Gorilla-watchers and other tourists arriving in Rwanda from any country other than Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (or passengers who have been in those countries in the seven days prior to travelling to Rwanda) may enter Rwanda by simply quarantining for 24 hours at a designated hotel at their own cost.

A COVID-19 PCR test will need be taken on arrival at the traveller’s cost. On day 7 an additional test must be taken at a designated testing site – the cost of the day 7 test will be covered by the Government of Rwanda.

Although RwandAir’s direct flights between Rwanda and South Africa have been suspended, it will still carry passengers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (and passengers who have been in those countries in the seven days prior to travelling to Rwanda) but under the condition of quarantine for seven days at a designated hotel, at their own cost. After the quarantine they will need to take an additional test at a designated testing site on day 7 from arrival date. The cost of this test is covered by the Government of Rwanda.

The communiqué from the Rwandan government detailing these regulations makes no distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers.

All passengers must complete a passenger locator form and upload a COVID-19 test certificate before heading to the airport. Go to https://rbc.gov.rw/index.php?id=188

Curfew measures are in place in Kigali and elsewhere. Face masks must be worn at all times. Penalties apply for non-compliance. Ongoing changes to restrictions are anticipated.

Tourism in Rwanda is open. For those travelling to the country for the purpose of viewing the gorillas or other primate viewing and wildlife experiences, this is still permitted, subject to the same COVID-testing regime that was in place before the advent of the Omicron variant.