Rwanda is considering removing existing Covid-19 restrictions that had completely grounded the tourism sector and make it possible for both locals and internationals to resume visits to various sites.
Before Covid-19 pandemic spread across the world, tourism was Rwanda’s biggest foreign exchange earner. But government had since March permanently shut down the country’s tourism sector and closed borders and airports.
Taarifa has seen a new set of guidelines that seek to revive Rwanda’s tourism sector.
- Government is considering admitting tourists travelling by charter flights (individual and groups) as long as they have a confirmed booking to a tourist attraction in Rwanda.
- Tourists and flight crew members are expected to test negative twice for Covid-19 results. Tourists will be expected to test at least once on arrival once entering Rwanda.
- Tourists will be transferred to a transit hotel while waiting for the Covid-19 results, approximately 5 hours and the cost to be included in the tour packages.
- Tour operators and guides to pick their customers from transit hotel after results are out;
- A cost of U$(to be determined) per Covid-19 test will be included in tour packages.
- While in the country, tourists and flight crew members are expected to abide by the Ministry of Health guidelines and specific guidelines for toursits’ attractions including National Parks.
- For emergency, question and or feedback related to Covid-19 tourists will contact toll free 114.
- Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative prior to visiting these attractions.
- The test should be taken 72 hours prior to the visit date. Tourists are required to visit the attraction within 72 hours of the negative results date. The results should be presented at the Parks’ reception.
- District and referral hospitals will be used for testing of domestic travellers. They need to have a confirmed booking.