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?
Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking. It's a higher-preparation destination: Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry, and malaria risk is present across the country.
The recommendations below are a general guide based on UK travel health advice. We'll confirm exactly what you need at a short consultation.
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 (+ 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.
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.