Rwanda

Recommended Vaccinations For Rwanda

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a low risk of yellow fever in this country. According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health (instructions on yellow fever prevention measures, April 17, 2016), to enter Rwanda, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers coming from yellow fever endemic countries and countries with active yellow fever outbreaks. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for travellers coming from yellow fever-free countries and without an active outbreak of yellow fever.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Rwanda

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Rwanda

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Rwanda through contaminated food or water.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Rwanda.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Rwanda. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Rwanda.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is found in this country. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Sporadic outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may occur in this country. Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Meningitis

Meningitis occurs in Rwanda. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December-June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Rwanda, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Rwanda. Travellers to Rwanda are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Yellow Fever

There is a low risk of yellow fever in this country. According to the Rwandan Ministry of Health (instructions on yellow fever prevention measures, April 17, 2016), to enter Rwanda, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers coming from yellow fever endemic countries and countries with active yellow fever outbreaks. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for travellers coming from yellow fever-free countries and without an active outbreak of yellow fever.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Rwanda. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are also at higher risk.

Malaria

All areas of Rwanda are at high risk for malaria.

Safety & Security in Rwanda

Personal Safety

Rwanda ranks among Africa’s safest countries for travelers, with crime levels relatively low compared to regional neighbors. The country scored 73.2 points on the 2024 safety index and was ranked second safest in Africa by the Gallup Global Law and Order Report. Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft does occur in Kigali, especially in crowded markets, bus stations, and transport hubs. Burglary and vehicle break-ins happen occasionally, particularly in the capital. Violent crime against tourists is rare. You should remain aware of your surroundings in busy areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Past grenade attacks and incidents have occurred in Kigali, though these are infrequent. The Rwandan police maintain a visible presence and 83% of residents express confidence in local law enforcement. Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well marked, and entering these areas can result in arrest and detention. Photography of government buildings, military sites, and border crossings is prohibited. Rwanda enforces strict laws around genocide-related speech, with divisive or racist behavior subject to fines and imprisonment.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism risk within Rwanda itself is considered low, with no major incidents targeting visitors in Kigali or main tourist regions in recent years. However, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Armed groups operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo along Rwanda’s western border, and violence from the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC poses risks of spillover. The Rwandan army has deployed troops to support the M23 armed group in eastern DRC, contributing to regional instability. Multiple armed groups opposed to the Rwandan government operate in eastern DRC and have launched occasional incursions into Rwandan territory. In June 2023, suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus in Nyungwe Forest, killing 2 people and injuring 6. In the same month, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda at Gisenyi and fired on civilians and security personnel, injuring 2 Rwandan police officers. Shells have struck Rwandan territory near the DRC border multiple times. Violence, rape, kidnapping, killing, and armed robbery occur in North and South Kivu provinces of DRC, which border Rwanda, and these activities often target civilians.

Political Unrest

Rwanda maintains political stability under the long-term leadership of President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front, which has ruled since 1994. The government tightly controls political space through legal restrictions, surveillance, and intimidation of opposition figures. Presidential and parliamentary elections held in July 2024 saw Kagame win with 99.2% of the vote, with the electoral campaign dominated by the ruling party and punctuated by the barring of prominent opposition politicians. Several opposition members remain in prison, including members of the unregistered Dalfa-Umurinzi party who were arrested in 2021 and held in pretrial detention for years. Demonstrations require permits and are subject to severe penalties if unauthorized, with illegal demonstrations punishable by eight days to six months in prison or substantial fines. Public protests are rare due to these restrictions. The constitution provides for freedom of peaceful assembly, but the government does not always respect this right. Civil society organizations that do not align with government plans face difficulties operating. Journalists and commentators critical of public policies face abusive prosecutions, enforced disappearances, and at times have died under unexplained circumstances. Arbitrary detention in unofficial facilities is common, especially around high-profile visits or large international events.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travel to Rubavu District within 10 kilometers of the DRC border, including the town of Gisenyi, due to armed violence and volatile security. Active fighting, including shelling, has been reported in this area. Avoid travel to Rusizi District within 10 kilometers of the DRC border, including the town of Rusizi, Rwandan islands on Lake Kivu, and Kamembe Airport, due to proximity to rebel groups operating across the border in DRC. Exercise heightened caution in Volcanoes National Park along the DRC border, as borders may not be clearly marked and armed groups operate in neighboring Virunga Park in DRC. The area has faced increasing armed conflict that might spread across poorly marked boundaries. Exercise caution in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which borders Burundi and has seen cross-border security incidents. In June 2023, an attack on a passenger bus occurred on the Nyamagabe-Rusizi road in this area. The border between Rwanda and Burundi has been closed since January 2024 and will remain closed until further notice. Exercise heightened caution within 10 kilometers of the Burundi border due to potential tensions and cross-border raids. Border crossings with DRC at Goma-Gisenyi could close at short notice. Permits from the Rwanda Development Board are required for entry to Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.