Travel Advisory: Rwanda Travel Advisory Lowered to Level 2

On March 2, 2022 the U.S. Government lowered the travel advisory level for Rwanda from Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.

Rwanda – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to COVID-19. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Rwanda due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 related restrictions and conditions in Rwanda.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

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

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
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.

Rwanda-Burundi Border—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 clashes.

Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Border—Exercise Increased Caution

Armed rebel and militia groups operate in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park. Borders may not be clearly marked and there have been cross-border incursions and armed clashes. It is required to obtain permits from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which is adjacent to Virunga Park.

Assistance: