Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Rwanda, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic safety is hazardous due to excessive speeds, careless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles. The main roads in Rwanda are in relatively good condition, but during the rainy season many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Service stations are available along main roads. Due to possible language barriers and lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult.

Use only official Kigali city buses, most of which are owned and operated by Kigali Bus Service, and established taxi or car services. Do not use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis as they are unsafe. Public transportation can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless drivers. Regulated sedan auto taxis (which have a colored stripe along the doors) are safer, but fares should be negotiated before passengers embark. Car services tend to operate newer luxury vehicles.

Nighttime driving, particularly outside major cities, is hazardous and is discouraged. Often, roadways are not marked and lack streetlights and shoulders. Many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Headlights are either extremely dim or not used. Police may stop travelers at roadblocks throughout the country and search the vehicle and luggage.

Wear seat belts and drive with care and patience at all times. Exercise caution at traffic circles and traffic lights, as drivers do not always respect the right-of-way. Drivers tend to speed and pass other cars with little discretion. Some streets in Kigali have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic, while others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. Street lighting is limited and drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock.

Third-party insurance is required and will cover any damage from involvement in an accident resulting in injuries, if the driver is found not to have been at fault. The driver’s license of individuals determined to have caused an accident may be confiscated for three months.

Causing a fatal accident could result in up to eight years imprisonment. Drunk drivers are jailed for 24 hours and fined up to $400.

In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy at 250-252-596400, then dial 1. Local police may be reached at 311 from any mobile phone.

Rwandan traffic laws prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving and, if apprehended, the driver will be fined 10,000 RWF (about $15). Hands-free devices may be used. After-market tinted window treatments are prohibited on all vehicles; those ticketed for this offense will be required to remove them.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. For specific information concerning Rwandan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, visit the website of the Rwanda Development Board, which is responsible for tourism, or the Rwanda National Police, which is responsible for road safety.\

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Rwanda, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.