Foreign travel advice

Rwanda

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Rwanda.
Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Rwanda.

Regional risks

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Rwanda-DRC border

See advice Rwanda-DRC border on the Warnings and insurance page.

Rwanda-Burundi border

The border with Burundi has been closed since January 2024. The situation in Burundi remains unstable. Tensions along the Rwanda-Burundi border remain high. Both sides have accused the other of cross-border raids targeting local inhabitants.

Rwanda-Uganda border

Border crossings Uganda have temporarily closed at short notice in recent years. Be aware of the impact that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region.

Cross-border additional risks

If you’re travelling near the DRC or Burundi borders, be aware of the risk of cross-border attacks and government security operations.

In recent years, armed incursions have occurred into south-west Rwanda:

  • on 18 June 2023, 2 people were killed and 6 were injured when suspected militants opened fire on a public passenger bus on Nyamagabe-Rusizi road, in Nyungwe Forest, Nyamgabe District
  • on 17 June 2023, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rwanda at Gisenyi and fired on civilians and Rwandan security personnel near the border, injuring 2 Rwandan police officers – the soldier was shot dead
  • in 2022, artillery fire from the DRC hit Rwandan territory, close to the border in Kinigi sector of Musanze District in the north-west