Rwanda reopens for domestic and international tourism!

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which promotes tourism and investment for Rwanda, yesterday (17 June 2020) announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for charter flights, effective 17 June 2020. Rwanda introduced specific precautionary measures, sidelined by robust health and safety guidelines, to create a safe environment for travelers and operators during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In cooperation with the country'S private sector, the RDB is offering all-inclusive tourism packages for Rwandans and foreign residents. These packages have been designed to showcase the Rwanda's leisure and recreational experiences.

Promotional offers are available until 31 December 2020 in Rwanda's National Parks:

• Gorilla permits are now available for USD 200 for Rwandans & East African Community (EAC; Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) nationals residing in Rwanda, and USD 500 for foreign residents.
• Special packages are available for groups, families and corporates on other products in Volcanoes National Parks and Nyungwe National Park.

Specific precautionary measures are as follows:

• Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, by appointment only. Other test centers outside Kigali will be communicated as demand grows.
• All visitors travelling by charter flights are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. Tourists will take a second COVID-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction.

Guidelines for re-opening tourism activities during COVID-19 | Official Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Website

The principles and considerations outlined in these guidelines were compiled through reference materials including from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Global Association for Attractions Industry, World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines on COVID-19 prevention.