Rwanda

Översikt

Rwanda is a politically stable and economically prosperous country in East Africa, which has been governed by the increasingly autocratic President Kagame since 1994. However, continued suppression of opposition voices and curtailment of rights, such as freedom of assembly and speech, pose a threat to stability in the long term. Much as the small mountainous state remains vulnerable to a host of threats both domestically and in the wider Great Lakes region, which primarily stem from historical antagonism between the Hutu and Tutsi communities, the country has formed a stable and prospering economy and political system that is rapidly improving the quality of life for its citizens. Crime like pick-pocketing remains as the common type of crime and more violent type of crimes such as robbery and home invasion also occur. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Rwanda. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Rwanda. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Rwanda, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Schistosomiasis is endemic throughout the country, except for Akagera National Park and the districts of Kayonza and Gatsibo, Rulindo, Kicukiro and Nuarugenge, Kamonuyi, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, and Nyamagabe. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Rwanda experiences a generalised HIV epidemic with a prevalence rate of 3%.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Rwanda. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Rwanda.

Travellers to Rwanda are advised that the level of medical care in the country is extremely low and this can put an additional strain on travel in the event of injury or illness. Medications and supplies are often unavailable, or of dubious quality or sterility.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months from your intended date of departure from Rwanda and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for nationals of all countries. 

Visum

Travellers from more than 90 countries, including members of the African Union, the Commonwealth and la Francophonie may obtain a free 30-day visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL).

A free 90-day visa is granted for countries such as Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d'lvoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, Qatar and the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. This is however, conditional upon possession of a valid passport. 

Nationals of Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, the UK, and the US will be issued with entry visa valid for a period up to 30 days upon arrival without prior application. Travellers can pay in cash (sterling or US dollars) or by Visa/Mastercard. Payment by credit card may not be available at all land border crossings. You can also choose to get a visa in advance at any Rwandan diplomatic mission.

While it is claimed that most visa requests will be processed within 24 hours, due to a large number of applications in certain countries it is advised to allow as much time as possible between the intended date of travel and the commencement of the visa application process.