Commercial Flights to reopen in Rwanda amid Covid-19
Commercial flights to reopen in Rwanda in August 1st 2020, this came after the Ministry of Infrastructure announced that airports, including Kigali International Airport (KGL). Rwanda closed its international borders on March 20 including suspending all incoming and outgoing commercial passenger flights due to the Corona-Virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, only allowing cargo and emergency flights to operate including repatriation of Rwandan citizens and residents. The government reopened tourism activities in June, and international travelers have since been allowed to arrive on charter flights. This came as other announcement to reopen commercial flights in Rwanda amid Covid 19 to increase on support of international tourism.Book Now
Rwanda Aircraft at Kigali International Airport.
The Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for reopening tourism that must be followed upon the resumption of commercial flights to open in Rwanda. All passengers, including those in transit, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of arrival in Rwanda, and those staying in Rwanda will have to take a second test upon arrival and stay in designated hotels at their own cost until the result is confirmed. They will also have to fill out a Passenger Location Form prior to arrival. Hand sanitizers, social distancing, and other measures will be in place at airports. It has not been confirmed if land borders will also reopen alongside the resumption of commercial flights to reopen in Rwanda.
Although the government announced commercial flights to reopen in Rwanda on 4th July, restrictions on movement will remain in place nationwide till further noticed. A curfew is in effect between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time), during which movement is prohibited without government permission. Movement is currently limited to accessing essential or medical services or to carry out essential work. Public and private transport between provinces was permitted from June 3, with the exception of Rusuzi and Rubavu districts.
The wearing of face masks in public is mandatory. Some public sector and private businesses have been permitted to resume under strict conditions and only using essential staff. Hotels and restaurants can operate but must be closed at 19:00. Individual sporting activity is allowed in open spaces, but facilities, gyms, and recreation centers remain closed. All bars, schools, universities, and places of worship remain closed. Meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited. As we wait commercial flights to reopen in Rwanda in August, we promise to give updates on new guidelines and changes that the government we raise up.
Domestic tourism in Rwanda is now ongoing with both Rwandans and foreign resident living in Rwanda allowed to track Rwanda gorillas and visiting other parks including Nyungwe Forest and Akagera wildlife park after taking a Covid test and one has to be negative to proceed. The Covid test must be take in 48 hrs prior to meeting mountain gorillas.
