Rwanda: Officials extend curfew to 22:00-04:00 from Dec. 20 due to COVID-19 /update 38

Event

Officials have announced additional measures, as of Dec. 18, to contain the spread of COVID-19. From Dec. 20, the nationwide curfew will be expanded to 22:00-04:00. All businesses must close by 21:00. Additional measures are included in the summaries, below.

Domestic Measures

• Nightclubs and concerts are suspended.

• Public offices may operate at 30-percent capacity only.

• Private sector offices may operate at 50-percent capacity only.

• Weddings and social gatherings may not exceed a 30-percent capacity of the venue or exceed 75 persons. Events at private residences may not exceed 20 persons. Local officials must be informed 7 days before the start of any event. All guests must be fully vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19 24 hours before the start of an event.

• Conferences and meetings may not exceed 50-percent capacity. All participants must be vaccinated and present a negative COVID-19 test at least 24 hours before the start of the event.

• Public transport will continue as per normal.

• Restaurants can operate at a 50-percent capacity indoors and 75-percent capacity outdoors.

• Bars can operate at 50-percent capacity. In Kigali and other cities, attendees at bars must be fully vaccinated.

International Travel Restrictions

• Arriving passengers must quarantine for three days at a designated hotel at their own cost.

• A PCR test will be taken on arrival and again on days three and seven at the traveler's own cost.

• All arriving and departing passengers at Kigali International Airport (KGL) must provided a COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours before departure or arrival.

• All international passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before 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