Photo: Mrbobax, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Travel insurance and the COMESA yellow card in Rwanda
Travel and cross-border motor insurance in Rwanda (COMESA Yellow Card)
Short answerChecked 31 October 2026
To drive from Rwanda into neighbouring countries, ask your motor insurer for a COMESA Yellow Card, the regional third-party motor insurance operational in 13 countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. For medical and travel risks abroad, buy travel insurance from an insurer licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda, and read what it excludes.
Free PDF: Motor insurance & road accident compensation guide 2026
5 chapters in one PDF, every source listed. Free, no sign-up.
Get the free PDFThe COMESA Yellow Card
COMESA: the Yellow Card scheme "is currently operational in 13 countries; namely: Burundi, Djibouti, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe"; a Digital Yellow Card mobile application lets law enforcement verify digital cards (e-COMESA Newsletter).
In Rwanda you buy it from the insurer that issues your motor policy; check the insurer on the BNR list.
What to check before travelling
- Health: the RSSB pages describe cover through facilities contracted with RSSB in Rwanda (RSSB medical, CBHI); ask RSSB before relying on it abroad.
- A Rwandan insurer needs BNR authorisation to insure a risk located outside Rwanda (Law n° 030/2021, article 7) (Law).
- Before buying, the insurer must disclose the cover, exclusions, costs and claims procedure (BNR FAQ).
Already insured?
Next step
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Yellow Card to drive from Rwanda to Uganda or Kenya?
The COMESA Yellow Card gives regional third-party motor cover in 13 countries, including Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Ask your motor insurer for it before you cross.
Does mutuelle de santé work outside Rwanda?
RSSB describes CBHI cover at public and approved partner facilities in Rwanda. Buy travel insurance for care abroad.
Sources
- COMESA — e-COMESA Newsletter: COMESA launches Digital Yellow Card mobile app (scheme operational in 13 countries, including Rwanda)
- Law n° 030/2021 of 30/06/2021 governing the organisation of insurance business — Official Gazette n° 29 of 02/08/2021 (Gazettes.Africa archive)
- National Bank of Rwanda — Frequently asked questions: understanding insurance in Rwanda (June 2025)
- RSSB — Medical scheme (RAMA): cover, contributions, joining
- RSSB — CBHI / Mutuelle de Santé scheme (contribution categories, how to join and pay)