Following the June 17 reopening of domestic tourism and international charter flights, Rwanda Development Board (RBD) has announced that commercial flights will once again be welcomed back into the country starting August 1, 2020. The country initially halted all arriving and departing commercial flights on March 20.
All passengers, including those in transit through Rwanda, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 (coronavirus) test from a certified laboratory, taken within 72 hours of arriving in Rwanda. For passengers entering Rwanda, a second test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours during which time travelers will be required to self-quarantine in a designated hotel at their own cost.
Note: There are no restrictions regarding citizens from specific countries entering Rwanda, including Americans.
All tourism activities, including primate trekking within Rwanda’s national parks, have resumed in line with enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures.
Commenting on the reopening, Belise Kariza, the chief tourism officer at RDB said, “Rwanda’s tourism industry is adapting to create a safe environment for travelers and operators, in order to thrive in these unprecedented times. We encourage all travel enthusiasts and nature explorers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to venture out and experience the beauty and adventure that our country has to offer.”
Special tourism packages are available for groups, families and corporate travelers for tourism products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks. For instance, gorilla permits are now available for $200 for Rwandans and EAC nationals residing in Rwanda, and $500 for foreign residents (the cost for mountain gorilla trekking for international tourists remains the same). Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks. These offers, which can be found at www.visitrwanda.com, are valid until December 31, 2020.
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