How safe is Rwanda for travelers?

Crime

• Burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging happen in Kigali, at relatively low levels overall.
• Walking at night raises the risk noticeably. Arrange transport in advance, lock car doors, carry little cash and leave nothing visible in a vehicle.

Photography

• Photographing government buildings is prohibited. So is photographing anywhere a sign says not to.
• This is enforced. Rwanda is not a country where a shrug settles it.

Drones

• Recreational and commercial drone flying is strictly regulated. You need permission from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority before flying.
• Without it, expect a fine and confiscation, and flying in a restricted area risks imprisonment.

Drugs

• Cannabis and other illegal drugs bring long jail sentences and heavy fines, and airport scanning covers transit baggage as well as arriving bags.

Volcanoes and the border

• Nyiragongo, near Goma across the DRC border, is one of the world's most active volcanoes and can affect north-western Rwanda.
• Check current advice for the DRC border area before travelling there. The situation changes.