Rwanda: Authorities tighten travel restrictions and domestic measures due to COVID-19 Omicron variant from Dec. 16 /update 37

Event

Authorities in Rwanda have tightened select travel restrictions and domestic measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Effective Dec. 16, all arriving passengers must quarantine for three days at their own cost at a designated hotel. In addition to the mandatory test on arrival, travelers will also be tested on days three and seven at their own cost after arrival. Domestically, limited measures have been amended.

Domestic Measures
A nationwide 00:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect, with all businesses being required to close at 23:00. Restaurants and cafes may operate indoor seating at 50-percent capacity and outdoor seating at 75-percent capacity; nightclubs are closed. Private businesses and public offices may operate at reduced capacity. Restrictions on gatherings are in effect. Individuals may attend permitted gatherings with a negative test taken within 72 hours. Authorities continue to allow tourism activity subject to health-related protocols. Gyms and fitness centers are open. Authorities previously announced on Nov. 28 that people must be fully vaccinated and tested to attend public gatherings such as conferences, concerts, weddings, festivals, and exhibitions.

International Travel Restrictions
All international passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival. 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. Rwanda has suspended direct flights with Southern Africa. Authorities are enforcing 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.

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

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

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