countries are allowed to travel into Zanzibar and there is no mandatory quarantine.

• All travelers entering or transiting the mainland or the island through land borders, ports or airports are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination or RT-PCR certificate. A Rapid Antigen test is not required either.
• While in the  country, all international travelers will be expected to adhere to protective safety measures such as hand hygiene, wearing masks and keeping physical distancing as deemed appropriate
• No departure tests are required, but check with your destination country or transit country for any further requirements. If this is required, the team will arrange for this and the results received between 48 – 72 hours from sample collection. Mobile facility COVID-19 testing at a cost of $150 per person per test.

Airlines Flying into Zanzibar

Mango Airlines, Precision Air, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Air, Qatar, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Coastal Aviation, Auric Air.

Mountain gorilla in Rwanda

Countries allowed to travel to Rwanda

All countries are allowed to travel to Rwanda, 

All passengers are no longer required to present COVID-19 test results or vaccination certificates on arrival, however, vaccination and regular testing is encouraged. However a face mask is mandatory when doing gorilla trekking.

Airlines Flying into Rwanda

Private charter flights, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egypt Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir.

Our Recommended LuxVenture Trip in Rwanda:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Uganda landscape

Countries allowed to travel to uganda.

All passengers are allowed to enter. However, passengers who exhibit signs and symptoms of an infectious disease will be transported to an isolation centre for a COVID-19 test. The results will be available within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are transiting through Uganda, you wil need to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate on arrival in Uganda.

All visitors are required to complete the online health declaration form within 24 hours of travelling to Uganda.

Fully vaccinated

• A negative PCR test certificate is not required for fully vaccinated inbound travelers.
• Produce the full vaccination certificate at air or land border points.
• Children under the age of 6 are exempted from providing a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate whether vaccinated or not.

Not fully vaccinated

• All travelers (except those younger than 5) must provide an original negative COVID19 PCR test in your country of origin, issued within 72 hours of departure for Uganda. This must be from a recognized laboratory.
• On departure from Uganda, all travelers are required to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before their flight and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours of departing from Uganda. This is required even if your destination country does not require this (except for children under 5 years). However to note that your destination country’s time frame will be the most important if they require a negative test in less than 72 hours.
• You will be required to undergo temperature checks and health screening.

Airlines flying into Uganda

Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways.

Our Recommended LuxVenture Trip in Uganda:

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Southern Africa Travel Restrictions due to COVID-19

Charter flight over the okavango delta, botswana, countries allowed to travel to botswana.

All countries are allowed to travel into Botswana and there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival. 

There are currently no COVID-19 protocols in place, regardless of vaccination status.

COVID-19 negative test or vaccination certificate is only required if the destination country or airline requires it.

Airlines Flying into Botswana

  Private charter flights, Airlink, Air Botswana, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airways.

  Our Recommended LuxVenture Trip in Botswana:  

Best of Botswana Safari

South Africa

Table mountain, cape town, countries allowed to travel to south africa.

The country is open to all international travelers. As from 22 June 2022, all restrictions were lifted.

Elephant in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

All ports of entry are open.

The Government of Zimbabwe has lifted all border control measures. So tourists are no longer required to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates and negative COVID PCR tests at ports of entry or at tourist resorts around the country.

The wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory in public gatherings.

Airlines Flying into Zimbabwe

Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Airlink and Fastjet.

The dunes at Sossusvlei, Namibia

Namibia has removed all PCR entry requirements. With immediate effect travelers no longer have to produce a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result at the country’s port of entry.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Namibia:

African Photo Safari

Pristine wilderness in Madagascar

Airport opened:

All airports are currently open.

COVID-19 protocols on arrival:

• PCR test is required by immigration not more than 72 hours before arrival.
• All arriving travellers are required to undergo an Antigen test at a cost of USD 20. If the result is positive, the traveller will be required to quarantine for 7 days at a dedicated facility at their own cost.

