Africa
Is Rwanda safe?
L3Reconsider travel
Is Rwanda safe?
Among Africa's safest and best-policed countries; petty crime is low. Avoid the DRC border area and keep clear of political topics.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-05-10.
- Homicide rate: 3.6 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 29.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 111 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Very comfortable for solo women, with low harassment; night transport via apps or moto-taxis is routine in Kigali.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Armed conflict across the border in eastern DRC
- Moto-taxi crashes in Kigali
- Malaria in lowlands and Akagera
- Strict police response to unauthorised protests or drones
Common scams
- Fake gorilla-permit sellers; buy only from Rwanda Development Board or accredited operators
Laws visitors break by accident
- Plastic bags are banned; customs may confiscate them
- Drones and unauthorised photography of officials or military are prohibited
- Umuganda community work on the last Saturday of the month closes streets in the morning
Safety by place in Rwanda
Quick answers
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Among Africa's safest and best-policed countries; petty crime is low. Avoid the DRC border area and keep clear of political topics.
Is Rwanda safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women, with low harassment; night transport via apps or moto-taxis is routine in Kigali.
What is the emergency number in Rwanda?
Police 112 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 111 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
- Visit Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Rwanda
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.