Below are answers to some of the common health questions asked by travelers to Rwanda, and our advice to help you keep safe

What vaccinations are required to visit Rwanda?

Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from or have been to a high-risk country. Check here to see the countries https://www.migration.gov.rw/anounce/anounce/instructions-on-yellow-fever/

Yellow fever has been spreading to more countries so the countries may change by time of your visit. Better to take the shot to avoid any inconvenience and also for your safety

Other advised vaccinations include Hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, covid 19,

Covid 19 guidelines for travelers

As of August 2021, travelers to Rwanda are advised to have a negative covid 19 result of a PCR test done within 72hrs to the time of arrival.

On arrival, another test will be done and traveler quarantine for 24 hours in hotel at own cost as he/she waits for the results that come back within 24 hours. Test should come back negative to check out of quarantine.

Departing travelers also undergo a PCR covid 19 test within 72hrs to time of departure and must produce negative result at the airport or border.

How to keep safe from Malaria in Rwanda?

Rwanda is a malaria risk country. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so the first protection against malaria is by avoiding mosquito bites. Sleeping under a mosquito net is a must. Apply insect repellent on your exposed skin in the evenings and when going out in jungle for activities such as the famous gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, hiking etc…

Mosquito bites may not be entire avoided, so anti-malaria drugs are advised as precaution. Visit your physician for best recommendation and dosage.

Can I drink tap water in Rwanda?

Tap water is treated but can be contaminated by leakages and old pipes and thus cannot be recommended for drinking. Risks of drinking contaminated include diseases; typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera.

Boil the tap water before drinking.

Otherwise drink only bottled water.

You should also brush your teeth with bottled water or boiled tap water if you cannot get bottled water.

Eating street food in Rwanda

Street food is not easy to come by in Rwanda because street vending and hawking is not permitted in the country.

There are however many small restaurants and bars in the suburbs that prepare a delicacy of what can pass as street food such as roasted meats. One such suburbs is the vibrant Nyamirambo that has lots of bars and restaurants along busy streets.

However much Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in Africa with local authorities enforcing strict hygiene standards, be selective where you eat.

Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.

Essential items to pack for health & safety in Rwanda

• First aid kit – basic first aid kit with items such as bandages, cotton wool, plaster, disinfectant, analgesia, thermometer, anti-histamine cream.
• Shades/sun glasses to protect from dust, bacteria and insects.
• Sunscreen to protect from sunburn
• Insect repellent