Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Rwanda. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least one blank page available for the entry stamp.
A tourist visa is also required for entry into Rwanda. Visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. The fee for a 30-day tourist visa (single entry) is USD $50, and the fee for a 90-day tourist visa (multiple entry) is $70. Credit cards are generally accepted at the Kigali International Airport but are not accepted at some land borders. It is recommended that individuals travel with enough cash in U.S. dollars to cover the visa costs in case credit card transactions are not available at the time of arrival.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Rwandan Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
Immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, polio vaccine, shingles vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Rwanda, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required. (If arriving from Tanzania, note the World Health Organization does not consider Tanzania to be a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.)
Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Rwanda.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
Malaria
The CDC warns that travelers to Rwanda may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
Other Vector-borne Illnesses
In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos or ticks, such as dengue fever and African tick-bite fever. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against bites using the measures noted above.
After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
Wildlife
Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
Parasites & Bacteria
Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes or rivers. Some freshwater bodies contain disease-causing parasites or bacteria that may be contracted through contact with infected water.
Sun Exposure
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Altitude Sickness
At elevations above 5,000 feet, altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.
Travelers’ Diarrhea
The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses worldwide. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you experience diarrhea.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Wild Mountain GorillaPhoto by Pelin Karaca
View of the city from Kigali Genocide Memorial
Wild Mountain Gorillas
Wild Mountain GorillasPhoto by Laurie McLaughlin
Volcanoes National Park
Silverback Gorilla
Wild Mountain GorillaPhoto by Laurie McLaughlin
Trekking in RwandaPhoto by Laurie McLaughlin
Wild Mountain GorillaPhoto by Todd Gustafson
