Country Guide: Rwanda
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: November 16, 2016
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Detailed inventory
- Packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) – no express release / air waybill ( AWB)
- Original valued inventory in English or French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Letter of employment
- Long-term visa / work permit
- Non-governmental organization registration certificate (NGOs) / copy of work contract
- Taxpayer ID number from Rwanda Revenue Authority (TIN) (even for exempted categories)
Specific Information
- Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power, etc.
- The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- Proof of ownership must show used vehicle owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 12 months.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Copy of passport
- Original purchase invoice
- Insurance certificate / proof of ownership
Specific Information
- Taxes on vehicles will depend on age, power, etc.
- The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- Proof of ownership must show used vehicle owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 12 months.
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport
- Rwanda veterinary certificate
- Rabies certificate
- Proof of ownership
Specific Information
- Pets should be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry into Rwanda; however, they must not have been vaccinated more than 12 months prior to entry.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
- A certificate of free entry must be obtained from the Line Ministry Alcohol and other spirits :
- Only “Fond de Cave” is acceptable (less than 15 bottles).
- If the value is higher than $5000, the owner of the goods must apply for an import license and a pre-shipment inspection must be conducted at origin; alcohol should be sent separately from the household goods.
- Local currency (maximum of 5,000 Rwandese Francs)
- The following household goods may be imported duty free by persons 16 years and older within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (2 cartons)
- Alcoholic beverages (2 liters)
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Transmission equipment
- Live or dead animals and foodstuff from countries where an epidemic has been present and has been included in a health risk by Rwanda authorities (contact nearest embassy for specific information)
- Pornography
- Items infringing on copyrights
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for Rwanda
Wikipedia Entry for Rwanda
