Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against

• The whole country is under heightened vigilance. Take care near the Congolese border (the three-borders area, Goma): the Gisenyi-Goma and Cyangugu-Bukavu crossings open in daytime and may close without notice. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Rusizi district within 10 km of the DRC, including the Lake Kivu islands and Kamembe airport. Take care near Burundi too.

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• Visit Volcanoes park and Nyungwe forest with a guide, on organised tours, without leaving the trails. Hiking in the Virunga (2,400 to 4,500 m) requires good fitness.

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Crime

• Crime is low; watch out for pickpockets in shopping streets and burglaries in Kigali. Leave your passport and valuables in a safe and do not walk alone at night in poorly lit streets.

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On the road

• Road accidents are the main risk: unlit roads outside Kigali, slow emergency response. Do not drive at night outside Kigali, prefer car taxis to motorbike taxis and use only licensed taxis (orange stripe at the airport, yellow in town). Seat belts are mandatory, phones at the wheel banned, checks frequent; a French licence is enough.

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Sea, climate and natural hazards

• Heavy rain from September to December and March to late May: floods, landslides and impassable tracks.

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• Emergency numbers

  Police and ambulance: 112; medical assistance 912.

  112912

  GOV.UK (FCDO), Rwanda travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Rwanda· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of France in Rwanda

  Passport: France

  French embassy in Kigali.

  3 KN 33 St, BP 441, Kigali+250 722 152 766

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Rwanda, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026