In order to reduce cross-border transmission of Covid-19, starting from November 8, 2020,all Chinese and foreign passengers who are to fly from Rwanda to China will be required to take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests and then apply for a green health code with "HS" mark for Chinese passengers ( see Annex 1) or a green health declaration code with the "HDC" mark before boarding the flight for non-Chinese passengers (see Annex 2). The specific requirements are as follows:
1. Test Requirements
(1). Passengers going to China via direct flights must take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests within 48 hours ( since the "date of the collection" as shown on the certificate issued by RBC) before boarding. They must take the tests at the testing sites designated by the Chinese Embassy and then apply to the Chinese Embassy for a green health code with the "HS" mark or a green health declaration code with the "HDC" mark with both tests certificates of negative results.
For example, if your testing samples have been collected on November 8, the flight time should be not late than November 10. In other words, if the flight time is November 10, the sample collection time should be from November 8.
(2). In order to avoid being stranded in transiting area and reduce the risk of infection during the journey, it is highly recommended that people departing from Rwanda to China take a direct flight. If you must transfer from a third country, please learn in advance about the VISA and COVID-19 Entry Regulations of that transiting country as well as how to apply for a new green health code with the "HS" mark or a green health declaration code with the "HDC" mark by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the transiting country.
(3). Please be aware that the Kigali International Airport does not provide the Nucleic Acid Test and IgM antibody test. The transiting passengers must take the both tests within 48 hours before boarding and get the "HS" mark or "HDC" mark from departing country and then take the second both tests upon arrival to Kigali within 48 hours before boarding to flight for China, then apply for a new green health code with the "HS" mark or a green health declaration code with the "HDC" mark for flying to China.
2. Chinese Passengers Applying for Green Health Code with the "HS" Mark
Chinese passengers must upload to the WeChat Health Code app photocopies of their negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests results, which will then be examined and verified by the Chinese Embassy. Then they will get the green health code with the "HS" mark. Passengers must present the green code within its validity period to the airlines flying directly to China before boarding. For more details, please check; https://hr.cs.mfa.gov.cn/help_two/help-two/hs.html
3. Foreign Passengers Applying for a Green Health Declaration Code with the "HDC" Mark
Foreign passengers must get their negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body tests results, together with required documents including passport and travel itinerary, to "COVID-19 Prevention Health Code International Version" (https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/), and apply to the Chinese Embassy. The Chinese Embassy will then examine and verify the above documents, and then issue the Green Health Declaration Code with the "HDC" Mark to passengers. Passengers must present the Green Health Declaration Code with the "HDC" Mark within its validity period to the airlines flying directly to China before boarding.
4. Designated testing Sites
Having consulted the Ministry of Health of Rwanda on testing sites, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda only recognizes the results of nucleic acid test and IgM antibody test issued by the following testing agencies.
(1). Petit Stade (KG 11 Ave, Kigali), Near Amahoro Stadium,
(2). RBC testing site Gikondo Branch (KK 6 Ave, Kigali),
(3). King Faisal Hospital (KG 544 ST10, GASABO DISTRICT).
Applicants for COVID-19 tests must make an appointment before going to the testing site, through the following website; https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/rbc/application_for_covid_19_test
Or call +250781415724; +250789198119; 114.
Rwanda requested that the testing fee can only be paid by bank transfer or electronic payment. For other information, please contact the above contact number.
5. Reminder
(1). Please read the requirements carefully and follow them accordingly. Failure to obtain the green health codes with the "HS" mark or the Green Health Declaration Code with the "HDC" Mark with both negative nucleic acid and IgM anti-body test results means you are not qualified for boarding the flight to China and will have to change your itinerary.
(2). Passengers who need to transit via Kigali to China must enter Rwanda to apply for a visa on arrival, and they can continue their journey after completing a 24-hour quarantine at the designated hotel and obtaining the new green health codes with the "HS" mark or the Green Health Declaration Code with the "HDC" Mark. The expenditure on Visa, accommodation and tests, as well as delay, infection and other risks that might arise from entering Rwanda must be borne by the passenger.
(3). Rwanda entry visa information website: http://www.migration.gov.rw/anounce/online-visa.
(4). The uploaded nucleic acid and IgM test certificate must be genuine and clear, otherwise it may affect the inspection. Passengers who provide false certificates and information will bear legal liabilities. If the airline doubts about the passenger's green health code or the QR code of the health status statement, it may require on-site inspection of the original nucleic acid test and IgM antibody test certificate. Please make relevant preparations in advance.
November 5, 2020
Annex 1: "Health Code" applied by Chinese passengers
Annex 2: "health declaration form" applied by Non- Chinese passengers
