Rwanda Health & Vaccinations
Everything you need to know about staying healthy during your trip to Rwanda. Vaccinations, malaria prevention, healthcare, and essential health tips.
Malaria Risk
Yes - Take Precautions
Tap Water
Not Safe
Healthcare Quality
Rwanda has invested heavily in healthcare and has a well-functioning health system for a developing country. King Faisal Hospital in Kigali is the best-equipped facility. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is still essential for remote trekking areas.
Required Vaccines
1
Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for travelers arriving directly from non-endemic countries. Carry your certificate regardless to avoid complications.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (especially if visiting remote areas or trekking)
- Meningitis
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in Rwanda. Take preventive measures seriously.
High-Risk Areas
- • Akagera National Park
- • Eastern lowlands
- • Lake Kivu shoreline
Low-Risk Areas
- • Kigali (high altitude, lower risk)
- • Musanze and highland areas
Common Antimalarial Medications
Consult your doctor to choose the right medication for you. Start taking it before arrival as directed.
Prevention Tips
- •Use DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30% DEET)
- •Sleep under mosquito nets (treated nets are best)
- •Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
- •Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms
- •Take antimalarial medication as prescribed
Water & Food Safety
Tap Water
Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Rwanda. Always drink bottled or purified water.
- •Drink only bottled water (check seal is intact)
- •Avoid ice in drinks unless from a trusted source
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- •Consider a water purification bottle or tablets
Food Safety Tips
- •Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
- •Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you trust the source
- •Eat fruits you can peel yourself
- •Ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked
- •Carry hand sanitizer and use before eating
Healthcare in Rwanda
Rwanda has invested heavily in healthcare and has a well-functioning health system for a developing country. King Faisal Hospital in Kigali is the best-equipped facility. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is still essential for remote trekking areas.
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in major cities offer good care and are recommended for tourists. Public hospitals may have long waits and limited resources.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Rwanda. Healthcare costs can be expensive, and medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
Medical Coverage
Minimum $100,000 recommended
Medical Evacuation
Essential for remote safari areas
Trip Cancellation
Protects your investment
Health Essentials to Pack
Emergency Contacts
Emergency/Ambulance
912
Police
112
Fire
111
Tourist Police
+250 788 311 155