Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Rwanda

 

• We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), because of the volatile security situation in this region. There is an ongoing threat of armed militias operating in the DRC crossing the border into Rwanda.

• We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with Burundi because of the possibility of banditry and conflict between government forces and armed groups. This includes the portion of the Nyungwe Forest National Park bordering Burundi.

 

Local travel

 

The border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu are currently open between 06:00 and 18:00. Both borders are liable to close at short notice and you should not rely on them as a point of exit from DRC. If you are crossing regularly between Rwanda and the DRC you may encounter immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status. Take care when travelling near the border with Burundi. This is because of instability in Burundi’s border area.

 

Gorilla trekking

 

Gorilla trekking is available as part of organised tours in the Parc National des Volcans (also known as Volcanoes Park). The park authorities only permit gorilla trekking that is undertaken as part of an organised tour.

 

Grenade attacks

 

Since 2011, there have been a number of grenade attacks throughout Rwanda, mainly in Kigali and Musanze. There were 2 grenade attacks in Musanze, northern Rwanda, in January 2014. There were 2 grenade attacks in Kicukiro market in Kigali in September 2013. There were also grenade attacks in Nyabugogo market in Kigali in July 2013 and on Kimironko taxi park in Kigali in March 2013. The attacks resulted in fatalities and a large number of injuries. Further indiscriminate attacks cannot be ruled out, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should remain vigilant.

 

Crime  

 

Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda, but there have been reports of bag snatching and mugging incidents targeting foreigners.

 

You should take sensible precautions. Take care when walking at night. Pre-arrange transport. Don’t carry large amounts of money and don’t leave cars unsupervised in the town centre.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive using an EU driving licence or an International Driving Permit for up to three months, after which you should apply for a Rwandan licence.

 

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are good. There can be landslides during the annual rains in late spring and autumn. Avoid road travel after dark as roads are unlit and driving standards are poor.

 

Shared taxis (mini-vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport within towns and around the country. However, they are also the most vulnerable to accidents.

 

Air travel

 

Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) safety standards. Rwandair leases its aircraft from GECAS. it is advised by Genvisec you use major international carriers only.

 

Health and Safety

 

Levels of health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the EU. There have been incidences of buildings and construction sites collapsing, causing deaths and serious injuries. Fire safety standards are also variable, with incidences of fire in residential and public places a continuing risk.

 

There have been a number of building fires apparently caused by poor wiring and substandard electrical cables. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.

 

Local laws and customs

Photography of government buildings is prohibited.

 

Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons. Visible plastic bags will be confiscated on arrival at the airport.

 

Money

There are ATMs in Kigali, but not all of them accept foreign cards. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

 

Health

There are only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. In the event of serious accident or illness evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Malaria is common to Rwanda.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Earthquakes

 

There are occasional earthquakes

 

Visas

 

You need a visa to enter Rwanda. 30 day tourist visas are available on arrival for £20 or $30. You can pay in cash (sterling or US dollars) or by Visa/Mastercard. Payment by credit card may not be available at all land border crossings.

 

You can also choose to get a visa in advance at any Rwandan diplomatic mission or online. Further information about visa requirements is available from the Rwandan High Commission.

 

If you are planning to apply for resident/business or missionary, and require multiple entry visas on entry to Rwanda you will need to get a police clearance check before you travel. This usually takes a minimum of 10 working days to process.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Rwanda.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.