Kigali International Airport SOPs for Travel During COVID-19 Times: The Rwandan Government has issued strict SOPs for traveller entering & exiting Rwanda. The SOPs are meant to keep you from both contracting and or infecting others with COVID-19 – we beg that you diligently follow each of them as stated – ask where you are not sure. Kigali International Airport SOPs for Travel During COVID-19 Times
Country-Specific Information:
- Rwanda recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 14, 2020.
- As we write, Rwanda has resumed most business operations, including restaurants, hotels, shops, and tourism operations. Schools and bars (including bars located inside of hotels and restaurants) remain closed. National parks are open to visitors with a negative COVID-19 test.
- Rwanda has resumed international air travel, but its land borders remain closed except for cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and residents.
- Masks/face coverings are required in public.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are tourists allowed to enter Rwanda? Yes – But only by flight through The Airport. Land borders remain closed except for cargo and returning Rwandan citizens and residents.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
– Travelers to Rwanda must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate for a test taken no more than 120 hours before their initial flight. We recommend that travellers carry a printed copy of their negative test results during all legs of their flights to Rwanda. - Are there health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
– Upon arrival to Rwanda, visitors will be taken to the designated quarantine hotel of their choice. At the hotel, they will be tested again, at their own expense, for COVID-19. They will be required to quarantine in their hotel room until they receive a negative COVID-19 result, approximately 24 hours after the arrival.
– Before travelling to Rwanda, passengers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. To fill out this form, passengers must be able to provide passport information, travel details, negative PCR COVID-19 test results, and booking confirmation at one of the designated hotels for a 24-hour quarantine upon arrival. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travellers carry a printed our copy of their Passenger Locator form during all legs of their flights to Rwanda.
– More information about travel, quarantine, and testing procedures for visitors to Rwanda can be found at the Government of Rwanda’s COVID-19 website.
– While Visas may be acquired upon arrival. We recommend pre-applying and printing out your confirmation prior to departure. Additional information about visas to travel to Rwanda and visa extensions can be found here.
– Travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for COVID-19 within 120 hours before departure and are encouraged to book and pay for their tests at least two days prior to departure through the online platform available here. Kigali International Airport SOPs for Travel During COVID-19 Times
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? Yes
– The Government of Rwanda currently enforces a curfew from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. - Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes
– Public transport between Kigali and other provinces, including Rusizi, is permitted.
– Travelers visiting national parks must test negative for COVID-19 at their own expense.
– The Government of Rwanda may, at any time, impose lockdowns of neighbourhoods and cities to contain COVID-19. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to assist if U.S. citizens encounter difficulty with movement restrictions.
Quarantine Information: Kigali International Airport SOPs for Travel During COVID-19 Times
- Are travellers arriving into Rwanda required to quarantine? Yes
– Travelers entering Rwanda, including U.S. citizens, must complete 24 hours of quarantine at one of the Government of Rwanda’s designated hotels while waiting for the results of their COVID-19 test. Travellers are responsible for making a reservation at one of the designated quarantine hotels before their departure for Rwanda. You can find information about the quarantine hotels here.
COVID-19 Testing:
- COVID-19 testing is available upon request by the Rwandan Biomedical Centre. A COVID-19 test costs $50 USD or 47,200 RWF. For more information about obtaining a COVID-19 test in Rwanda, please visit the Rwandan Biomedical Centre’s website. Very recent COVID-19 tests are required prior to visiting many of Rwanda’s national parks, including gorilla treks.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
– The Kigali International Airport is open with limited scheduled flights.
– Some travellers report difficulties in international travel en route to or departing Rwanda.
– Land borders remain closed.
– Public transportation, including motorcycle taxis, is available. Social distancing is required on buses, and masks are required.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- Violations of COVID-19 restrictions may face punishments ranging from fines of up to 50,000 RWF and/or to up to five days in police custody depending on the violation. We recommend that you duly take all precaution to avoid getting into trouble.
Local Resources:
- Additional information about COVID-19 in Rwanda can be found at the Rwandan Biomedical Centre’s website.
- Other links:
– COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
– CDC page on COVID-19
– Department of State’s Rwanda Country Information Page
