Rwanda travel advice

In March 2010, two grenades were thrown in separate attacks in the Kimironko and Kinamba areas of Kigali - 16 people were wounded. In February 2010, there were three grenades thrown in separate incidents in Kigali. There have been grenade attacks previously in Kigali and other provincial towns. It is not clear what the motivation for the attacks may have been. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant.

Travellers are advised against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, and against all travel to Eastern DRC except for Goma and Bukavu, and against all but essential travel to Goma and Bukavu. This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC's Kivu provinces and ongoing instability in Eastern Congo.

Travellers are also advised against all but essential travel to the rural border areas of Burundi. The security situation in Burundi has improved but banditry remains a problem.

Rwanda is generally safe but there have been recent incidents of street crime. You should exercise caution at night.

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel