Rwanda Reopens to International Travel

Rwanda has announced that its airports will reopen to commercial flights on 1 August, having shut down to outside visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move follows its 17 June reopening of domestic tourism and international charter flights.

However, there are conditions for travelers. All incoming passengers, including those in transit, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a certified laboratory, taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda. Moreover, upon entering this East African country, a second test will be conducted at the airport, with results delivered within 24 hours. During this waiting period, travelers will be required to self-quarantine in a designated hotel at their own expense.

Explore Rwanda’s Natural Wonders

Known as Le Pays des Mille Collines (Land of a Thousand Hills), Rwanda boasts breathtaking mountains, including the majestic Virunga volcanoes located in the northwest. Hidden within the lush bamboo forests are some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Additionally, Nyungwe Forest National Park protects extensive tracts of mountain rainforest and is home to a variety of primates. Consequently, all tourism activities, including primate trekking within Rwanda’s national parks, have now resumed, with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors.

The Economic Importance of Tourism in Rwanda

Welcoming visitors back is vital for Rwanda, as tourism plays a key role in the country’s economy. The nation has made significant progress and is stable following the tragic events of the genocide in 1994. Its capital, Kigali, has been at the heart of the nation’s rebuilding efforts since that time. For more information on the tourism reopening guidelines, please visit here.

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