Rwanda Reopens for Tourism
Rwanda Reopens for Tourism
Rwanda has announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for visitors arriving by charter flight, effective 17 June 2020 and for visitors arriving by scheduled commercial flights as of 1 August 2020. The well-being of all travellers is Rwanda’s top priority and the country has put in place robust health and safety guidelines to ensure this.
All travellers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 120 hours of departure (meaning travellers must be tested and get results within 5 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted. A second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered after 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.
Currently, international visitors arriving by flight can visit Rwanda. There are no restrictions based on nationality or point of departure. These visitors can enter Rwanda on the condition of fulfilling the health and safety requirements.
Together with the private sector, Visit Rwanda is offering attractive all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. Visa on arrival remains available for all visitors to the country.
All tourism activities, including primate trekking within Rwanda’s national parks, have now resumed in line with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures.
Cancelations/postponement policies have been updated to accommodate travellers impacted during this time.
National Parks
Rwanda’s national parks are now open for guests. To ensure the safety of all people visiting Rwanda’s national parks and wildlife, domestic tourists are required to test negative for COVID-19 72 hours prior to visiting all national parks, including;
Tourists to Rwanda’s national parks are now required to complete a guest registration and indemnity form in advance of their visit and submit the form electronically to the park.
Volcanoes National Park (submit to: anaclet.budahera@rdb.rw)
Nyungwe National Park (submit to: thierry.hitimana@rdb.rw)
Akagera National Park Registration & Indemnity forms (submit both to: akagera@africanparks.org or provide on arrival)
Special Offers
Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & EAC nationals, USD 500 for foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists.
Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks.
These special offers are valid until 31 December 2020.
COVID-19 Precautionary Measures
All visitors are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 120 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test on arrival and prior to visiting any tourist attraction.
Domestic tourists visiting all national parks, including Akagera, are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test centre has been set up at Petit Stade in Kigali by appointment only. Please call +250 788 313 800 or email reservations@rdb.rw to arrange your testing appointment.
Tourists without negative test results will not be admitted entry to the parks. The cost for the test is US $50.
For more information about Rwanda’s response and daily updates on COVID-19, please visit the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s website.
Visit Rwanda Soon
For those who have postponed their trip or are planning to visit Rwanda in the near future, we can’t wait to see you soon.