Rwanda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP) for travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from endemic countries. As of September 2026, no Covid-19 test or vaccine is required for entry, though proof of full vaccination is mandatory for travellers aged 12+ departing Rwanda by air. UK health authorities also recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccinations. No malaria vaccine exists, so antimalarial medication is essential for most of the country. Verify requirements at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/rwanda or call RBC helpline 114 (24/7). Book a travel clinic appointment 4 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow time for multi-dose schedules.
Last reviewed: 12 September 2026. Information verified against GOV.UK, TravelHealthPro, and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (rbc.gov.rw).
Yellow Fever Certificate & Rwanda Entry Vaccination Rules
Rwanda entry vaccination rules mandate an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for all travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Key endemic countries triggering this requirement include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. The ICVP is valid for life since the 2016 WHO amendment, not 10 years as older guidance stated.
Rwanda’s eVisa application portal (iremit.rbc.gov.rw) does not require uploading the ICVP; the certificate is inspected at the border on arrival. At Kigali International Airport, RBC staff check the ICVP at passport control. Keep the yellow card in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. Travellers without valid proof face denied entry.
Pre-departure timeline:
6-8 weeks before
Book a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre appointment
4-6 weeks before
Receive first vaccine doses
2-4 weeks before
Apply for eVisa at iremit.rbc.gov.rw
1 week before
Verify all health documents match passport details
Departure day
Carry ICVP + passport + eVisa confirmation
Exemptions from Rwanda vaccination requirements: infants under 1 year are exempt from the yellow fever certificate requirement. Medical exemptions require a formal doctor’s letter citing the contraindication.
How to Get Your Yellow Fever Certificate (ICVP)
Rwanda vaccination requirements specify that the ICVP must be issued on the WHO-standard yellow card at a registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. In the UK, use the NaTHNaC clinic finder at to locate the nearest centre. The card is issued the same day the vaccine is administered. If lost, contact the original vaccination centre for reissue and carry a photocopy separately.
Covid-19 Rules & Recommended Vaccinations for Rwanda (2026)
As of September 2026, no Covid-19 test or vaccine is required for entry to Rwanda. However, proof of full vaccination is required for travellers aged 12+ departing Rwanda by air; for ages 18+, this means 2 primary doses plus 1 booster. Verify at rbc.gov.rw or call 114 (24/7).
Beyond Covid-19, Rwanda vaccination requirements strongly recommend the following immunisations for UK travellers:
| Vaccine | Doses | UK Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 1 + booster at 6 to 12 months | Free on NHS |
| Hepatitis B | 3 (0, 1, 6 months) | Free (some cases) |
| Typhoid | 1 injection | Free on NHS |
| Rabies (PrEP) | 3 (days 0, 7, 21 to 28) | £60 to £85 per dose |
| Meningococcal | 1 | Private |
| Cholera (oral) | 2 (days 0 to 7) | Free on NHS |
Rabies PrEP is critical for gorilla trekking due to limited post-exposure treatment in rural areas. Routine immunisations (MMR, DTP booster every 10 years, Polio) should also be up to date before departure.
Malaria, Other Health Risks & Gorilla Trekking Health Screening
Rwanda vaccination requirements do not include a malaria vaccine, because none currently exists. UK travellers must rely on antimalarial medication and mosquito-bite avoidance. Recommended drugs include Atovaquone-proguanil, Doxycycline, and Mefloquine (Lariam). Note: 250 mg Mefloquine tablets are in shortage in the UK as of 09 September 2026 (source: TravelHealthPro).
Malaria risk varies by elevation: the eastern lowlands carry high risk year-round, Kigali at 1,567 m presents lower risk, and risk decreases significantly above 2,000 m. Peak transmission seasons are March-May and October-November.
| Drug | Regimen | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atovaquone-proguanil | Daily, start 1-2 days before | Most commonly prescribed in UK |
| Doxycycline | Daily, start 1-2 days before | Photosensitivity risk; not for pregnant women |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) | Weekly, start 2-3 weeks before | UK shortage (Sep 2026); psychiatric side effects possible |
Freshwater exposure around Lake Kivu carries schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) risk. Symptoms appear 2-12 weeks post-exposure; treatment is Praziquantel. Avoid swimming in untreated freshwater. Zika virus has no vaccine; pregnant women with symptoms should seek medical advice.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) screens all gorilla trekkers for respiratory symptoms (cough, sneezing, fever). Disqualified visitors receive no refund on permits costing approximately $1,500 USD (around £1,200) per person. Complete all vaccines at least 2 weeks before your trekking date to avoid post-vaccination flu-like reactions being mistaken for disqualifying illness.
Getting Vaccinated in the UK: Costs, Clinics & Medication Rules
Complete all jabs 4-8 weeks before departure; multi-dose vaccines (Hepatitis B, Rabies) require the earliest start. The NHS provides free Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Cholera vaccinations; Yellow Fever costs £50-£90 privately (£82 at Superdrug, plus a £20 consultation fee), and Rabies costs £60-£85 per dose.
| UK Clinic | Key Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Superdrug Health Clinic | 90+ stores nationwide; nurse appointments | 0333 311 1007 |
| Nomad Travel | Yellow Fever Centre registered; same-day appointments | 01341 555 061 |
| Passport Health | 300+ global locations including UK | – |
Rwanda vaccination requirements also extend to medication import rules: carry prescription drugs in original pharmacy packaging with a doctor’s letter on letterhead, and declare controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol) at customs. Medical evacuation without insurance costs $50,000-$250,000; ensure minimum £2 million cover and confirm your policy does not exclude adventure activities such as gorilla trekking. For additional guidance, the CDC Travelers’ Health page for Rwanda (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/rwanda) provides parallel requirements. TravelHealthPro advice line: 020 7383 7474.
Important: Travel health requirements can change without notice. The information above reflects the situation as of 12 September 2026. Always verify current requirements by calling the RBC helpline at 114 (+250 788 202 080) within 72 hours of your departure.
Disclosure: Clinic recommendations are based solely on NaTHNaC registration and yellow fever service availability. No financial relationship with listed clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Vaccination Requirements
Are there any vaccination requirements for Rwanda?
Yes, a yellow fever certificate (ICVP) is required for travellers 1+ from endemic countries; valid for life. Other vaccines are recommended but not mandatory.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Rwanda from the UK?
If arriving directly from the UK, a yellow fever certificate is not required. However, if transiting through an endemic country (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda), the certificate becomes mandatory.
What are the current Covid-19 entry rules for Rwanda in 2026?
As of September 2026, no Covid-19 vaccination or test is required for entry. However, proof of full vaccination is required for travellers aged 12+ departing Rwanda by air.
How long is a yellow fever vaccination certificate valid for Rwanda?
The ICVP is valid for life since the 2016 WHO amendment. No booster dose is required. Carry the WHO-standard yellow card with your passport at all times.
What routine vaccinations are recommended before travelling to Rwanda?
UK health authorities recommend ensuring MMR (2 doses), DTP/tetanus (booster every 10 years), and Polio are up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are free on the NHS.
Are there any exemptions from vaccination requirements in Rwanda?
Infants under 1 year are exempt from the yellow fever certificate. Medical exemptions require a formal doctor’s letter citing the contraindication. Pregnant women should consult their GP.
Do transit passengers need a yellow fever certificate for Rwanda?
Yes, if transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo), the ICVP is mandatory for entry into Rwanda, even for brief transits.
Is malaria prophylaxis required for travel to Rwanda?
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended but not a legal entry requirement. No malaria vaccine exists. Take Atovaquone-proguanil, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine (note: 250mg Mefloquine is in UK shortage as of 09 September 2026).
Can I swim in Lake Kivu without health risks?
Freshwater swimming in Lake Kivu carries schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) risk. Symptoms appear 2 to 12 weeks post-exposure. No vaccine is available; treatment is Praziquantel. Avoid untreated freshwater.
Do I need a health screening for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Yes. The Rwanda Development Board screens all gorilla trekkers for respiratory symptoms. Visitors with cough, sneezing, or fever are turned away with no refund on permits ($1,500 USD / around £1,200).
What is the best time to get vaccinations before travelling to Rwanda?
Book a travel clinic appointment 4 to 8 weeks before departure. Multi-dose vaccines (Hepatitis B, Rabies) require the earliest start. Complete all doses at least 2 weeks before gorilla trekking.
How much do travel vaccinations cost in the UK?
The NHS provides free Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Cholera. Yellow Fever costs £50 to £90 privately (£82 at Superdrug plus £20 consultation). Rabies costs £60 to £85 per dose.
