This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Rwanda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Rwanda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Rwandan High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Rwanda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page for entry stamps.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor. As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.
\n\nRwanda’s immigration department has information on visa requirements.
\n\nYou can also apply for a visa from the Rwandan High Commission in London.
\n\nYou must get a UK Police Certificate before you travel if you’re applying for a resident, business or missionary multiple-entry visa. It usually takes at least 10 working days to process.
\n\nLand border crossing opening hours between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu vary. The conflict in DRC could further affect border crossings (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice). The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of the Rusizi District.
\n\nYou may experience immigration difficulties if you do not have residency status and regularly cross between the two countries.
\n\nIn response to the current Ebola outbreak in DRC, the Government of Rwanda has introduced health-screening measures at Kigali International Airport and border restrictions with DRC. These measures may be subject to short notice change. Check the latest advice of local authorities and tour operators ahead of travel.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Rwanda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.
\n\nTo enter Rwanda, if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nCrime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nSome 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.
\n\nThere has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
\n\nEven 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.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Rwanda have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.
\n\nConsensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.
\n\nRwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThere is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.
\n\nVapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. If you are found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes you will have them confiscated and could be fined.
\n\nThe week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is an official week of mourning.
\n\nThe last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most normal services close from 7am to 11am. Kigali also has a car-free morning from 7am to 10am on the first and third Sunday of the month to promote exercise and reduce car emissions. Other cities in the country may also hold car-free mornings. You should check with the local authorities as these might happen at different times.
\n\nIf you plan to travel close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border on a gorilla or chimpanzee trek, check travel advice for Rusizi District and the DRC border region. If you plan on crossing the border into DRC, check the travel advice for DRC. Short-notice border closures could impact any travel plans in the region. Plan your journey in advance and discuss your itinerary with your tour operator. Keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and check the local media.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Rwanda, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nAfter one year of driving, you must have a Rwandan licence. You should:
\n\nRoads from Kigali to all major towns are in good condition but can be damaged by landslides during the rainy season. After dark, many roads outside of larger urban centres are unlit and driving standards are poor.
\n\nShared taxis (mini vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport, but are very vulnerable to accidents.
\n\nLevels of building health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. Buildings and construction sites have collapsed, causing deaths and serious injuries.
\n\nFire safety standards vary and fires in residential and public places are a continuing risk. Poor wiring and sub-standard electrical cables have caused building fires. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season runs from February to May and from September to December. April is the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage, including landslides and floods. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes in Rwanda. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The US Geological Survey has a real-time earthquake map that captures information following significant seismic activity. If there is an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.
\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","You must declare drones when you arrive.","There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.","It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.","If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.","Rwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination.","Vaporisers, e-cigarette bans","Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda.","It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use.","If you are found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes you will have them confiscated and could be fined."]}