RWANDA GUIDELINES FOR RE-OPENING TOURISM ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19

Guidelines for re-opening tourism activities during COVID-19

I. INTRODUCTION

The principles and considerations outlined in these guidelines were compiled through reference materials including from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Global Association for Attractions Industry, World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines on COVID-19 prevention. The guidelines provide a framework for reopening the tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While all establishments must adhere to general guidelines, specific recommendations cater to each type of tourist facility/product with the aim of ensuring the safe re-opening of businesses.

These guidelines apply to various types of tourism activities, operators, and attractions including national parks, boat riding, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birding, museums, culture, and heritage sites. The guidelines will be updated as the COVID-19 situation evolves, and in conformity with measures from the Rwanda Ministry of Health.

II. RE-OPENING TIMING

Tourism activities across the country will resume effective 17 June 2020.

III. DOMESTIC TOURISM PROMOTION PRICING

The following promotional gorilla trekking prices are inclusive of Covid-19 test cost and will be valid until 31st December 2020 (Subject to availability).

Product Category Price
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Nationals, EAC nationals residing in Rwanda $200
Foreign residents $500
Corporates/Organizations 10% discount on bulk purchases i.e. 30 permits
Families 15% discount for family visits (couples and children over 15 years old)
Tour/Hotel Operator Rates 15% discount for each permit purchased that includes 1 night in accommodation and tourism activity
All other products/experiences in Volcanoes & Nyungwe National Parks (see annex for products) Nationals, Foreign residents, EAC 30% discount on groups of 10 where applicable
Nationals, Foreign residents, EAC 10% for individual travelers
Corporates/Organizations 30% discount on bulk purchases i.e. 30 permits
Families 15% discount for family visits (couple and children)

IV. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISM RE-OPENING

Ensure a safe working environment for all staff and guests with the necessary health and safety measures at all times.

Masks: Ensure the correct use of masks for guests and staff at all times.
Hygiene and sanitation: Provide means to wash/sanitize hands frequently throughout the facility. Sanitize frequently touched public surfaces.
Physical distancing: Manage the density of people within the tourist facility with the physical distancing of at least 1 – 2 meters.
Communicate with employees and guests effectively on prevention, including the use of signage, notices, and internal protocols.
Ensure temperature screening of all incoming guests and alert health authorities on toll-free number 114 in case of an anomaly.
Tourists are required to use cashless transaction methods such as payment by bank transfer in advance of the visit, mobile money, and debit/credit cards.
Only privately managed beaches should be open. Beach management should assign a permanent supervisor to monitor the implementation of guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.
Ensure Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) physical distancing guidelines are respected including an unoccupied seat between each passenger in all tourist vehicles and boats.
Clean and disinfect tourist cars and boats before and after use. Keep 50% occupancy for effective physical distancing.
All staff operating in national parks and accommodation establishments located in touristic areas are expected to be tested every two weeks.
Meetings, workshops, seminars, and events respecting 30% occupancy per meeting room/space are permitted. Meeting venues should mark the sitting arrangement to ensure physical distancing.
Live performances including karaoke of not more than 3 performers are permitted in hotels and restaurants, provided the MoH Covid-19 prevention guidelines are respected.
These guidelines will be implemented alongside other existing rules in National Parks and other attractions.
V. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Visitors traveling by charter flights (individuals and groups) will be welcomed to the country.
Visitors are expected to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Tourists will take a second Covid-19 test prior to visiting any tourist attraction. The following options are available:

Tourists can take the first Covid-19 RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test in the country of origin at an ISO certified laboratory, 72 hours before departure and the second test will be taken upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. They are required to submit the results of the first test to the following address (lab@rbc.gov.rw) before departure and also upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. They will be expected to wait 8 hours for the results of the second test at designated hotels in Rwanda. This is applicable to direct flights only.
Tourists who are not able to test in their country of origin have the option to be tested twice in Rwanda: The first test will be taken upon arrival at Kigali International Airport while the second test will be taken 48 hours after the arrival. Tourists will only be expected to visit tourist sites after two consecutive negative tests and will wait for their results at designated hotels.
Departing visitors will also be offered a COVID-19 test at the airport.
The cost of the COVID-19 test will be included in tour packages.
While in the country, visitors and flight crew members are expected to abide by guidelines of the Health Ministry and specific guidelines for tourists’ attractions including National Parks.
For any emergency, question and/or feedback related to COVID -19, please call toll-free number 114.

VI. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DOMESTIC TOURISTS

Domestic tourists visiting Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks are required to test negative 48 hours prior to visiting these attractions. The results should be presented at the Parks’ reception.
A private test center has been set up at Petit Stade, Amahoro National Stadium. Testing will be done by appointment.
The cost of the Covid-19 test for the domestic market (Rwandans and Foreign Residents) will be included in the parks’ permit prices.
Rwandans and Foreign Residents are encouraged to take advantage of discounted and diversified tourism packages including visiting various tourist attractions and staying in hotels at various tourism destinations in the country.

VII. NATIONAL PARKS

In addition to general guidelines, the following recommendations apply to the national parks:

For Akagera National Park, vehicle tires and tourist footwear must go through a disinfection bath at the entrance. Tourists should carry hand sanitizers in their vehicles whilst visiting the park.
Other activities in Akagera National Park will also ensure physical distancing:
Boat trips: will accommodate a maximum of 6 (six) people and the guide
Night drives: only 1 (one) group will be permitted, with a maximum of 6 (six) people.
Day guided game drives: a maximum of 6 (six) people per vehicle allowed.
Tourists are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters at all times while visiting primates in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park.
For gorilla visits, a group of 6 (six) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation. For golden monkeys, a group of 12 (twelve) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation. For chimpanzees, a group of 8 (eight) tourists will be permitted for a maximum of 1 (one) hour for every visitation.

VIII. EXTENSION OF THE PAYE WAIVER

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) will be waived until 31st December 2020 for employees operating in the tourism and hospitality sector earning up to Rwf 150,000 net salary.

These guidelines will be updated as new services/activities are re-opened and guided by the risk assessment by MoH (for more details about Covid-19 Government of Rwanda guidelines, visit www.gov.rw, www.rbc.gov.rw).