Rwanda: Authorities revise and extend COVID-19-related restrictions through at least March 31 /update 18

Event

Officials in Rwanda have revised and extended the nation's existing nightly curfew and other health measures through at least March 31 as part of the government's efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Under new measures, the previously imposed nationwide nightly curfew will be shortened to 19:00-04:00 through at least March 31. Additionally, movement restrictions between Kigali and other provinces and between the country's districts are lifted, except for Bugesera, Nyanza, and Gisagara districts. Authorities have stated that the Ministry of Local Government will issue specific guidelines on the three districts.

Officials are also implementing the following measures through March 31:

• Physical meetings may resume at a maximum of 30-percent venue capacity; COVID-19 testing is required for meetings of more than 20 persons.

• Tourism activity will continue in strict adherence with COVID-19 health guidelines.

• Public offices will remain open at a maximum of 30-percent capacity.

• Private business will continue with essential staff at no more than a 30-percent capacity; market and malls will remain open for essential vendors and must not exceed 50 percent of registered traders. Businesses resuming operations must close by 20:00.

• Public transport will maintain operations at a maximum of 75-percent capacity.

• All bars remain closed; however, restaurants and cafes are allowed to operate until 20:00 at no more than 30-percent capacity.

• Place of worship will continue to operate with a maximum of 30-percent occupancy.

• Wedding ceremonies will continue but should not exceed 20 persons.

• Receptions are banned.

International travel
International passengers arriving at Kigali International Airport (KGL) airport must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. All arriving travelers must then take a PCR test and quarantine at a designated hotel for 24 hours while waiting for the result. Passengers staying in the country longer than one week must self-quarantine for seven days and take a second PCR test at the end of this period. Officials require a similar test certificate upon departure from Rwanda.

Land borders remained closed except the border with DRC; the country's borders with Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania are open for goods and cargo traffic, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents. However, travel restrictions may be subject to the guidelines of neighboring states. All returnees are subjected to mandatory quarantine in accordance with existing health guidelines at their own cost.

Rwandan authorities review the country's preventive measures every 15 days and could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Twitter)
Ministry of Health
RwandAir
World Health Organization (WHO)