Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda (March 18, 2020)
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Event: The Rwandan Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
On March 15, the Peace Corps announced it would temporarily suspend Volunteer operations and begin evacuating Volunteers from all posts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government of Rwanda has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Government of Rwanda has announced the suspension of all arriving and departing flights starting on Friday, March 20 at midnight (23:59) for an initial period of 30 days. The U.S. Embassy Kigali will provide more information as it becomes available. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.
The City of Kigali has suspended all non-essential public gatherings, to include concerts and sporting events, and the Ministry of Health has urged all residents throughout the country to avoid large gatherings. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
All routine consular appointments at the U.S. Embassy from March 16 to March 20 are canceled. For emergency consular assistance, please contact the U.S. Embassy using the contact information below before physically coming to the Embassy.
U.S. government personnel are advised to limit non-essential travel and are encouraged to follow CDC and Government of Rwanda guidance on COVID-19.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Rwanda.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
- Call 114 or contact your nearest health facility if you have had close contact with a confirmed case or someone being evaluated for COVID-19.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda
2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie (Kacyiru)
(250) 252 596 400
ConsularKigali@state.gov
https://rw.usembassy.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Rwanda Country Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Rwanda.html
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
