In order to ensure healthy and safe international travel and mitigate the risks of cross-border transmission of COVID-19, according to the requirements of a notice issued On July 20,by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the General Administration of customs of the PRC (GACC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (MFA); passengers taking flights bound for China are required to present their negative results of COVID-19 nucleic acid tests before boarding in Rwanda. Specific obligations are as follows:
1. General requirements
Starting from August 20, 2020, Chinese and foreign passengers on China-bound flights shall complete COVID-19 nucleic acid tests within 5 days before boarding and are required to apply for a green health code with an "HS" mark for Chinese Nationals or a Health Declarations Form for foreign citizens with negative test results of COVID-19. Before boarding,the airlines are responsible for checking passenger's health code with "HS" mark or the Health Declarations Form.
2. Testing time and testing facilities
i. Nucleic acid testing should be completed at the testing site within 5 days before the departure time. The two COVID-19 testing facilities designated by the Ministry of Health in Rwanda are: a laboratory at "Petit Stade" in Remera Amahoro National Stadium, and the Office of Vaccination Program, RBC Gikondo Branch (located at KK 6 Ave).
ii. The applicants need to go through www.rbc.gov.rw/booking or https://new.irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services or call +250 788633948; +250 788422287 to make a booking before they can go to the testing site for testing. The cost of testing is 47,200 Rwf for Rwandan citizens and 50 USD for foreigners. The Rwandan agencies require payment by bank transfer or electronic payment, cash payment is not accepted. For specific requirements, please inquire Rwandan agency through the above contact number.
3. Ways to apply for a health code for Chinese citizens
Chinese passengers are required to take photos and upload their negative results of COVID-19 nucleic acid tests using the international version of the health QR code mini program on WeChat. (The Mini Program can be opened by scanning the QR code in Attachment 1) within 24 hours of obtaining the certificate of negative nucleic acid test. After review and approval by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, the passenger can obtain a green health code with an "HS" mark. Please note that you should take the flight during the validity period of the health code and cooperate with the airline's inspection before boarding. Passengers who do not meet the requirements cannot board the flight. If you need more information, please click the following link (https://hr.cs.mfa.gov.cn/help_two/help-two/hs.html ) to view the "FAQs for Chinese Citizens Nucleic Acid Test Certificate Application".
4. Measures for handling Health Declarations Form for foreign citizens
After obtaining the negative nucleic acid test certificate, the foreign citizen should send the scanned copies of the valid passport informaiton page, the negative nucleic acid test certificate and the Health Declaration Form with your signature (see Attachment 2) to the following email address (Consulate_rwa@mfa.gov.cn). When the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda finish the review and approve it, the scanned copy of the Health Declaration Form shall be sent back to the applicant by e-mail. While, passenger also should print it out and bring it to the airport for further inspection. Please note that you should take the flight during the validity period of the Health Declaration Form and cooperate with the airline's inspection before boarding. Passengers who do not meet the requirements cannot board the flight.
5. Note
i. Due to the restrictions of the Rwanda airport, there is no nucleic acid test in the transit zone. Chinese and foreign passengers on China-Bound flight transiting in Rwanda must complete the testing and declaration of the green health code with the "HS" mark or the Health Declaration Form in the country of departure in advance. Otherwise, it may cause detention or delay of the flight, and the loss caused by this will be borne by the passenger.
ii. The uploaded nucleic acid test report must be complete and clear, and must not be altered; otherwise, it may negatively affect the review and approval.
iii. Passengers who provide false certificates and information will bear corresponding legal liabilities. If the airline has doubts about the green health code with "HS" mark or health Declaration Form of the passenger, it may require inspection of the original nucleic acid test report on-site. Please make preparations in advance.
Chinese Embassy in Rwanda
August 7,2020
Attachment:
1. QR Code for WeChat Mini Program, International Version of the Epidemic Prevention Health Code. (for Chinese Nationals only)
2. Sample of Health Declaration Form for foreign citizens.