Home > Resources & Publications

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.

 Print Friendly and PDF
Updated: November 16, 2016

Find movers in Rwanda now!

Find a foreign embassy in Rwanda

Find Rwanda's embassies in other countries

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

Wikipedia Entry for Rwanda




IAM Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.