Travel advice for Rwanda

Do not travel to the DRC border area from Rubavu District to Nyabuguru District, because fighting and shelling across the border have caused civilian casualties. Avoid nonessential travel to the DRC border areas of Musanze District and Rusizi District, including Lake Kivu islands and Kamembe Airport, due to armed group activity, killings, abductions and rising regional tensions. Elsewhere in Rwanda, take sufficient care and avoid unnecessary outings after dark.

Belgium advises against all travel to Rubavu District, including between Lake Kivu and Karisimbi volcano, and against nonessential travel to Rusizi District. Remain vigilant in Democratic Republic of Congo border areas, especially in the west, because of Ebola risk, and follow Rwandan authorities' instructions. Confirmed mpox cases also call for preventive measures. The Burundi land border is closed, air travel continues, and rainfall above the average may affect infrastructure and mobility.

The Czech government advises against travel to Rwanda's border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as conflict in eastern DRC could spread. Risk is greatest in Gisenyi and Western Province, where armed clashes may occur. Foreigners who spent or transited the DRC within 30 days cannot enter Rwanda, while Rwandan citizens and residents returning from the DRC must quarantine. Border checks, including at Kigali International Airport, are intensified.

Avoid unnecessary travel to the DRC border area because escalating fighting creates a high security risk. A general security risk applies to the rest of Rwanda, with robberies possible in Kigali and special caution needed near the Burundi border. Night road travel requires care. Hospitals do not meet European standards, tap water is not potable, and conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf region may cause flight cancellations.

Hungary advises cautious travel to Rwanda and urges citizens to avoid border areas with the DRC and Burundi, where security risks are high. The triple border area near Bugarama and Kamanyola is unsafe, crossings may close without notice, and entry from the DRC is not recommended. Severe fighting affects eastern DRC, especially North and South Kivu, while street robberies targeting foreigners may occur.

Travel only if essential to the DRC border area, and leave if unnecessary, because fighting involving the Congolese army, M23 and armed groups makes the border unpredictable. Travel elsewhere with caution, including the Burundi border and Nyungwe Forest, where violence occurs and the border is closed. Expect Ebola screening. Recent DRC travellers may face entry restrictions or quarantine. Beware theft, avoid military zones, and note floods, landslides and active volcanoes.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of the Rusizi District because the DRC conflict may disrupt the Gisenyi Goma and Cyangugu Bukavu crossings. Regular crossers without residency status may encounter immigration difficulties. Be prepared for health screening at Kigali International Airport and DRC border restrictions during an Ebola outbreak. A visa is required unless eligible on arrival, and vaccination proof may be required from listed risk countries.

Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda, but have strong reasons for visiting due to armed attacks near the Congolese and Burundian borders. Avoid all non-essential travel to Rubavu District, including Gisenyi, and Rusizi District. Arrange park visits through Rwandan authorities, obtain permits, and visit Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park only in larger groups. Guard against theft, especially in Kigali, and prepare for natural hazards and dangerous driving.

Because of the security situation, avoid non-essential travel to the Rubavu and Rusizi districts in Rwanda. The advice applies specifically to these two districts.

Take normal security precautions in Rwanda, but exercise a high degree of caution in specified areas of Rubavu and Rusizi districts and along the DRC border in Volcanoes National Park because of rebel groups, fighting and unclear markings. Petty crime, occasional violence, dangerous roads and demonstrations are concerns. Foreigners who visited the DRC within 21 days face strict entry restrictions, and most travellers cannot cross at Gisenyi-Goma or Cyangugu-Bukavu.

Exercise a high degree of caution because regional instability, fighting near the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ebola outbreaks, crime and possible border closures create risks. Avoid all but essential travel to Rubavu and Rusizi districts, including Gisenyi and the Gisenyi-Goma crossing, where fighting may spill over. Monitor health after travel to Ebola-affected or neighbouring countries, and take precautions against theft and mugging, especially in Kigali.

Exercise increased caution in Rwanda because Marburg virus has affected several districts, including Kigali, and can be fatal; transmission occurs through body fluids or contaminated surfaces. Monkeypox cases are increasing, and Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring DR Congo could spread to Rwanda. Take extra care near the borders with Burundi and DR Congo, where armed groups and clashes pose risks, and in Volcanoes National Park near the DRC border.

Australia advises normal precautions for Rwanda.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Rwanda, but note that entry and stay conditions may change without prompt notice. Estonian citizens need a visa, including a possible application at the border for a stay of up to 30 days. Driving requires a valid Estonian licence and an international driving permit. As Estonia has no embassy in Rwanda, seek consular assistance from the nearest European Union member state mission.

Germany advises normal precautions for Rwanda.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Rwanda.

Exercise caution when travelling to Rwanda and avoid protests, which may become violent. Avoid non-essential travel to Rwanda's borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi because armed groups may attack across the border. Malaria is a high risk throughout Rwanda, and the northwestern region is especially affected by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, while flooding and mudslides can occur in the rainy season.