There was no change to the advisory level. The 3 areas of increased risk were combined into 1. The Advisory Summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to crime and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the entire
Do not travel to within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.
Advisory Summary
Crime
Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.
Unrest
Armed groups, individuals, and military forces often clash in nearby countries. The ongoing violence in these areas has the risk of spilling over into Rwanda.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel - Rwanda’s Border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Do not travel to within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo for any reason due to unrest.
Multiple armed groups, individuals, and military forces operate in North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of these groups oppose the Rwandan government. Violence may spill into Rwanda without warning.
U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to this area.
Volcanoes National Park is not included in this area of increased risk. Review our information on Tourism Safety in Rwanda.
If you decide to travel to Rwanda:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Rwanda.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Stay aware of your surrounding.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Rwanda.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
