Rwanda Tightens Ebola Controls at Borders and Kigali International Airport
Kigali, Rwanda – May 22, 2026-The Rwandan Ministry of Health has rolled out stricter Ebola prevention measures at all points of entry, including Kigali International Airport, in response to the ongoing outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In an official notice issued today, the Ministry confirmed there is currently no case of Ebola in Rwanda, while emphasizing proactive steps to safeguard public health.
New Entry Restrictions
Effective immediately, enhanced entry control measures are in place at Kigali International Airport and land borders with the DRC. These include reinforced health screening, temperature checks, symptom assessment, and detailed travel history verification for all inbound travelers.
Key restrictions announced include:
- All foreign nationals who have travelled to, or transited through, the DRC within the last thirty (30) days will be denied entry into Rwanda.
- Rwandan nationals and foreign residents with valid proof of residency will be allowed entry. However, those who have travelled to or transited through the DRC in the same 30-day period will undergo mandatory quarantine in accordance with public health protocols.
The Ministry stated that these measures form part of Rwanda’s “ongoing precautionary measures to protect public health, further strengthen preparedness, early detection and rapid response capacity.”
Reassurance to Public and Visitors
Despite the tightened controls, the government is keen to stress that daily life and economic activities remain unaffected. The official notice clarifies that “all activities within Rwanda continue as usual, including conferences, events, tourism, business, and travel within Rwanda.”
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Visitors and residents are encouraged to proceed with their planned activities while observing standard hygiene practices and adhering to official public health guidance.
Rwanda has a strong history of effectively managing viral outbreaks, including the swift containment of the Marburg virus in 2024, thanks to its robust surveillance systems and rapid response capabilities.
Call for Vigilance
The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the World Health Organization and other regional and international partners.
The public is urged to remain alert to symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding, and to report any suspected cases immediately.
For health information or to report symptoms, the public is encouraged to contact the Rwanda Biomedical Centre hotline: 114.
Rwanda remains open, safe, and well-prepared. The enhanced measures at Kigali International Airport and borders demonstrate the country’s commitment to preventing any potential spread while maintaining normal operations and connectivity.
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