Rwanda: Authorities update COVID-19-related restrictions from July 1 /update 26

Event

Officials have announced amended COVID-19-related measures from July 1 due to a recent rise in COVID-19 cases. According to the new directive, a nationwide 18:00-04:00 curfew will remain in effect. In addition, officials will implement the following measures from July 1 in Kigali and the districts of Burera, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Rwamagana:

• Businesses must close at 17:00.

• Public and private gatherings, including weddings and family visits, are prohibited.

• Schools are closed.

• Restaurants may only propose takeaway services. Bars are closed.

• Public transport buses may run at a 50-percent capacity.

• Non-essential public and private offices are closed.

• Religious meetings are suspended.

• Tourism activity can continue with health measures in place.

Aside from the locations mentioned above, the following measures apply for the rest of the country from July 1:

• Movement between districts will be prohibited except for essential services or under exceptional circumstances.

• Cafes and restaurants may operate at a 30-percent capacity and must close by 17:00. Bars are closed.

• Physical meetings may not exceed a 30-percent capacity with strict health protocols in place.

• Religious meetings may not exceed a 30-percent capacity.

• All social gatherings in private or public settings, including weddings, are suspended.

International travel
All international passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before departure. Passengers arriving and departing Kigali International Airport (KGL) must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure; the result should be uploaded in the PLF. Arriving travelers will be tested on arrival and pay USD 60. Travelers will need to quarantine at a designated hotel for 24 hours while waiting for the result. Persons arriving from India and Uganda must enter mandatory quarantine at a designated hotel for seven days at their own cost. Entry via land borders remains restricted.

Authorities said that the aforementioned measures should be reviewed on a bi-monthly basis.

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)
Passenger Locator Form