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TRAVEL REPORT
Rwanda

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 6 has been updated (malaria).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rwanda

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Heavy rains have the potential to cause sudden flooding and mud slides throughout the country.  Evacuations, casualties and damage to infrastructure have been reported. The damage could also affect the provision of essential services. Canadians residing in or travelling to affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Travellers should be vigilant at all times. Although uncommon, attacks by rebel groups and incidents of violence occur from time to time. Grenade attacks have occurred in a number of areas in the country, including in the Southern Province and Kigali in 2009. A number of similar attacks have been occurring in Kigali since February 2010. The attacks usually occur at nightfall. A main central roundabout, a busy bus station and a restaurant at the center of Kigali were targeted in previous attacks. Casualties have been reported as a result of these attacks.

Regional Warning: Regions Bordering Burundi and the DRC

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the regions bordering Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) because of possible incursions by various rebel army groups.

The presence and movement of Rwandan refugees returning from Burundi in rural areas may also cause tensions. Although significant progress has been made in promoting national reconciliation, the security situation in these regions remains fragile. No violent incidents have been reported in the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu.

The Rwanda-DRC border could also be closed without notice.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Petty theft occurs from cars and hotel rooms, and pickpockets are active in crowded places. Incidents of armed robbery have recently increased in Kigali at night. In particular, a number of robberies targeting women (including foreigners) have been reported in the Kyovu area after dark. The number of house robberies in Kigali has also been steadily increasing over the past 12 months. Remain alert to your surroundings and ensure personal belongings and vehicles are secure. Do not show signs of affluence and do not venture out alone or travel outside major cities after dark. Exercise caution and avoid crowded places.

Adventure Tourism

You may visit the Parc National des Volcans and the Nyungwe Forest National Park, but park permits must be purchased from Rwanda’s Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN).

Facilities

Tourist facilities are good in Kigali and other major towns but limited in remote areas. In remote areas, access to electric power is not possible and the use of generators is common. During the dry season, there are also water shortages in some areas of the country and some parts of Kigali.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Rwandan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda and its consulates.

Passports

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Rwanda. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected departure date from the country.

Visas

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Transit Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Official Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)

Travellers planning to work in Rwanda must have a valid police clearance obtained from the country where they have been residing for the last six months, among other requirements. For more information, please visit the Web site of the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

Vaccinations

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Rwanda - KIGALI, Office of the High Commission for Canada
Address: 1534 Akagera Street, Kigali, Rwanda
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1177, Kigali, Rwanda,
Tel.: 250 573 210 or 573 278
Fax: 250 572 719
E-Mail: kgali@international.gc.ca

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Rwanda. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kenya/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Kigali and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate and qualified personnel are available in Kigali although scare in remote areas.

Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and vitamins. Clean water is rare and all water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Travellers should always purchase bottled water, which is readily available.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for drug-related offences are severe.

Photography of government buildings is prohibited. You should also avoid taking photographs in border areas.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions

Excessive speeds, careless driving, the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles, the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on the roads, and the lack of streetlights pose hazards. Avoid travel at night. In general, the main roads linking Kigali to other cities are relatively well maintained; however, dirt roads, particularly the Gisenyi-Kibuye-Cyangugu road, are dangerous. Roads in Akagera National Park are in very poor condition. Always use four-wheel-drive vehicles. Police checkpoints are frequent.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

In Case of a Road Accident

Third-party insurance is required to cover damages for those involved in accidents resulting in injuries but found not to have been at fault. Driver's licences of those found to have caused an accident can be confiscated during the investigation. If an accident results in death, you may be subject to a jail sentence. Drunk drivers are subject to a short prison sentence and a fine.

In the event of an accident in Kigali, police assistance can be obtained by calling 08311112, 08311116, or 08311115. If you are involved in an accident outside Kigali, it is recommended that you go directly to the nearest police station.

Ambulance services do exist but are insufficiently equipped. For other emergencies (robberies, etc.), help from the police can be obtained by calling 112. Police officers, especially those in the street, do not always speak French or English.

Public Transportation

Shared taxis (minivans), the most common form of public transportation, can be dangerous due to overloaded vehicles and reckless driving. It is recommended that Canadians use licensed auto taxis, which are orange-striped. Confirm the fare before departing. There is no rail network in operation.

Travellers should be cautious when using motorbike taxis as they are unsafe. These should not be used at night.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Only the large hotels accept credit cards. It is best to check with the establishment beforehand. Other expenses are handled in cash. Only commercial banks cash traveller's cheques.

International ABMs are not available in Rwanda.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Earthquakes

Seismic activity is unpredictable and infrequent, but the possibility of earthquakes exists.

Volcanoes

Volcanic eruptions have been known to happen in Goma (DRC) and may pose a hazard in Gisenyi.

Rainy Season

During the two rainy seasons (February to May and September to December), intense thunderstorms are frequent. Roads may become impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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