Orientation briefing in Rwanda

Rwanda -- a small and centralized country dominated by rugged hills and fertile volcanic soil -- has exerted disproportionate influence over the African Great Lakes region for centuries. A Rwandan kingdom increasingly dominated the region from the mid-18th century onward, with the Tutsi monarchs gradually extending the power of the royal court into peripheral areas and expanding their borders through military conquest. While the current ethnic labels Hutu and Tutsi predate colonial rule, their flexibility and importance have varied significantly over time and often manifested more as a hierarchical class distinction than an ethnic or cultural distinction. The majority Hutu and minority Tutsi have long shared a common language and culture, and intermarriage was frequent.

The Rwandan royal court centered on the Tutsi king (mwami), who relied on an extensive network of political, cultural, and economic relationships. Social categories became more rigid during the reign of RWABUGIRI (1860-1895), who focused on aggressive expansion and solidifying Rwanda’s bureaucratic structures. German colonial conquest began in the late 1890s, but the territory was ceded to Belgian forces in 1916 during World War I. Both European nations quickly realized the benefits of ruling through the already centralized Rwandan Tutsi kingdom. Colonial rule reinforced existing trends toward autocratic and exclusionary rule, leading to the elimination of traditional positions of authority for Hutus. Belgian administrators significantly increased requirements for communal labor and instituted harsh taxes, which fed the population's frustration. Changing political attitudes in Belgium contributed to colonial and Catholic officials shifting their support from Tutsi to Hutu leaders in the years leading up to independence.

Simmering resentment of minority rule exploded in 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, when Hutus overthrew the Tutsi king. Thousands of Tutsis were killed over the next several years, and some 150,000 were driven into exile in neighboring countries. Army Chief of Staff Juvenal HABYARIMANA seized power in a coup in 1973 and ruled Rwanda as a single-party state for two decades. HABYARIMANA increasingly discriminated against Tutsis, and extremist Hutu factions gained prominence after multiple parties were introduced in the early 1990s. The children of Tutsi exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and began a civil war in 1990. The civil war exacerbated ethnic tensions and culminated in the shooting down of HABYARIMANA’s private jet in 1994. The event sparked a state-orchestrated genocide in which Rwandans killed more than 800,000 of their fellow citizens, including approximately three-quarters of the Tutsi population. The genocide ended later the same year when the predominantly Tutsi RPF, operating out of Uganda and northern Rwanda, defeated the national army and Hutu militias and established an RPF-led government of national unity. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003, formalizing President Paul KAGAME’s de facto role as head of government. KAGAME was formally elected in 2010, and again in 2017 after changing the constitution to allow him to run for a third term.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Rusizi District

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.

Rwanda-DRC border

Risks associated with the proximity of potential fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border. International borders are often not well marked in remote areas, and you could unknowingly cross into DRC. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border.

See Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information. Keep up to date with developments through local media.

The border crossings between Rwanda and DRC could close at short notice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Rwanda

Terrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.

To reduce your personal risk:

• take care when walking at night
• arrange transport in advance
• lock car doors when driving
• do not leave valuables in parked cars
• avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables

Personal safety in military zones

Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well lit or signposted. You could be arrested and detained if you enter these areas. Take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night.    

Methanol poisoning 

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.  

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks. 

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs  

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.  

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport. 

Airports in Rwanda have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.

LGBT+ travellers

Consensual same-sex sexual acts are not illegal in Rwanda, but can be frowned upon by locals.

Rwanda’s laws do not discriminate against sexual orientation, and its constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Plastic bag ban

There is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.  

Vaporisers, e-cigarette bans

Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Rwanda. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. If you are found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes you will have them confiscated and could be fined.

Genocide Memorial Day

The week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is an official week of mourning. 

National day of community service (Umuganda)

The last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most normal services close from 7am to 11am. Kigali also has a car-free morning from 7am to 10am on the first and third Sunday of the month to promote exercise and reduce car emissions. Other cities in the country may also hold car-free mornings. You should check with the local authorities as these might happen at different times. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking

If you plan to travel close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border on a gorilla or chimpanzee trek, check travel advice for Rusizi District and the DRC border region. If you plan on crossing the border into DRC, check the travel advice for DRC. Short-notice border closures could impact any travel plans in the region. Plan your journey  in advance and discuss your itinerary with your tour operator.  Keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and check the local media.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Rwanda, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

After one year of driving, you must have a Rwandan licence. You should:

• write a letter of application to the Commissioner Traffic and Road Safety
• attach your existing licence
• attach a copy of your visa or foreign resident ID card
• pay a fee

Driving standards

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are in good condition but can be damaged by landslides during the rainy season. After dark, many roads outside of larger urban centres are unlit and driving standards are poor.   

Shared taxis (mini vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport, but are very vulnerable to accidents.

Building health and safety

Levels of building health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. Buildings and construction sites have collapsed, causing deaths and serious injuries.

Fire safety standards vary and fires in residential and public places are a continuing risk. Poor wiring and sub-standard electrical cables have caused building fires. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

The rainy season runs from February to May and from September to December. April is the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage, including landslides and floods. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in Rwanda. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. The US Geological Survey has a real-time earthquake map that captures information following significant seismic activity. If there is an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Rwanda-DRC border

See advice for the Rwanda-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.

Rwanda-Burundi border

Burundi closed the border to Rwanda in January 2024. There might be some tension near the border, as both sides have accused the other of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.

Rwanda-Uganda border

Border crossings Uganda have temporarily closed at short notice in recent years. Be aware of the impact that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region.

Cross-border additional risks

If you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, be aware of the risk of cross-border attacks and government security operations given the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

In recent years, armed incursions have occurred into south-west Rwanda:

• on 18 June 2023, 2 people were killed and 6 were injured when suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus on Nyamagabe-Rusizi road, in Nyungwe Forest, Nyamgabe District
• on 17 June 2023, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda at Gisenyi and fired on civilians and Rwandan security personnel near the border, injuring 2 Rwandan police officers – the soldier was shot dead
• in 2022, artillery fire from the DRC hit Rwandan territory, close to the border in Kinigi sector of Musanze District in the north-west

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest information on recommended vaccinations
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Rwanda including mpox.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Rwanda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Ebola

On 15 May  the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Due to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

Marburg virus disease (MVD)

On 20 December 2024, the Government of Rwanda announced the end of the outbreak of Marburg virus disease that began on 27 September 2024. The outbreak was linked to contact with fruit bats in a mine near Kigali.

The last confirmed case of Marburg virus disease was reported on 30 October 2024. There remains a risk of re-emergence of the disease linked to viral persistence in body fluids of recovered patients and the potential animal reservoir in the country, so if visiting or working in caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, you should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including face masks).

Check the latest situation with local authorities before travelling. You can find more information on Marburg virus disease from the WHO, and TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Rwanda

Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. If you have a serious accident or illness, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Rwanda where some staff speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Rwanda.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.