Travel Report for Rwanda

Country Profile for
Rwanda

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: October 4, 2006 16:09 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:55 EST

Rwanda

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has changed. A minor editorial change has been done in the French version of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)

You are advised against non essential travel to the regions bordering

Burundi

and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) because of possible incursions by various rebel army movements. The presence and movement of Rwandan refugees returning from

Burundi

may also cause tensions. Although significant progress has been made in promoting national reconciliation, the security situation in these regions remains fragile. The Rwanda-DRC border could also be closed without notice. However, the town of Gisenyi is considered safe.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Even if the security situation has largely improved since 2005, basic security measures are still advisable. Petty theft occurs from cars and hotel rooms. Armed robberies in Kigali have increased recently. Pickpockets are active in crowded places. Remain alert to your surroundings and ensure personal belongings and vehicles are secure. Do not show signs of affluence and do not venture out alone or travel out of major cities after dark. Exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large gatherings and crowded places.

You may visit the Parc national des volcans and the Nyungwe Forest National Park, but only with permission from

Rwanda

’s Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). It is highly recommended to register with organized gorilla tours or nature walks accompanied by military escorts. You are strongly advised against spending the night in both parks.

The country experiences regular power outages. During the dry season, there are also water shortages in some areas of the country and some parts of Kigali.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Third-party insurance is required to cover damages for those involved in accidents resulting in injuries but found not to have been at fault. Driver's licences of those found to have caused an accident can be confiscated for three months. If an accident results in death, you may be subject to a jail sentence of three to six months. Drunk drivers are imprisoned for 24 hours and fined 20,000 Rwandan francs. In the event of an accident in Kigali, police assistance can be obtained by calling: Kigali Center and Nyamirambo: 08311112; Remera, Kacyiru and Kicukiro: 08311116 or the duty officer: 08311115. Ambulance services are non-existent. For other emergencies (robberies etc.), help from the police can be obtained by calling No. 112 (police officers, especially those in the street, do not always speak French or English.)

Excessive speeds, careless driving, the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles, the incidence of pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on the roads, and the lack of streetlights pose hazards. Avoid travel at night. Dirt roads, particularly the Gisenyi-Kibuye-Cyangugu road, are treacherous. Consider using four-wheel-drive vehicles. Police may stop travellers at roadblocks and search vehicles and luggage.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Shared taxis (mini-vans), the most common form of public transportation, can be dangerous due to overloaded vehicles and reckless driving. There is no rail network in operation.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Seismic activity is unpredictable and infrequent, but the possibility of earthquakes exists. Conditions in the mountains can be mild, but frost and snow are also possible. Volcanic eruptions have been known to happen in

Rwanda

and surrounding countries.

During the two rainy seasons (February to May and September to December), intense thunderstorms are frequent. Roads may become impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for drug-related offences are severe.

Photography of government buildings is prohibited. Avoid taking photographs in border areas as well.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Rwanda - KIGALI, Embassy of Canada
Address: 1534 Akagera Street, Kigali, Rwanda
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1177, Kigali, Rwanda
Tel.: 250 (5) 73210
Fax: 250 (5) 72719
E-mail: kgali@international.gc.ca

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Rwanda. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621 , Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366 3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366 3900
E-mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Kigali and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Rwandan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on May 1, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of The Republic of Rwanda and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Rwanda. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from the country.

Canadians wishing to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo may not be permitted into that country if their passport contains visas or entry/exit stamps from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, or Zimbabwe.

Tourist Visa: not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Transit Visa: not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Official Visa: not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Diplomatic Visa: required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Only the large hotels accept credit cards. It is best to check with the establishment beforehand. Credit cards are not accepted anywhere else. Other expenses are handled in cash. Only commercial banks cash traveller's cheques.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Rwanda (capital: Kigali) is located in central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The official languages are French, English, and Kinyarwanda. Tourist facilities are adequate in Kigali and major towns but limited in remote areas.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. At this time, meningitis outbreaks have been reported in Rwanda. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are poor and qualified personnel are scarce.

Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies of bottled water, food and vitamins. Clean water is sparse and all water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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