Kigali International Airport Rwanda Opens Up for Commercial Flights
Rwanda has finally opened Kigali international Airport for commercial flights after over 4 months of lock-down. Rwanda closed all its borders on 20th March 2019 due to on going Corona virus disease pandemic. The Virus was spreading worldwide prompting all governments to shut down all the economies.
Individuals allowed to fly into the country have been Rwandan citizens and residents repatriated from countries they had been stranded. Cargo has also been allowed into the country as this involves transportation of essential goods and supplies needed in the country.
As Corona Virus cases kept on increasing, government became more strict to prevent spread of the deadly disease. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda came up with safety guidelines to ensure protection of everyone in Rwanda. After these guidelines were proved to guarantee safety, Rwanda started opening up tourism slowly starting with a few tourist activities.
Safety Guidelines to be followed
Tourism activities were opened in June and at that time international travelers were allowed if they came by charter flights. Since few people travel by charter, the Ministry of Health developed more guidelines to allow commercial international flights to resume. It was then decided that Kigali International Airport would take in commercial flights from 1st August 2020.
Guidelines to follow by travelers include showing negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours of arrival in Rwanda. Ensure to fill a passenger Location form prior arrival to Kigali International Airport. On arrival one is required to take another test and stay 24 hours in designated hotels waiting for the results.
Accommodation at designated hotels is at own cost and you will be allowed on tour if you test Negative.
Note that there are measures to be followed including curfew between 21:00 to 05:00 hours Rwanda Local time. These measures change depending on the situation at hand therefore travelers to Rwanda should bear that in mind. These measures could be adjusted at a short notice especially for those travelers coming from countries highly affected by COVID19.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
You will still observe the Standard Operation Procedures of social distancing, use of masks, hand sanitisers and avoiding crowds. This is to ensure safety of tourists and local Rwandan people in the country who have been enduring lock-down.
Always remember to wash your hands with soap and clean water or use of a hand sanitiser to keep clean. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing the tissue right away. Report or call emergency services in-case you experience symptoms like difficulty in breathing, high fevers, coughs, or any respiratory diseases.
Rwanda is a home to wildlife species including mountain gorillas and one of the best places to meet these primates. There are Savanna wildlife species in Akagera national park where you can enjoy game drives and scenic views. Stay safe if you want to enjoy your visit to this beautiful country during these corona virus disease times.
