Plastic bags
It is no doubt that Rwanda is one of the cleanest places in Africa. The government of the republic of Rwanda in 2008 banned the use of all non-biodegradable plastic bags. Warning signs have been placed on all the corners of the airport at Kigali on big sign posts. Check are done on the luggage of the travelers and those found with polythene are fined and may sometimes be taken to jail depending on the magnitude of the offense. The fine charged is 50,000 Rwandan Francs which is an equivalent of about $61. As a traveler you must therefore be careful to observe the laws as set by the government.
Crime
Rwanda is relatively a crime free country with very friendly and welcoming people smiling at the glance of visitors in their community. The security of the visitors is guaranteed by the established security institutions which explains the growth of Rwanda’s tourism sector. Visitors must be careful just like in any other in any another country, pickpockets are very alive in crowded places requiring you to be on a watch. Crimes against tourists are not common and most of the travelers have been able to visit without any trouble.
Malaria
Malaria is still a common in most of the African communities including Rwanda. The supply of mosquito nets and massive sensitization and treatment in hospitals has however helped to stop the wide spread of Malaria. Visitors are encouraged to carry insect repellants to avoid mosquito bite that could cause Malaria.
Local laws
Visitors must be aware of the prevailing laws of Rwanda to avoid fines and potential jail sentence. The Use of, possession and trafficking of drugs is criminal in Rwanda and the culprits are subjected to the prevailing laws. Drinking and the Use of phones while driving are traffic offences punishable by law. Taking photographs of the army, government buildings and border crossing points is highly prohibited. Unfitting talks about the Genocide is punishable and could lead you to jail if not controlled.
LGBTQ
This is not illegal but not generally accepted in the community. Travelers of this kind of life are required to keep it secret to avoid the reaction from the local people. Travelers must understand that this is a conservative African setting and some of these ways of life are considered as a taboo. There are some countries in Africa that accept this however this remains not generally accepted in most African societies.
The Rwandan Genocide
Thousands of Rwandan people lost lives in the 1994 genocide that happened immediately after the assassination of the then president Juvenal Habyarimana in a plane crush. The Rwandan people went through a lot of trauma after many of them were displaced during this turmoil. The government of Rwanda therefore established laws to control the hate speech and promote unity and peace. Travelers are therefore advised to avoid any talk about the genocide that promotes hate and is inappropriate as this may cause fines or even imprisonment of the accused persons.
Travel insurance
Any one traveling to Rwanda is required to have health insurance, tourists who get into the country without it are given the 30 days to have it worked out as soon as they can. Rwanda’s health services are basic and may not cater for some of the health attention you may need as a traveler.
Covid 19 Test
Travelers getting into Rwanda are required to present a negative test for Covid 19 made 72 hours to the time of arrival. The visitors will then be subjected to a compulsory test for Covid19 (paid by the tourist). It’s no public secret that all countries are taking all the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of the deadly corona virus.
