Travelling to Rwanda - what you should know about security there

Are you planning on travelling to Rwanda for business or on holiday?

If so then read our advice and heed it where you feel it appropriate. We are experienced at travelling in the region, so please do get in touch if we can be of any assistance on [email protected]

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is available as part of organised tours in the Parc National des Volcans (also known as Volcanoes Park). The park authorities do not permit gorilla trekking that is not undertaken as part of an organised tour. You are advised not to try as you are likely to be arrested if you do. They are very strict controlling access to the gorillas.

Grenade attacks

Since 2011, there have been a number of grenade attacks throughout Rwanda, mainly in Kigali and Musanze. There were 2 grenade attacks in Musanze, northern Rwanda, in January 2014. There were also 2 grenade attacks in Kicukiro market in Kigali in September 2013. There were also grenade attacks in Nyabugogo market in Kigali in July 2013 and on Kimironko taxi park in Kigali in March 2013.

The attacks resulted in fatalities and a large number of injuries. There have been some arrests and convictions, but it remains unclear who was behind these attacks. Further indiscriminate attacks cannot be ruled out, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should remain vigilant. If you see a grenade thrown throw yourself flat on the ground and try to cover your head with your hands as much as you can.
 

Crime 

Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda, but there have been reports of bag snatching and mugging incidents targeting foreigners.

RPS advises you to take sensible precautions. don't walk around late a night. Think about taking a taxi - pre-arrange your transport. Don’t carry large amounts of money and don’t leave cars unsupervised in the town centre, using the parking boys to look after it or park in a secure car park.

Road travel

You can drive using a UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit for up to three months, after which you should apply for a Rwandan licence.

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are good. There can be landslides during the annual rains in late spring and autumn. Avoid road travel after dark as roads are unlit and driving standards are poor.

Shared taxis (mini-vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport within towns and around the country. However, they are also the most vulnerable to accidents. If you have to take the buses as you are on a budget consider sitting near the driver

Local travel

The border crossings between Rwanda and the DRC at Gisenyi/Goma and Cyangugu/Bukavu are currently open between 06:00 and 18:00.

Both borders are liable to close at short notice and you should not rely on them as a point of exit from DRC. If you are crossing regularly between Rwanda and the DRC you may encounter immigration difficulties if you have not regularised your residency status. Take care when travelling near the border with Burundi. There is still considerable instability in Burundi’s border region.

Air travel

Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) safety standards. Rwandair leases its aircraft from GECAS. 

Health and Safety

Levels of health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. There have been incidences of buildings and construction sites collapsing, causing deaths and serious injuries. Fire safety standards are also variable, with fire in residential and public places continuing to be a risk.

There have been a number of building fires apparently caused by poor wiring and substandard electrical cables. Take extra care when using electronic equipment and ensure you use a surge protector to protect your electrical equipment from being "fried" if the power goes off and then a generator kicks in.

Do call us if we can be of any assistance to your in your planning on 01225 290210.