What to do if someone dies in Rwanda

Rwanda is a challenging repatriation origin. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) process is thorough but time-consuming, there are no direct UK flights, and mortuary capacity outside Kigali is limited. Gorilla trekking deaths in Volcanoes National Park add a national park authority step not present in urban settings.

Step 1: Notify the British High Commission Kigali

Address: Parcelle 1131, Boulevard de l’Umuganda, Kacyiru, Kigali. Phone: +250 252 556 000. FCDO 24-hour emergency: +44 1908 516666.

Rwanda is a Commonwealth member (admitted 2009). The British High Commission Kigali handles consular repatriation matters.

Step 2: CRVS death registration

Deaths in Rwanda are registered through the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. The attending doctor certifies cause of death. Hospital deaths in Kigali register through Kigali health authorities; deaths in rural areas or national parks register through local sector offices.

Step 3: Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for unnatural deaths

For unnatural, violent, or unexplained deaths, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau investigates. The RIB replaced the former Criminal Investigation Department as the primary investigative authority. The RIB process includes ordering a post-mortem at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) and authorising release. Allow 14 to 21 days for RIB process completion in straightforward cases.

Step 4: Gorilla trekking and national park deaths

Deaths in Volcanoes National Park require the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to be notified and to certify what occurred before the RIB can begin its investigation. This applies to all deaths in any Rwandan national park including Akagera and Nyungwe Forest. The RDB step adds one to three days before the RIB investigation begins.

Deaths during gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) versus Volcanoes (Rwanda) are handled by entirely different authorities. Confirm which park the trekking took place in.

Step 5: Rwanda Biomedical Centre export permit

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (under the Ministry of Health) issues the export permit. Required documents: CRVS death certificate, RIB release authorisation, CHUK post-mortem report (if conducted), embalming certificate, freedom from contagious disease clearance. Allow five to seven working days for the permit.

Step 6: Routing via Nairobi or Doha

Rwanda has no direct UK flights. RwandAir connects Kigali International Airport (KGL) to Nairobi (KQ connections to Heathrow) and Qatar Airways connects to Doha (QR connections to Heathrow). Your specialist will advise on current schedules. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Rwanda; Rwanda Investigation Bureau procedures; British High Commission Kigali consular guidance (2023); Rwanda Development Board national park operational procedures.