Rwanda
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest information on recommended vaccinations
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Rwanda including mpox.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Rwanda. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Marburg virus disease (MVD)
On 20 December 2024, the Government of Rwanda announced the end of the outbreak of Marburg virus disease that began on 27 September 2024. The outbreak was linked to contact with fruit bats in a mine near Kigali.
The last confirmed case of Marburg virus disease was reported on 30 October 2024. There remains a risk of re-emergence of the disease linked to viral persistence in body fluids of recovered patients and the potential animal reservoir in the country, so if visiting or working in caves inhabited by fruit bat colonies, you should wear gloves and other appropriate protective clothing (including face masks).
Check the latest situation with local authorities before travelling. You can find more information on Marburg virus disease from the WHO, and TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Rwanda
Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. If you have a serious accident or illness, you may need to be evacuated by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Rwanda where some staff speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Rwanda.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.