Airlines Flying into Nosy Be

Ethiopian Airlines

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Madagascar:

Madagascar Wildlife Safari

Mozambique is open for international travel.

Maputo International Airport is part of the  Airport Health Accreditation Programme

Countries allowed to travel to Mozambique:

All countries are allowed to travel to Mozambique.

Fully vaccinated:

• Copy of vaccination certificate with QR code is required.

If not fully vaccinated:

• All travelers who have not fully vaccinated and are over 11 years of age, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained within 72 hours of departure for Mozambique from your country of origin.

Flying into Mozambique:

Flights approved from Ethiopia, Kenya, Qatar, Portugal, Turkey and South Africa (Airlink). 

Please note: If you do not have access to a QR code on your vaccination certificate, please download the CLEAR App. Here, you can upload all your vaccination documents and have them verified. You will then be provided with a valid QR code you can use to travel.

Download CLEAR HERE

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Mozambique:

South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon

Sunset safari cruise down the Zambezi River

Zambia has removed all of its COVID-related visa requirements, the Zambia National Public Health Institute announced on 22 March.

For departure the entry requirements of the destination country or transit country must be adhered too.

Airlines Flying into Zambia

Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines Oman Air, Airlink, Proflight, Airlink.

Our Recommended LuxVenture® Trip in Zambia:

Liuwa Plain & Kafue National Park Safari

Please always check restrictions for your home country and your destination for your travels before you book and before your travel with regards to Africa travel restrictions. The above information is subject to change, however is updated regularly. Please also check with your airline. We can not be held liable for any sudden changes. It is time to rediscover wonder in some of most breath-taking COVID safe destinations in Africa. Get in touch with one of Ker & Downey® Africa’s expert LuxVenture® Designers today to plan your dream safari or beach escape that showcases the very best of this magical continent!

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United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent

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Rwanda bans flights with southern Africa over Covid fears

Nairobi –  Rwanda has barred direct flights to and from nine countries in southern Africa, joining a growing list of nations that have imposed travel restrictions over a new, heavily mutated Covid-19 variant.

The new variant, dubbed Omicron, was first reported in South Africa last week, with cases subsequently detected in several countries, and many governments have moved swiftly to reimpose containment measures.

Direct flights between Rwanda and southern Africa will be temporarily suspended “effective immediately,” Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente announced late Sunday.

“While the variant has not been detected in Rwanda, its effects are potentially dangerous,” Ngirente said in a statement, urging extra vigilance.

The countries affected by the ban are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

ALSO READ |  South Africa says travel ban by African nations ‘regrettable, sad’

All passengers who have arrived from those countries in the past seven days have to spend a week in quarantine, at their own costs, in designated hotels in Rwanda, according to the announcement.

Rwanda, a country of 13 million people, will also reimpose a mandatory 24-hour quarantine for all passengers.

The East African country has enforced some of the strictest containment measures on the continent and implemented a rigorous regime of testing and contact-tracing.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned Monday that the new variant poses a “very high” risk globally.

Even if the new strain proves to be less deadly than previous ones, it could put more pressure on hospitals if it spreads more easily, it said.

“If another major surge of Covid-19 takes place driven by Omicron, consequences may be severe,” WHO said in a technical note, adding that “to date, no deaths linked to Omicron variant have been reported.”

ALSO READ |  Angola shuts borders to regional neighbours over Omicron

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday protested the “unjustified” travel bans and called for their immediate reversal.

“We call upon all those countries that have imposed travel bans on our country and our southern African sister countries to immediately and urgently reverse their decisions,” Ramaphosa said.

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera on his part accused Western countries of “Afrophobia” for shutting their borders.

The head of the WHO in Africa also cautioned against border closures.

“With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity,” WHO regional director general Matshidiso Moeti said in a statement.

Dozens of nations including Africa’s Angola and Mauritius have imposed travel restrictions since South African scientists flagged Omicron on Thursday.

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Source: AFP 

Picture: Getty Images 

For more   African   news ,   visit  Africaninsider.com 

Article written by Betha

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