Rwanda

Rwanda is a densely-populated, landlocked, developing country in central Africa, and is still recovering from the 1994 civil war and genocide. Economic activity and tourism are on the rise in Rwanda. Hotels and guesthouses are numerous in Kigali, the capital, and in major towns, but are limited in rural areas. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Rwanda for additional information on U.S.-Rwanda relations.

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.

Safety and Security

Please review the Embassy’s latest security messages for U.S. citizens in Rwanda.

Grenade attacks aimed at the local populace in Rwanda have occurred on a recurring basis over the last five years. Three attacks occurred in Kigali in 2013, killing five and injuring 42 persons. Two more attacks occurred in the city of Ruhengeri (also known as Musanze) in early 2014. Remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid crowds, demonstrations, or any other form of public gatherings.

U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution when traveling near the Rwanda-DRC border given the possibility of renewed fighting between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23 armed group. While M23 was defeated militarily in November 2013, the FARDC and peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continue to engage in combat operations against other armed groups in the DRC state of North Kivu, which borders Rwanda.

In June 2014, cross-border fighting between the Rwandan Defence Forces and FARDC, north of the city of Gisenyi (also known as Rubavu), resulted in the deaths of several combatants. In late August 2013, cross-border fire landed within the borders of Rwanda, in Rubavu district, including within the city of Gisenyi. In early December 2012, a small element of armed individuals crossed the border from Eastern DRC and attacked a ranger camp northwest of Kinigi. The attack, which occurred just south of Volcanoes National Park, left one ranger dead. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) claimed responsibility for this incursion. The FDLR is an armed group that includes former soldiers and supporters of the regime that orchestrated the 1994 genocide and that continues to operate in eastern DRC, near the border with Rwanda.

An area of potential concern for a natural disaster is the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, just outside the eastern DRC town of Goma and near the Rwandan border. Mount Nyiragongo last erupted on January 17, 2002 killing 47 people, destroying 15 percent of Goma, and leaving 120,000 people homeless. Rwanda is also located in a seismically active region. In January 2008, an earthquake centered in eastern Congo killed 39 people and injured about 700, including residents of the Rwandan border town of Cyangugu. In November 2012, an earthquake centered in southern Uganda was felt as far south as Kigali.

Akagera National Park and Wildlife Areas: Remember the risks involved when traveling through the habitats of wild animals. Approaching large animals, even when in a vehicle, can result in injury or death.

Use only official Kigali city buses, most of which are owned and operated by Kigali Bus Service, and established taxi or car services. Most regulated taxis are white with a colored stripe along the bottom of the doors. Driving outside the Kigali city limits, or the limits of other major cities, after dark (6:00 p.m.) is not recommended. Do not use motorcycle-taxis or mini-bus taxis as they are unsafe. See the Travel & Transportation section for more information.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Rwanda on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Pick-pocketing in crowded public places is common, as is petty theft from cars, hotel rooms, and other public places, including churches. Smart phones and other portable/mobile electronics are particularly targeted by thieves. Violent crimes such as carjacking, robbery, rape, and home invasion are rarely committed against foreigners but residential burglaries throughout Kigali have increased. Burglars may break and enter, attempt to trick domestic staff into allowing them unimpeded entrance, or seek to co-opt residential security guards to participate in burglaries. Remain alert, exercise caution, and follow appropriate personal security measures. U.S. citizens who reside in Rwanda should also ensure their domestic staff understands these measures.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can: 

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The Rwandan equivalent to a “911” emergency telephone line can be reached by dialing 112, though emergency calls to this number may go unanswered. For non-emergency situations, contact local police by dialing 112, 113 for traffic accident, and 3511 for abuse by a police officer (including attempts at bribery).

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.