Rwanda Covid-19 information and entry requirements for tourists
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Rwanda is one such countries that have managed to contain the virus incredibly well and the fight against its spread is still on with restrictions and precautionary measures in place. The relaunch of her Tourism has been through a series of phases much like in all countries worldwide. As we help you plan for your post-Covid-19 Holiday to Rwanda, be aware of the mandatory preventive measures for all arriving and departing passengers. Whereas tourists can always check with their airlines about the Covid-19 requirements for their final destinations or even transit countries, the same information can quickly be obtained here:
A negative Covid-19 certificate is a MUST-HAVE for all travelers arriving at Kigali International airport and any other entry points. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR performed 72 hours before boarding flight to Rwanda. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are not accepted, travelers must therefore be tested and get results in 3 days of their first flight.
Fully vaccinated travelers and children below 18 years are free to self-isolate from their booked hotels or homes (not at designated hotels) as they wait for their test results done on arrival.
All travelers arriving and transiting Rwanda must complete a passenger locater form at www.rbvc.gov.rw before heading/checking in at the airport. Also, they must accompany the form with a Covid-19 test certificate and a vaccination certificate (if you have one).
Non-vaccinated passengers transiting through Rwanda for more than 12 hours shall be screened at entry and take a second RT-PCR test on arrival. Sample collection shall be done at the airport on arrival and the passenger waits for the results at the designated transit hotel. Results shall be fast-tracked so that passengers do not miss their next flight.
Less than 12 hours connecting/transiting travelers who are not leaving the airport shall be screened upon entry but not required to take a second test. Those transiting by land borders shall be tested using RT-PCR test and wait for results at the designated transit hotels before proceeding.
All arriving passengers at the airport shall be tested for Covid-19 at a fee of US$60 payable in cash or online through any method indicated in the passenger locator form or in cash at arrival. Please be aware that change shall be given in local currency (Rwf) if you opt for cash.
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated shall have to wait for 24 hours for their test results taken on arrival from designated transit hotels. https://travel.rbc.gov.rw/travel/src/Designated%20Hotels.pdf
On behalf of all travelers waiting at these designated transit hotels for 24 hours, the government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates. Any guests wishing to extend their stay at the hotel after receiving their negative Covid-19 results are welcome but at the hotel’s applicable rates. While at the hotels, preventive measures as stated by the health ministry must be observed.
24 hours is the turnaround time after when samples have been collected beyond which you are advised to contact the hotel reception or RBC medical team on duty at the airport (+250-781415724) for a quick follow up.
Check for your Covid-19 test results on the RBC website by using the phone number registered while filling the passenger locator form (PLF), the unique code received upon submitting the PLF prior to departure or by SMS and/ email.
For positive Covid-19 results (even if asymptomatic) while in Rwanda, you will be treated as per the National Covid-19 Management Guidelines at your own cost until full recovery. You’re therefore encouraged to have international travel insurance.
Visas to Rwanda have to be acquired in advance and online via www.migration.gov.rw. No visas shall be issued on arrival.
DEPARTURE
All departing travelers must test negative for Covid-19. The only accepted test is a SARS CoV2 RT-PCR performed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre/National Reference Laboratory, Provincial or District Hospitals. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are not accepted.
No traveler shall be allowed at the airport without a negative Covid-19 PCR test result.
Covid-19 tests are not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.
Your cooperation in the fight against Covid-19 is very much appreciated!
Awaiting you here in Rwanda are; the spellbinding landscapes, the gorgeous Mountain Gorillas, the astonishing birdlife, a connection with the wonderful people of Rwanda and a lot more. With us (Jungle Escape Africa), your journey from home to Rwanda should be an experience in itself, and a good one!
Also check on the Covid-19 requirements for travelers to Uganda.