This archive report was first published on 7 January 2022.
On Friday, Rwanda's government announced a reduction in quarantine time for travellers from three days to 24 hours, citing a review of Covid-19 measures.
Previously, passengers were required to take a PCR test 72 hours before travelling to Rwanda, take another test on arrival, and quarantine for three days at their own cost.
However, tourists visiting national parks are exempted from the quarantine but are required to take rapid tests every day of their visit.
The announcement by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirenge emphasized that the updated guidelines aim to curb the continued increase of Covid-19 cases.
As part of the new measures, clients in bars, restaurants, and public transportation must be fully vaccinated.
According to the notice, 'all citizens and Rwandan residents are urged to get fully vaccinated and when eligible, get a booster shot. Vaccination increases protection against infection, serious illness, and hospitalisation caused by Covid-19. The public is urged to test frequently and work remotely.'
The 10pm-4am curfew has been maintained, and weddings, meetings, and churches are allowed with a limited number of attendants.
Additionally, vaccine mandates now apply to all public services, and penalties for violating Covid rules include paying fines and closure of businesses for a maximum of three months.
Rwanda has seen a spike in Covid-19 infections since early December, attributed to the new fast-spreading variant Omicron and violation of Covid-19 rules, especially during the festive season.
