Byumba

Passport validity requirements

To enter Rwanda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Rwanda as a visitor. As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you can get a free 30-day visa on arrival.

Rwanda’s immigration department has information on visa requirements.

Applying for a visa

You can also apply for a visa from the Rwandan High Commission in London.

You must get a UK Police Certificate before you travel if you’re applying for a resident, business or missionary multiple-entry visa. It usually takes at least 10 working days to process.

Travel between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Land border crossing opening hours between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu vary. The conflict in DRC could further affect border crossings (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice). The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of the Rusizi District.

You may experience immigration difficulties if you do not have residency status and regularly cross between the two countries.

Border measures

In response to the current Ebola outbreak in DRC, the Government of Rwanda has introduced health-screening measures at Kigali International Airport and border restrictions with DRC. These measures may be subject to short notice change. Check the latest advice of local authorities and tour operators ahead of travel.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Rwanda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Rwanda, if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Rwanda guide.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Rwanda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must declare drones when you arrive. They may be confiscated or held until you leave the country.

Emergency services in Rwanda

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

Fire: 111

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Rwanda
• dealing with a death in Rwanda
• being arrested or imprisoned in Rwanda
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Rwanda on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Rusizi District

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.

Rwanda-DRC border

Risks associated with the proximity of potential fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border. International borders are often not well marked in remote areas, and you could unknowingly cross into DRC. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border.

See Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information. Keep up to date with developments through local media.

The border crossings between Rwanda and DRC could close at short notice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs  

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.  

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. 

Airports in Rwanda have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.

LGBT+ travellers

Consensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.

Rwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Plastic bag ban

There is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.  

Vaporisers, e-cigarette bans

Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. If you are found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes you will have them confiscated and could be fined.