As international flights prepare to resume on August 1, a total of 17 transit hotels in which passengers arriving in Kigali will be staying while waiting for their Covid-19 test results upon their arrival.

A tentative statement seen by The New Times on Tuesday shortlisted a total of 17 transit hotels at which all travellers are required to complete 24 hours while waiting for the results of the second test.

The government has been negotiating special rates at the designated hotels for the waiting period and further discussions are ongoing on minor issues.

"We were in discussions with RDB and they told us that we will be listed. We are having a clarification meeting today [Tuesday] …perhaps, after the meeting, I can give you more details,” said Kigali Serena Hotel Managing Director, Daniel Sambai, in a telephone interview.

"We are having that meeting because there are some issues that we want to clarify with them. We have agreed about prices but the issue is about what happens when you get husband and wife? Can they stay in two different rooms? Can they [a couple] pay individually? There are some things that are not very clear and we hope to get clear information from the meeting,” he added.

Designated transit hotels include Kigali Marriott Hotel ($200), Radisson Blu Hotel ($170), Kigali Serena Hotel ($150), Hotel des Mille Collines ($150), Grand Legacy Hotel ($140), Lemigo Hotel ($140), Gorillas Golf Hotel ($130).

Others include Park Inn by Radisson ($120), Ubumwe Grande Hotel ($100), Kalisimbi Hotel ($90), Hotel Villa Portofino ($70), Dove Hotel ($70), The Nest Kigali ($65), Quiet Haven Hotel ($60), Great Season Hotel ($60), The Mirror Hotel ($50) and Greenwich Hotel ($40).

The negotiated hotel rate is on full board basis (inclusive of three meals) and airport pick up upon your arrival and no refund will be provided in case a guest takes less than the three meals as negotiated.

Should a guest wish to remain in the hotel after receiving negative test results, they are welcome to extend their stay at the applicable hotel’s normal rates. Guests can also choose to book another hotel after receiving their negative test results.

According to Barakabuye Nsengiyumva, the Chairperson of Rwanda Hospitality Association, the designated transit hotels must be having a contract with airlines and working under the Covid-19 precautionary guidelines.