Rwanda

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Rwanda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Rwanda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Rwandan High Commission in the UK.

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 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 Rubavu and Rusizi Districts.

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

Following the Ebola outbreak, transit from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Rwanda is only permitted in exceptional circumstances related to humanitarian missions and essential travel, and is subject to:

• health risk assessment
• destination-country requirements
• transport operator requirements
• public health requirements
• approval by the Rwandan authorities

Border measures

On 22 May the Government of Rwanda announced new border measures in response to the Ebola outbreak, including:

• Any Foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the last 30 days prior to their intended travel to Rwanda will be denied entry

• Rwandan nationals and foreign residents with valid proof of residency in Rwanda will be permitted entry. However, if they have travelled to or through DRC in the last 30 days, they will be subject to mandatory quarantine procedures

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.   

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

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.