Rwanda Travel Risk

Reconsider travel in Rwanda due to crime, unrest and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Rwanda due to the Health situation.

Health

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Crime

Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces often clash in nearby countries. The ongoing violence in these areas has the risk of spilling over into Rwanda.

Do not travel within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Rusizi District

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.

Rwanda-DRC border

Risks associated with the proximity of potential fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border. International borders are often not well marked in remote areas, and you could unknowingly cross into DRC. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border.

See Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information. Keep up to date with developments through local media.

The border crossings between Rwanda and DRC could close at short notice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Rwanda

Terrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.

To reduce your personal risk:

• take care when walking at night
• arrange transport in advance
• lock car doors when driving
• do not leave valuables in parked cars
• avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables

Personal safety in military zones

Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well lit or signposted. You could be arrested and detained if you enter these areas. Take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night.

Methanol poisoning

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Rwanda-DRC border

See advice for the Rwanda-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.

Rwanda-Burundi border

Burundi closed the border to Rwanda in January 2024. There might be some tension near the border, as both sides have accused the other of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.

Rwanda-Uganda border

Border crossings Uganda have temporarily closed at short notice in recent years. Be aware of the impact that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region.

Cross-border additional risks

If you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, be aware of the risk of cross-border attacks and government security operations given the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

In recent years, armed incursions have occurred into south-west Rwanda:

• on 18 June 2023, 2 people were killed and 6 were injured when suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus on Nyamagabe-Rusizi road, in Nyungwe Forest, Nyamgabe District
• on 17 June 2023, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda at Gisenyi and fired on civilians and Rwandan security personnel near the border, injuring 2 Rwandan police officers – the soldier was shot dead
• in 2022, artillery fire from the DRC hit Rwandan territory, close to the border in Kinigi sector of Musanze District in the north-west

Risk level

Rwanda - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Rwanda.

Regional risks

Parts of Rusizi and Rubavu districts - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the following parts of Rubavu and Rusizi districts due to the proximity of rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) located along the border with Rwanda:

• the area between roads NR11 and NR2 and the border with the DRC, including the town of Gisenyi in Rubavu District
• within 10 km of the land border in Rusizi District, including the town of Rusizi. This includes the Rwandan islands on Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport

Volcanoes National Park - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the section of Volcanoes National Park (Musanze district) along the border with the DRC due to occasional unclear border markings and the presence of rebel groups in the DRC.

Border restrictions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Due to the outbreak of Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), strict border restrictions apply to foreigners who have visited the DRC 21 days prior to their entry into Rwanda.

Rwandan citizens, as well as foreigners with a valid proof of residency in Rwanda, can return to Rwanda but may be subject to health screening measures such as temperature checks, quarantine, and travel restrictions.

Crossing at the Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu land border crossings is prohibited for most travellers.

Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The security situation at the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is unstable and unpredictable due to intensifying combat in North Kivu in the DRC, including around the city of Goma. Active fighting, including shelling, have been reported in Rubavu District. Escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda could further deteriorate the situation in Rubavu district.

卢旺达风险等级为蓝色（低风险）