Canadians are strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid large crowds. In recent years, a number of grenade attacks have taken place throughout the country, particularly in Kigali and the Southern Province. The attacks usually occur at nightfall and take place at busy locations such as bus stations. On January 3, 2012, a grenade explosion killed two people and injured several others at Marembo Center in the Gasabo District of Kigali. On January 24, 2012, a grenade attack wounded 10 people in the town of Gitarama in the Muhanga district.
Pickpocketing and petty crimes take place.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the rural areas bordering Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu – because of possible incursions by various rebel army groups.
The presence and movement of Rwandan refugees returning from neighbouring countries may cause tensions in rural areas. Although significant progress has been made in promoting national reconciliation, the security situation in these rural areas remains fragile. No violent incidents have been reported recently in the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu, near the border with the DRC, or in the town of Butare, near the border with Burundi.
The Rwanda-DRC border could be closed without notice.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.
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There was a confirmed grenade attack along a main road in the town of Gitarama on the evening of 24 January. Approximately 14 people were injured.
We advise against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu. We advise against all travel to Eastern DRC except for Goma and Bukavu. We advise against all but essential travel to Goma and Bukavu. This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC’s Kivu provinces and ongoing instability in Eastern Congo. Please see the Local Travel section for advice on gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
We advise against all but essential travel to the rural border areas of Burundi. See Burundi Travel Advice if you are planning to visit Burundi.
Crime levels are relatively low but there have been recent incidents of street crime. You should exercise caution at night.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
Safety and security
Safety and Security – Grenade Attacks
The Rwandan Police have confirmed a grenade attack in Gitarama on 24 January. There were approximately 14 casualties but no deaths. Police are investigating and it has been reported that two suspects have been arrested.
There have been previous reports of random grenade attacks, resulting in fatalities and injuries. These include one in 2012: on 3 January in the Gasabo District of Kagali in which two people were killed and 18 injured. There were three in 2011: in January and March in Kigali in Rusizi town in the Western Province in July People have been arrested and convicted but it remains unclear who is behind these attacks and we advise travellers to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK.
Safety and Security – Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
See our Terrorism Abroad.
Safety and Security – Crime
Levels of crime remain relatively low in Rwanda. There has, however, been an increase in reports of bag snatching and mugging incidents targeting expatriates and tourists.
You should take sensible precautions i.e. exercise caution when walking at night, arrange transport, do not carry large amounts of money and do not leave cars unsupervised in the town centre. Take care who you talk to, who you invite to your home or hotel and who you hire as a taxi driver just as you would in UK.
See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Safety and Security – Local Travel
Areas bordering Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
We advise against all travel to the rural border areas with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), except to the towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu. This is because of the risk of cross-border incursions by armed guerrillas operating from DRC’s Kivu provinces and the ongoing trouble in Eastern Congo where there is a UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, operating and the presence of various rebel groups. The visa requirements at the border between DRC and Rwanda have changed. Please see DRC Travel Advice for more details. Please monitor FCO’s Travel Advice section for any updates.
The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a “time”, yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine
India is a vast country with the Himalayan Range forming its northern boundary. Its climate and geography are complex, so when considering your tour you need to plan carefully where to go, when to go and what your budget is.