There was no change to the advisory level. The “crime” indicator was added. An area of increased risk was added. 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 Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Musanze District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.
• Rubavu District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.
• Rusizi District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.

Advisory Summary

Crime

There is an increased risk of crime in Rwanda. This includes petty crime like pickpocketing or purse snatching, as well as violent crime like mugging, armed robbery, or assault.

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

Musanze District

Do not travel to Musanze District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 Musanze District.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Rubavu District

Do not travel to Rubavu District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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.

A permit from the Rwanda Development Board is required for entry to Volcanoes National Park.

U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to Rubavu District.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Rusizi District

Do not travel to Rusizi District within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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.

A permit from the Rwanda Development Board is required for entry to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to Rusizi District.

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.