Rwanda: Authorities tighten travel restrictions and domestic measures due to COVID-19 Omicron variant as of Nov. 29 /update 36

Event

Authorities in Rwanda have tightened select travel restrictions and domestic measures to prevent the spread of the newly discovered COVID-19 Omicron variant. Effective Nov. 28, Rwanda suspended direct flights with Southern Africa. Authorities also enforced a seven-day compulsory quarantine at designated hotels for all passengers arriving from, or who have visited within the previous seven days, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These travelers will then be required to get tested on day seven. Domestically, people are now required to be fully vaccinated and tested in order to attend public gatherings such as conferences, concerts, weddings, festivals, and exhibitions.

International Restrictions
All international passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival in the country. Passengers arriving at or departing from Kigali International Airport (KGL) must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure; arriving individuals must upload the result with the PLF. All travelers arriving or transiting for up to 12 hours will be required to pay USD 60 to get tested on arrival, and will undergo a 24-hour quarantine at their own expense in a government-designated hotel.

Entry via land borders remains restricted; permitted land arrivals are subject to similar entry requirements.

Domestic Measures
A nationwide 00:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect with all businesses being required to close at 23:00. Public transport is operating at full capacity for seated passengers and at 50-percent capacity for standing passengers. Restaurants and cafes may operate indoor seating at 50-percent capacity and outdoor seating at 75-percent capacity. Private businesses may operate at full capacity under health guidelines while public offices remain restricted to operating at 75-percent capacity. Authorities continue to allow tourism activity subject to health-related protocols. Gyms and fitness centers are open.

Authorities typically review and update the nation's COVID-19 measures 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