Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Akagera safari — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Rwanda, including Yellow Fever and malaria.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Rwanda?
For Rwanda, most travellers are advised to have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and an up-to-date Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster. Depending on your trip, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Chikungunya vaccines may also be considered for longer, remote or higher-risk itineraries. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria risk is present across the country, so antimalarial tablets are advised for most itineraries.
These recommendations are a general guide based on UK travel health advice from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC), and your exact needs are confirmed at a short consultation. Whether you're heading for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or safari in Akagera, we'll tailor everything to your trip.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Yellow Fever must be given at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid, and you'll need it to enter Rwanda — so don't leave it late. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway and we'll help.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Rwanda
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Yellow Fever (including certificate)
Required for entry
Rwanda requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry. The certificate is valid for life — we issue the official certificate.
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers to Rwanda.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies is present and help can be far from trekking areas.
Chikungunya
Some travellers
Spread by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes and reported in Rwanda. A newer chikungunya vaccine may be considered for some travellers — insect-bite avoidance remains essential.
Cholera
Some travellers
An oral vaccine is considered for higher-risk trips; safe food and water habits remain the main protection.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue occurs in Rwanda. The dengue vaccine may be considered for travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous, laboratory-confirmed dengue infection — bite avoidance remains essential for everyone.
Measles (MMR)
Some travellers
Make sure you have had two documented doses of MMR, as measles still circulates in many regions.
Meningitis
Some travellers
Advised for risk areas, and required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
BCG is usually only relevant for longer stays or close community contact, typically younger travellers who have not had it before.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Rwanda requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Rwanda
Rwanda only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Rwanda itself — this rule exists purely to stop the virus being carried in from elsewhere.
Yellow Fever & malaria
Yellow Fever and malaria in Rwanda
Rwanda requires a valid Yellow Fever certificate for entry, given at least 10 days before travel and valid for life. Malaria risk is also present across the country, including lower areas around Akagera, though it's lower at the high altitude of the gorilla parks. Antimalarial tablets are recommended for most itineraries.
- Yellow Fever certificate required for entry — we issue it
- Antimalarial tablets advised for most trips; risk is lower at high altitude
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
FAQ
Rwanda travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Rwanda?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your Yellow Fever certificate, vaccinations and malaria tablets for your trip.