Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information and advice see Terrorism Abroad.

 

Crime

 

Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda.  There has, however, been an increase in reports of bag snatching and mugging incidents targeting expatriates and tourists.    You should take sensible precautions i.e. exercise caution when walking at night, arrange transport,  do not carry large amounts of money and do not leave cars unsupervised in the town centre.  Take care who you talk to, who you invite to your home or hotel just as you would in UK.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Rwanda Country Profile

 

Local Travel

Areas bordering Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

We advise against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu.  This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC’s Kivu provinces and the ongoing trouble in Eastern Congo where there is a UN peacekeeping force, MONUC, operating and the presence of various rebel groups.  Please see DRC travel advice for more details.  Please monitor FCO’s travel advice section for any updates.

Gorilla Trekking
It is still safe to visit the gorillas or climb volcanoes in the Parc National des Volcans (also known as Volcanoes Park) in Rwanda, despite the serious unrest in the neighbouring Virunga National Park in DRC. The Parc National des Volcans is well protected, and if you are gorilla trekking or climbing volcanoes you must be part of an organised tour.Burundi

We advise against all but essential travel to the rural border areas of Burundi.  This is because there is a risk of cross-border incursions by rebel groups based in Burundi.  Please see the Burundi travel advice for more details.

 

Road Travel

UK and international driving licences are acceptable for three months, after which you should apply for a Rwandan licence.

 

The road infrastructure from Kigali to all major towns is good.  There can be landslides on some of the major roads during the annual rains in late spring and autumn. Road travel after dark should be avoided as roads are unlit and driving standards are poor.  Shared taxis (mini-vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport within towns and around the country.  However, they are also the most vulnerable to accidents, and incidents.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

Five carriers fly in and out of Rwanda: Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Burundi. Please note Air Burundi is not IATA accredited. In 2008 Rwandair decommissioned one of its aircraft, affecting flights to Nairobi, Entebbe and Johannesburg. In the interim Rwandair has been outsourcing flights to Nairobi and Entebbe to Jetlink (Kenya), which is not IATA-accredited.

For more general information see Airline Security.