Kigali, Rwanda. Photo via Jacolene/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Government officials representing the African nation of Rwanda have announced changes to its COVID-19 protocols for arriving international travelers.

All arriving airline passengers must quarantine for 24 hours at a designated hotel while waiting for results from the mandatory PCR coronavirus test administered upon arrival in the country’s capital city, Kigali.

The mandatory quarantine period has been shortened from three days to 24 hours.

In addition, travelers must take a second PCR test on the third day in Rwanda at their own cost at designated testing sites, and quarantining tourists will be responsible for the cost of the period in an approved hotel.

International visitors will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure for the country and then take the second test administered at Kigali International Airport.

The coronavirus-related requirements apply to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, and other safety protocols also remain in place throughout the country.

Rwanda reopened to international travel on November 5 and announced a series of updated entry protocols to battle the Omicron variant.

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