Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Kigali, Rwanda (May 19, 2020)

Location:  Kigali, Rwanda 

Event:   Possible Flight Departing Kigali with Connections to the U.S. on May 23

The U.S. Embassy has learned of a possible flight departing Kigali with connections to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 23 at 15:25 with Ethiopian Airlines. Passengers may be able to book onward flights from Washington, D.C.  If you are interested in booking travel on this flight, please contact SatGuru at +250-788-528-347 or reservations.kigali@satgurutravel.com.

Under limited circumstances, the Department of State may offer loans to destitute American citizens to facilitate repatriation. If you feel you might qualify for such a loan, please email ConsularKigali@state.gov. Please note that this loan will require repayment. 

On May 18, the government of Rwanda updated the COVID-19 prevention measures.    

• Movements are prohibited from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, except with permission.  
• Masks must be worn in public at all times.  
• All resumed services must follow health guidelines from the Ministry of Health.   
• Public and private businesses may resume work with essential staff only.  Other employees should continue to work from home.  
• Hotels and restaurants will operate but close by 7:00 PM.   
• Individual sporting activities in open spaces are permitted, but sports facilities, gyms, and recreational centers remain closed.  
• Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons.  
• All bars, schools, universities, and places of worship remain closed.   
• Transport between different provinces and the city of Kigali is not permitted.   
• Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited.  
• Borders remain closed. Rwandan citizens and residents returning to the country are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated locations at their own expense.   

Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.  

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.

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.