Rwanda: Change to Travel Advisory Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution

Travel Advisory: Travel Advisory Change to Level 2 — Exercise Increase Caution

The State Department has recently changed the Travel Advisory for Rwanda.

Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease and the Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel to:

• The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence.

Country Summary:On September 27, 2024, the Government of Rwanda confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in health facilities in Rwanda. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Rwanda.

The Nyungwe Forest National Park abuts the border with Burundi. Borders may not be clearly marked. It is required to obtain permits from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry. Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are tense and there have been cross-border incursions and armed violence.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Rwanda.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

• Visit the CDC Travel Notice on Marburg in Rwanda, which has information on the outbreak.
• Visit the Embassy website and review the latest Alerts and Messages.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebookand X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Reportfor Rwanda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Informationrelated to your travel.

Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Border – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Armed groups operate in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces and Virunga Park which is adjacent to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area has experienced escalating levels of armed conflict which could spill across poorly marked borders. Permits are required from the Rwanda Development Board prior to entry to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.