Travel Vaccines and Advice for Rwanda
Despite the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has a growing population and booming tourism trade.
The growing nation provides the opportunity to see mountain gorillas, bamboo forests and amazing volcanoes.
Rwanda is a must-visit for Africa-bound travellers.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Rwanda?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Rwanda
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Rwanda?
What Is the Climate Like in Rwanda?
How Safe Is Rwanda?
Genocide Memorial in Rwanda
What Should I Pack for Rwanda?
Canadian Embassy in Rwanda
Do I Need Vaccines for Rwanda?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Rwanda. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Rwanda: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, meningitis, influenza, pneumonia, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Rwanda |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Rwanda |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Yellow Fever – To shield against yellow fever, travellers should prioritize vaccination, as it offers robust and durable immunity. The vaccine is recommended for those visiting endemic areas, ensuring their safety by reducing the risk of contracting the virus from infected mosquitoes.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Malaria in Rwanda
Malaria is present in all regions of Rwanda. Travellers are advised to take antimalarials no matter their destination or itinerary in the country. Malaria in Rwanda is chloroquine resistant, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial is best for your trip.
Malaria is endemic in Rwanda. Antimalarials are the best protection against infection. Be sure to use mosquito repellents as a second barrier against the disease.
Medical facilities are common throughout Rwanda, with the best services provided in Kigali. Some medicines and prescriptions may be hard to find here.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Rwanda
Prevent Bug Bites in Rwanda
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Rwanda
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travellers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Altitude Sickness in Rwanda
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), stems from inadequate oxygen at high elevations, causing symptoms like headaches and nausea. Preventing AMS involves gradual ascent, hydration, and potential medication use. Should AMS symptoms develop, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest, and medical evaluation are essential for recovery and safety.
Infections To Be Aware of in Rwanda
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms, is prevalent in areas with contaminated freshwater sources. Prevention involves staying out of potentially infected waters and using protective clothing. Recognizing symptoms such as fever and seeking medical help promptly is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Rwanda?
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected departure date from the country. A visa is required for all business and tourism purposes. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days but if you plan on staying longer than that you must seek another class of visa before your visa expires. A business visa is valid for 90 days but may be extended once.
Rwanda Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Rwanda? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Rwanda and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Rwanda?
Rwanda’s weather is tropical and doesn’t change much throughout the year. The temperature is usually warm, but it can be cooler in some areas due to the high altitude. The weather in Rwanda’s most popular tourist destinations varies slightly. Kigali has a temperate climate with two rainy seasons, from March to May and October to December.
Volcanoes National Park has cooler weather due to its high altitude and rainy seasons in March to May and October to November. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a rainforest with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees and rainy seasons from September to May. Lake Kivu is a popular tourist destination with a tropical climate, and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees throughout the year.
It’s important to note that weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to check the forecast before going on a trip.
How Safe Is Rwanda?
Travellers should be cautious around border areas. An armed militant group (The Democratic Forces of the Liberation of Rwanda) operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are near the border. Rape, pillaging and kidnapping can occur in the North and South Kivu provinces.
Also be cautious at Volcanoes National Park, for DRC militant groups also operate on the DRC border, though sometimes the borders are not marked.
The most common crimes that are reported are robbery. Don’t display cash, avoid walking at night, and drive with your doors and windows locked.
Genocide Memorial in Rwanda
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
In 1994, one million Tutsis and Hutus were murdered in the span of 100 days by the Interahamwe. A memorial to the victims of this genocide can is in the capital city of Kigali.
The memorial honors the 250,000 victims that were buried in a mass grave where the memorial is now placed. The memorial tells the history of colonization in Rwanda and the events that led up to the genocide. A particular section of the memorial is dedicated to the murdered children. The section showcases children’s stories using life-sized photographs and biographies of the children. The memorial also calls for justice through the court system.
This memorial not only remembers the genocide that occurred in Rwanda, but also takes a look at other genocides that have occurred throughout the world.
What Should I Pack for Rwanda?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Rwanda:
- Bring light layers of clothing. It can be hot during the day, but it can get cooler at night.
- Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen is available here, but it may be quite expensive.
- Insect repellent and mosquito nets are important to have. Practice all precautions against mosquito bites to avoid malaria and zika.
- Comfortable walking shoes make exploring much easier. Roads can be muddy and uneven. Simple sandals won’t cut it.
Canadian Embassy in Rwanda
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Rwanda, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Canadian Embassy Kigali
59, KN16 Ave, Kiyovu,
Kigali, Rwanda
Telephone: + 250 252 554 800
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Rwanda
“Good knowledge of Rwanda and what is required for travel there. Very professional.”
“The staff person at passport health that helped me was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and kind-hearted. I was extremely pleased with my visit, and was impressed with the staff member’s willingness to go the extra mile to make sure all my questions were answered about Rwanda and that I felt comfortable. Thank you!”
“My fiance and I had a really great experience at the Etobicoke Passport Health office. Our doctor was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable! She didn’t push anything on us and was there to answer any questions we had about Rwanda. The vaccinations I received were administered very gently to the point that I almost couldn’t tell the needle was in. All in all a very enjoyable experience and our doctor went above and beyond to make sure we will be well equipped for our travels.”
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