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Rwanda Travel Health Guide

High risk

Rwanda carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Rwanda. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

Overall risk

High risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure all your routine vaccines are current, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.

Recommended

Measles

Measles cases are increasing worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Rwanda, especially if staying with locals or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.

Recommended

Cholera

Cholera vaccination may be considered if traveling to Western Province where there has been recent transmission. Cholera is rare in travelers.

Situational

Monkeypox

Monkeypox vaccination is recommended if you plan certain high-risk sexual activities. Get your first shot at least 6 weeks before travel.

Situational

Rabies

Consider rabies vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabid dogs are common in Rwanda and treatment may only be available in larger cities.

Situational

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is generally not recommended for Rwanda travel, but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists throughout Rwanda. Take prescription antimalarial medication as recommended by your doctor. Start taking it before your trip and continue during and after travel.

Emergency numbers

Police

112

Medical / Ambulance

912

Fire

112

U.S. Embassy

+250-252-596-400

Rwanda travel health FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel to Rwanda?▼

For travel to Rwanda, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Cholera, Monkeypox, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Is there malaria in Rwanda?▼

Yes — malaria is present in Rwanda. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.

Is it safe to travel to Rwanda?▼

From a travel-health standpoint, Rwanda is currently rated high risk. Rwanda carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Rwanda. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

What are the emergency phone numbers in Rwanda?▼

Key emergency numbers in Rwanda are Police 112, Medical / Ambulance 912, Fire 112 and U.S. Embassy +250-252-596-400. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.