Both Kenya and Rwanda have been open to international visitors since mid-2020. They have introduced clear and efficient processes to manage COVID protocols. These are seamless and tried and tested, with both our current clients and staff having personally travelled there recently to record first-hand.
Kenya
Open for international travel:
- Yes
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols:
Before you travel
The entry requirements are as follows:
Visas for Kenya can no longer be purchased on arrival and must be arranged in advance via the e-visa platform:
Before arriving in Kenya, passengers are required to submit their COVID-19 test certificates to generate a Trusted Travel (TT) code. Click here to create a TT account, upload PCR test certificates, and generate a TT code.
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is required, obtained no later than 96 hours prior to departure from your home country.
- It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health. The form is found here and must be completed online prior to disembarkation. Please complete and print a copy to have with you BEFORE you arrive. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
On arrival in Nairobi, Kenya:
- Body temperatures must test below 37.5°C (99.5°F) and visitors must have no persistent cough, no difficulty breathing, and no other flu-like symptoms.
- If there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a flight or if the above symptoms are detected, all passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms will be quarantined for testing at designated airport hotels. If the test results are negative, they will be allowed to leave the facility.
- Strict infection prevention and control measures must be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory. Remember to bring a few extra masks.
Mandatory quarantine:
Please note the USA and Canadian citizens are not required to undergo any quarantine provided they do not show any symptoms and have a valid negative PCR covid test upon arrival.
Countries currently allowed to travel to the destination:
All except India
Rwanda
Open for international travel:
- Yes
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols:
Before you travel:
All travellers arriving in Rwanda must have a negative COVID-19 certificate. The only accepted test is a SARS-CoV 2 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) performed within 72 hours of departure (meaning travellers must be tested and get results within 3 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted.
Passengers are also required to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form before arriving in Rwanda here: www.rbc.gov.rw/travel/ The results of the COVID test must be uploaded here.
Mandatory quarantine:
On arrival in Rwanda:
On arrival at the airport in Kigali, you will be met by a representative of RCB (Rwanda Biometric Centre) who checks that you have a negative test. You will then undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test. You will then meet an official who will assist with immigration procedure and luggage and escort you to your authorised transport from where you will be transfer to the designated quarantine hotel. Here you will be quarantine for maximum 24hrs while you await the results. Please note these Covid requirements apply to vaccinated guests as well.
Results which will be sent directly to you by SMS or email by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. If the test result is negative, you will be invited to checkout and continue your journey. Currently the test is taking between 8 to 14hours to get results.
Whilst waiting for your results at your designated hotels you are required to remain in isolation. You are welcome to use electronic devices, can order food and beverages in room while at the hotel but must always respect the privacy of other guests.
If the test is positive, the quarantine period is 14 days minimum. You will be tested every 5 days and will be allowed to leave the quarantine area and travel again after a negative test result is achieved. Guests are not allowed to be quarantined in hotels with common facilities. TAS will assist you with identifying and arranging suitable and comfortable accommodation (house or apartments) that is approved by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Please note this is for your own cost. Guests presenting severe symptoms and requiring medical attention will be admitted to the Covid-19 Treatment Center.
We highly recommend that take out international travel insurance.
Whilst you are traveling:
Wearing a mask is compulsory during gorilla trekking and the number of guests per group has been reduced to 6. You will be briefed on all health and safety procedures at Volcanoes National Park HQ. If guests get a cold/flu and cannot gorilla trek they will be allowed to change their permit date. But a refund is not possible.
Countries allowed to travel to the destination:
All tourists will be allowed to visit Rwanda’s attractions and destinations after testing negative for COVID-19 in two consecutive tests.
The TAS team is available throughout the process to assist with procedures and will keep you updated on any changes that may occur.