The Government of Rwanda has issued a strong reassurance to its residents and international visitors that all tourism, business, conferences, and travel activities are continuing without disruption across the country. This comes as people diligently observe the Ebola prevention measures announced by the Ministry of Health. In a public notice released on Monday, May 25, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) confirmed that Rwanda currently has no recorded Ebola cases and that authorities have significantly strengthened public health measures to maintain this status.

The RDB statement explicitly declared, "There are no cases of Ebola within Rwanda, and measures are actively in place to safeguard public health and the wellbeing of residents, visitors and non-human primates." This notice follows recent updates to travel guidance by the Ministry of Health, which aim to bolster the country's preparedness against the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

Under the revised travel protocols, foreign nationals who have traveled to or transited through the DR Congo within 30 days prior to their intended arrival in Rwanda will be denied entry. However, Rwandan nationals and foreign residents holding valid proof of residency in Rwanda will be permitted entry. Those Rwandan nationals and residents who have traveled through the DR Congo during the specified 30-day period will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine in accordance with established public health protocols.

Rwanda has reinforced its screening and surveillance measures at all key entry points, including Kigali International Airport and various selected border posts, to ensure comprehensive monitoring. Furthermore, the RDB notice indicates that travelers who have recently visited or transited through areas designated as high-risk may be subjected to additional screening procedures, aligning with international health regulations. Despite these precautions, national parks, hotels, conference venues, and all tourism facilities remain fully operational, with strict adherence to appropriate health and safety standards. Visitors are encouraged to confidently proceed with their planned activities while observing recommended public health practices.

The RDB further highlighted Rwanda's robust public health system, which includes established surveillance, rapid response, and infection prevention mechanisms designed to effectively respond to any potential health risks. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 900 suspected Ebola cases and 204 suspected deaths across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Uganda has specifically confirmed seven Ebola cases, including one fatality, with the outbreak primarily concentrated in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo.