The Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE) has announced that all its services will be available online, following the two-week lockdown imposed on Kigali city.

The announcement says that the five online services include applying for passports, visa and permits, Refugee Travel Documents, Laissez Passer and those sending correspondences, mails among others.

According to the announcement, those seeking special services that require physical presence are advised to contact the migration office for further guidance using the contact information shared on migration social media platforms.

The Rwandan Immigration Services has also made available, a list of mobile phone numbers and emails that can be used by those seeking the services.

The general public is advised to make use of the agency’s websites, www.migration.gov.rw, www.irembo.gov.rw and social media platforms on Facebook ‘RwandaImmigration’, and twitter ‘@Rwandamigration’.

Since the Kigali International Airport will remain open for inbound and outbound travellers according to the cabinet resolutions, immigration services will definitely be needed.

According to the resolution, passengers who are arriving must present a negative PCR taken within 120 hours prior to their first departure while those departing must present a negative PCR.

The government has also approved designated hotels for arriving passengers which will remain open under strict Covid-19 prevention measures.

Cabinet said tourism activities will continue in strict adherence with Covid-19 health guidelines as guests are facilitated by hotels, tour operators and transport services.

Rwanda had, by January 20, recorded a total of 11,860 positive COVID-19 cases, with 7,812 recoveries. The death toll as a result of COVID-19 related issues is now at 153.