Rwanda: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

Travel Advisory: Rwanda Travel Advisory Raised to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

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

Reconsider travel in Rwanda due to an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease.  Read the entire Travel Advisory for additional information on travel to Rwanda.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• The Rwanda-Burundi border due to armed violence.

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 3 (Reconsider Nonessential Travel) Travel Health Notice for Marburg in Rwanda.  U.S. government personnel are asked to defer all non-essential official travel.  Additional health screenings departing Rwanda may occur.  Travelers should expect delays when departing Rwanda.

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 Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Rwanda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Rwanda-Burundi Border—Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

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.

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.