Rwanda will reopen all its land borders on March 7 as one of several measures reviewed by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19.
However, people wishing to enter the country may be subject to random COVID-19 testing by the Ministry of Health upon entry, while Rwandans wishing to leave the country must be vaccinated.
Rwanda’s border with Tanzania had been closed due to COVID-19 protocols while its border with Burundi had also been closed since relations deteriorated in 2015.
The land border with Uganda, closed in February 2019,reopened following a visit to Kigali by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in January during which he and Rwandan President Paul Kagame pledged to restore ties.
The government also announced that the nighttime curfew had been lifted but night clubs, bars, betting halls, receptions and live band performances are to close by 2:00 a.m. (local time).
This is the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 that the government of Rwanda has allowed the 24-hour movement of people across the country.
Passengers arriving at Kigali International Airport must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours before their departure.
Social gatherings, worship services, physical conferences and meetings are allowed to operate at full venue capacity and all attendants must be fully vaccinated.
Bars and restaurants are also allowed to operate at full capacity and patrons must be fully vaccinated. All sports activities are allowed and fans are permitted to attend events provided they are fully vaccinated.
Rwanda has vaccinated 60 percent of its population as of March 4, according to the Ministry of Health.
(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)
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