What should I do prior to departure to Rwanda?
Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new procedures detailed in this Arriving Passenger Information Notefrom the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. Additional detailed new procedures have also been established by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority.
We encourage visitors to especially note the guidelines for mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand sanitising, negative COVID-19 test result, e-payment, and the requirement to use only authorised transportation from the airport to the designated hotel.
Passengers are also required to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form before arriving in Rwanda here: www.rbc.gov.rw/travel/
Are visitors coming to Rwanda required to have a COVID-19 test? If yes, how long prior to arrival?
All travellers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours of departure (meaning travellers must be tested and get results within 3 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted. COVID-19 Test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.
Do I need to take a second test on arrival in Rwanda, how much does it cost and how long will I wait for the results?
Yes, all travelers (visitors and returning residents) arriving or transiting for up to 24 hours through Rwanda will be screened upon entry and take a second RT-PCR test on arrival. Sample collection will be conducted at the airport upon arrival and waiting for the results will be at designated transit hotels. (see list here).
The test costs USD 50 plus a USD 10 medical service fee . Payment methods are detailed here.
All travelers transiting/connecting who are not leaving the airport and those who will leave the airport to go to the designated transit hotels for less than 24 hours will be screened upon entry and are not required to take a second test. This is not applicable for transiting travelers by land borders. In that case, travelers will be required to take an RT-PCR test and wait for the results at the designated hotels before proceeding.
Which COVID-19 test is required by health authorities in Rwanda?
The COVID-19 test required to visit Rwanda is known as a Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test.
How will I reach my designated hotel?
On arrival in Rwanda, visitors will be taken to their pre-booked designated hotel by authorised transport. For those who have booked a tour package, the tour operator will be in charge of their transportation. All other visitors will either be transported by their designated hotel or can use authorized taxis.
Can I book a hotel of my choice for the 24-hour waiting time?
Visitors to Rwanda are welcome to book into one of the 24 designated hotels listed below as they wait for their COVID-19 test results. The hotel rate is on a full board basis, excluding alcohol. Any additional orders will be paid for by the guest.
Designated Hotels in Kigali for Arriving Tourists
What should I expect at the designated hotel?
Upon arrival at the designated hotel, guests will wait for their test results which will be sent directly to the guest by SMS or email by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. If the test result is negative, the guest will be invited to checkout.
What are the medical contacts in Rwanda for COVID-19 related issues?
For COVID-19 related health issues, please contact the Rwanda Biomedical Centre via the toll-free number 114 or the Medical Team on duty 24/7 at the Kigali International Airport on +250 781 415 724.
In case of any medical, logistical or administrative issue at the designated hotel, kindly reach out contact the site manager at the hotel. Each hotel has a designated site manager.
If I tested negative for COVID-19 on arrival in Rwanda and will spend less than 72 hours in the country, do I need to take another test to depart from Rwanda?
For those spending less than 72 hours in Rwanda, one will not be required to take another test to depart from Rwanda.
I have a long itinerary that will involve visiting three national parks and other places. Some visits to the parks will fall days after I received my test results. Will I have to test again before visiting a national park?
All international tourists visiting national parks are required to schedule their visit within 72 hours of receiving a negative test result. The only accepted test for tourists visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks is the SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). A negative Rapid Antigen test (RDT) will be accepted for Akagera National Park. If your visit/s falls more than 72 hours after the initial test on arrival, you will be required to take another COVID-19 test before visiting the parks.
If I test positive for COVID-19 in Rwanda, who pays for my treatment and can I be evacuated to my country?
Visitors who test positive for COVID-19 can either be evacuated in line with medical evacuation protocols or seek treatment at a designated treatment centre in Rwanda at their own cost.
Do I still need to undergo a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test on arrival and quarantine for 24 hours if I already received my Covid 19 vaccination before travelling to Rwanda?
Yes. You will still have to take a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test on arrival and quarantine for 24hrs in one of Rwanda’s designated hotels.
While I am waiting for my COVID19 test results at a designated hotel, can I be visited by friends?
No. Guests waiting for their results at designated hotels are required to remain in isolation. They are welcome to use electronic devices while at the hotel but must respect the privacy of other guests at all times.
We are coming to Rwanda as a family, can we book one hotel room for the 24 hour waiting period?
Yes. Guests can book one hotel room suitable to accommodate a family traveling together.
Is the hotel rate within designated hotels for an individual guest or for a room? Can people share a room?
All visitors are advised to book individually. Only immediate family members can share a room for the duration of the waiting period.
In the event my COVID-19 results are delayed, what happens? Who pays the additional waiting nights/days and if I had a tourism booking, do I get a refund?
Each hotel has a site manager who will advise on the results within the allotted time. The Rwanda Development Board reservations team (reservations@rdb.rw) can facilitate the rescheduling of booked permits in case of any issue related to the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the revised booking policy.
Will pre-arranged Meet and Greet services be available for guests? If yes, what conditions need to be fulfilled?
A Meet and Greet service is available for tourists who have pre-booked this option as part of a tour package. The service will be coordinated between the private tour operator and Akagera Aviation.
Can I consume alcohol while I am waiting in my hotel room for the test results?
Yes, visitors are welcome to consume alcohol within their hotel room at their own cost.
Can I continue to stay in the same hotel after receiving my test results?
The Government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates at the designated hotels for the waiting period. Should a guest wish to remain in the hotel after receiving a negative test result, they are welcome to extend their stay at the hotel’s regular rates; however, they will be assigned a new room.
What happens when one lands at Kigali International Airport during curfew hours (between 23:00 and 04:00)? Will the visitor be able to reach their hotel?
Yes, the vehicles authorised to transport visitors to their designated hotel have permission to move during the curfew hours.
Can family members or friends or a personal driver pick one up from the Airport?
No, only vehicles authorised to transport visitors to their designated hotel can pick up guests from the Airport.
If a passenger has lost their luggage, who will follow up to deliver it to the visitor’s hotel?
The RwandAir Lost and Found office at the Kigali International Airport will handle all cases related to lost luggage. Visitors or tour operators can contact the team at lostandfound@rwandair.com or on +250 788 308 814.
What are the safety and health measures in place at the Kigali International Airport?
Is it mandatory to take a COVID-19 test before departure from Rwanda?
What time should I arrive at the airport for departure?
Passengers are advised to arrive at the Kigali International Airport at least three hours before their flight.
What happens if my departure flight takes off during the time of the curfew?
Passengers going to Kigali International Airport during curfew hours (between 23:00 and 04:00) are required to apply for a movement clearance pass via www.mc.gov.rw or dial *127# and follow the prompts. We encourage tourists to liaise with their tour operators to apply.
