Rwanda Reopens Tourism Amidst Covid-19

Rwanda reopens tourism amidst Covid-19 as per official Rwanda Development Board communication on June 17th 2020. Both domestic and international tourists are allowed to visit various Rwanda tourist destinations for primate tourism, wildlife viewing among so many others. Rwanda reopens tourism amidst Covid-19 after all tourist activities were put on hold at the time when the Coronavirus disease was first reported in Rwanda. All Rwanda national parks and tourist sites were closed for about 3 months straight so as to contain the spread of the Coronavirus disease. Rwanda reopened tourism amidst Covid-19 to both domestic and international tourists. International tourists are expected to have chartered planes to get into the country.

It should be clearly noted that only chartered international flights with occupants specifically coming to take part in tourism are allowed into the country and not the general opening of Kigali International Airport to allow passenger planes. The airport is still under lockdown and so are all the borders.

Rwanda reopens tourism amidst Covid-19 and it is in the bid to encourage travellers to take part in tourism. Following 3 months of tourism suspension, the Rwanda tourism industry has been negatively impacted as is in many other countries. To revive tourism in the country in the midst of the pandemic, special tourism packages for tourists have been developed and the Rwanda Development Board came up with discounted Rwanda gorilla permits. Rwanda gorilla permits have been at $1500 for all tourists interested in taking part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Currently, the Rwanda Development Board allowed discounts of gorilla permits for Rwandans and East African residents to $200 only from a whole $1500, and $500 for Foreign residents in Rwanda. The gorilla permit cost for foreign non-residents will continue to be at $1,500. The discounted Rwanda gorilla permit price is only up until December 2020.

Having Rwanda reopen tourism amidst Covid-19 global pandemic comes with a number of guidelines expected to be followed at all times to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease.

Visitors travelling by charter flights, that is, individuals and groups, will be welcomed to country and expected to test negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park are required to test negative 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. Results are expected to be presented at the parks’ reception
All visitors are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters away from the primates whilst gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park

A private test centre has been set up at Petit Stade and Amahoro National Stadium only and one requires an appointment prior to the visit.

With Rwanda reopening tourism amidst Covid-19 pandemic, travellers should be reassured that their safety and wellbeing is a priority to the Rwanda Development Board. All the necessary standard operating procedures are in place and are expected to be followed by both the tourists and all other stakeholders. Travellers are encouraged to utilise this rear opportunity to visit Rwanda.