International Traveller Updates

Please find information below pertaining to the Covid-19 protocols and regulations concerning our international guests for both Kenya and Rwanda.

Whilst we make every effort to ensure our information is accurate, please ensure that you check the latest travel requirements on the Kenya and/or Rwanda government websites and also contact your Foreign Office prior to departure for the latest up-to-date advice.

 

UPDATE ON KENYA

  • Kenya is OPEN for tourism subject to international travel rules.
  • NEW: Curfew has been lifted nationally.
  • NEW All travellers arriving into Kenya MUST have an approved e-visa. Visas are no longer available on arrival. You can purchase your visa on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
  • NEW: All countries have been removed from the quarantine / self-isolation lists.
  • NEW: It is no longer required by the Kenyan government for travellers departing Kenya to take a PCR test. However, all passengers departing Kenya must ensure they know and abide by the COVID-19 testing requirements at their destination and /or transit points.
  • Here is a detailed list on Kenya’s Covid-19 travel requirements that you should read regarding your international trip to Kenya. This information is provided by ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association), and we have found it to be very consolidated, useful and up-to-date, but we strongly recommend that you always double check the latest travel requirements with the Kenyan government and your Foreign Office.

Additional information for Governors’ guests:

  • Governors’ is very pleased to offer PCR Covid-19 testing in our Masai Mara properties and we’re pleased to facilitate testing in Nairobi. You can find out more about this service HERE.
  • After your trip to Kenya, if your destination country requires a COVID-19 PCR to depart Kenya, we’ll be pleased to work with you to obtain a test with an authorised laboratory which will present you with a test certificate that is Trusted Travel (TT) verified. You will be required to present this to authorities on check-in at the international airport.

Travel Requirements for Kenya in-country:

  • Physical distancing must be observed where possible.
  • The wearing of masks is mandatory.
  • Temperature screening before entering buildings is mandatory.
  • All hospitality staff in Kenya, including those working in national parks plus drivers and guides, will be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. Only staff that have tested negative are allowed to work in these spheres. At our Kenya properties, the staff will be tested every two weeks and once they have tested negative will be stationed in the lodge area, with no travelling to surrounding areas in the country during these two weeks.

 

UPDATE ON RWANDA:

  • Rwanda is OPEN for tourism subject to international travel rules.
  • NEW: Continued and helpful relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in Rwanda include new curfew hours between 12am and 4am; fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to quarantine at hotels upon arrival but Covid-19 PCR tests will still be required for all arriving passengers.
  • International and domestic tourism activities can still continue in line with the strict COVID-19 regulations.
  • Here is a detailed list on Rwanda’s Covid-19 travel requirements that you should read regarding your trip to Rwanda. This information is provided by ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association), and we have found it to be very consolidated, useful and up-to-date, but we strongly recommend that you always double check the latest travel requirements with the Rwanda government and your Foreign Office.

Additional information for Governors’ guests:

  • Rwanda has been added to the UK Travel Corridor list. With direct flights  from London to Kigali with RwandAir (not daily), it is possible to travel freely between the UK and Rwanda. There is a fuel stop in Brussels, but as travellers remain on the plane, there will be no need to quarantine on return to the UK, should Brussels not have an air bridge at time of travel.
  • Governors’ is very pleased to offer PCR Covid-19 testing at Sabyinyo Silverback Loge, meaning that extra nights in the capital may not be necessary. You can find out more about this service HERE.

Travel Requirements for Rwanda in-country:

  • Physical distancing must be observed where possible.
  • The wearing of masks is mandatory.
  • Temperature screening before entering buildings is mandatory.
  • All hospitality staff in Rwanda, including those working in national parks plus drivers and guides, will be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. Only staff that have tested negative are allowed to work in these spheres. At Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, the staff will be tested every two weeks and once they have tested negative will be stationed in the lodge area, with no travelling to surrounding areas in the country during these two weeks.

Gorilla trekking protocols:

  • Wearing a mask while gorilla trekking is mandatory.
  • The maximum number of people on a gorilla trek has been reduced to 6 (used to be 8). It is also possible to book a sole-use trek for US$ 15,000.
  • Whilst at Volcanoes National Park HQ, visitors will be briefed on the safety and health measures that are to be followed in order to ensure the wellbeing of oneself and the endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Temperatures will also be tested prior to the trek to ensure all visitors are in the recommended temperature range advised by the ministry of health.
  • To date, if visitors are turned back by park authorities for ‘medical’ reasons, their permits will be refunded.

 

Please also see our TRAVEL PLANNING page which offers further advice, on preparation for your trip to Kenya and Rwanda.

For information on our Covid-safety procedures at each of the Governors’ properties in both Kenya and Rwanda, please click HERE.