Rwanda
Warnings and insurance
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Rubavu District
FCDO advises against all travel to Rubavu District. This includes the town of Gisenyi and the border crossing point at Gisenyi-Goma.
Areas where FCDO advises all but essential against travel
Rusizi District
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the parts of Rusizi District which are within 10km of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport.
Rwanda-DRC border
Risks associated with increased fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may affect people on the Rwandan side of the border, in both Rubavu and Risizi districts. There are risks because of the closeness of the potential fighting. You may see a presence of military personnel on both sides of the border. On 27 January, there were reports of gunfire and artillery fire in Gisenyi. The security situation in DRC near to Rwanda’s border is unstable (see Democratic Republic of the Congo’s travel advice for more information). Keep up to date with developments through local media.
The border crossings between Rwanda and DRC at Gisenyi-Goma could close at short notice.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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