Travel alerts & warnings
Rwanda driving guide.
Rwanda’s main paved roads are generally good, but winding hills, pedestrians and motorcycle taxis demand attentive driving. Rural access roads can be steep or muddy, so allow extra time and consider a high-clearance vehicle for remote routes.
- Advisory
- Reconsider travel
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- June to September…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelin Rwanda due to crime, unrest and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Rwanda due to the Health situation.
- Health
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- Crime
- Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.
Driving there
Your permit in Rwanda
- Rwanda honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Rwanda
Road rules and mountain driving
Wear seat belts and do not use a handheld phone while driving. Keep well back from cyclists and motorcycle taxis, avoid overtaking on blind bends, and use a low gear on long descents. Avoid rural driving after dark.
Tolls and other charges
Rwanda has no general toll-road network. Budget separately for parking, national park admission and any vehicle-entry charges; these are not road tolls.
Fuel availability
Petrol and diesel are readily available in Kigali and larger towns, but stations are less frequent on remote routes. Fill up before entering Akagera or crossing Nyungwe, carry Rwandan francs for payment, and confirm your rental’s fuel type.
Speed limits and cameras
Follow posted limits rather than assuming one limit applies nationwide; 40 km/h restrictions are common in built-up areas. Automated speed enforcement is widespread, and rental companies may pass fines on to drivers.
Rental documents and police checks
Carry your original driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit, identification, rental agreement and the vehicle’s registration and insurance documents. Stop when directed at police checks. Confirm rental age requirements, unpaved-road coverage and cross-border permission before departure.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Rwanda
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Gisozi, Kigali · About 15–30 minutes from central Kigali, depending on traffic.
A deeply moving memorial and essential introduction to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi; allow time for a respectful, unhurried visit.
Volcanoes National Park
Kinigi, Northern Province · About 25–40 minutes from Musanze to the Kinigi park headquarters; trailhead transfers take additional time.
Volcanic scenery, gorilla trekking and golden-monkey encounters; reserve trekking permits in advance and confirm the early reporting time.
Akagera National Park
Eastern Province · About 2.5–3.5 hours from Kigali to the southern entrance, before any game driving.
Savannah wildlife drives and lake scenery, with opportunities to see elephants, giraffes and other large mammals; a 4WD is strongly recommended.
Nyungwe National Park
Southwestern Rwanda · About 1.5–2 hours from Rusizi to Uwinka Visitor Centre on the winding paved road.
Montane rainforest, hiking trails and the canopy walkway; book guided activities and expect rain even during drier months.
Lake Kivu Waterfront
Rubavu, Western Province · About 5–15 minutes from central Rubavu to the main waterfront.
Lakeside promenades, beaches and boat outings make a relaxed stop after mountain driving; check current border-area travel advice.
King’s Palace Museum
Nyanza, Southern Province · About 45–60 minutes from Huye.
A reconstructed royal residence and long-horned Inyambo cattle offer an accessible introduction to Rwanda’s monarchy and traditions.
Heading to Rwanda?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.