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East Africa

🇷🇼 Vaccines for Rwanda

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Rwanda

Yellow Fever required for entry. Malaria is endemic and antimalarials are essential. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Rabies worth considering for rural travel or if visiting gorilla trekking areas.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk; important for gorilla trekking.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (most areas — Kigali lower risk)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Malaria risk lower in Kigali and high altitude areas but prophylaxis recommended. Rabies important for gorilla trekking.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
KenyaTanzaniaEthiopiaUganda
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Yellow Fever certificate must be 10 days old on arrival. Malaria tablets need to start before travel. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Rwanda?
Yes. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry to Rwanda for all travellers. The certificate must be at least 10 days old on arrival.
Do I need malaria tablets for Rwanda?
Yes. Malaria is endemic throughout Rwanda. Antimalarials are recommended for all visits including Kigali. Volcanoes National Park, where gorilla trekking takes place, is at altitude and lower risk but antimalarials are still generally recommended.
What vaccines do I need for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The standard Rwanda vaccines apply — Yellow Fever (required), malaria prevention, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies. You must be symptom-free on the day of trekking. There are no specific additional vaccine requirements for gorilla contact.
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in sub-Saharan Africa with low crime and good infrastructure. Kigali is generally very safe by regional standards.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.