Border Crossing with a Rental Car in Rwanda
Crossing the border into Rwanda with a rental car is possible, but there are certain steps and considerations you should be aware of. Rwanda is known for its strict border controls and regulations, so it’s important to be well-prepared before attempting to cross the border with a rental car.
Countries offer different experiences and sometimes travellers are interested in exploring more than one country in a single safari. The question now is, “can I cross to another country with a car rental from Uganda?” The answer is yes, although some extra costs may be applied and these cover border crossing fees, national taxes, extra insurance fees and many other fees. With chauffeur-driven or guided drives, all these costs will be calculated beforehand and included in the overall cost of hiring the car.
Travellers are required to provide honest information on the destinations to be visited, especially if planning to cross borders. This is important because withholding information means paying insurance covers in case of uncertainties will not be made possible. With the correct information, the rental company will provide the right documents and insure the car before you eventually cross the border to another country.
What is a cross border fee?
A cross border fee is applied to your rental in order to cover the additional insurance necessary to drive the vehicle outside of the country which you rented it from. Paying the fee guarantees your insurance will remain valid and the rental company can supply you with the correct documentation. It is a good idea to tell the car hire company of your plans a couple days ahead of your rental so they can organise any required paperwork.
Here are some steps to follow
Check with the Rental Car Company: Before you plan your trip, make sure to inform the rental car company of your intention to cross international borders. Some rental companies may have restrictions or additional requirements for taking their vehicles across borders.
Required Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents with you. This typically includes your valid passport, driver’s license, and the rental car agreement. You may also need an international driving permit, so check with the rental company and the Rwandan authorities for specific requirements.
Temporary Importation: In most cases, you will need to obtain a temporary importation permit for the rental car. This can usually be obtained at the border, and you may need to provide a deposit or a letter of authorization from the rental car company.
Verify Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the visa and entry requirements for Rwanda. Make sure you have the appropriate visa if required, and be aware of any restrictions or regulations in place at the time of your visit.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance, which may cover you in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances.
Vehicle Insurance: Confirm that the rental car is properly insured for international travel. You may need to purchase additional insurance coverage or provide proof of coverage at the border.
Border Crossing Points: Choose a suitable border crossing point. Common border crossings for entering Rwanda include Gatuna, Cyanika, Rusumo, and others. Research the specific crossing you plan to use, as requirements and procedures can vary.
Plan Ahead: Research and understand the road conditions, travel times, and any specific regulations for driving in Rwanda. It’s advisable to plan your trip in advance and have a good map or GPS navigation system to guide you.
Border Formalities: When you arrive at the border, expect customs and immigration procedures. Be patient and have all your documents ready for inspection. Follow the instructions of the border officials.
Safety and Security: Rwanda has security checkpoints and roadblocks. Cooperate with authorities, have identification handy, and be prepared for vehicle searches.
Always check with the relevant authorities or your rental car company for the most up-to-date information and requirements when planning a border crossing into Rwanda. Rules and regulations can change, so it’s important to stay informed before your trip.
COMESA Sticker
Travellers with rental cars from Uganda and planning to cross borders to other countries should bear COMESA Stickers that clearly indicate that they are foreign vehicles.
Letter of authority
If you are traveling in a rented car across borders, you have to have a letter from the car hire Rwanda company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of the country. You’ll have to get ready for the additional cost of a cross border fees, this is an extra fee to cover the extra insurance needed when you drive in a different nation from where you hire the vehicle. Some car hire Rwanda company just get for papers for crossing the border and even advise you on where to buy the insurance needed to drive in any country you planning to visit.
You should simply tell the car hire Rwanda company where you’re anticipating going and they’ll advise you on how much additional you have to pay. They’ll require some notice, so ideally let the agency know your itinerary when you book the vehicle, and also before you arrive to pick the vehicle or before they deliver it to you at the airport or at the hotel.
