Legal status in Rwanda
Per-substance legal status for Rwanda, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice; drug laws change, so confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.
Confirmed legal status
2C-B
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- 2C-B is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Benzodiazepines
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Cannabis / THC
- Legal status
- Cannabis controlled under Law n° 03/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transport/sale/distribution the serious tier; use and possession at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code raised penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; no legal recreational or medical regime; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cannabis is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), with no legal recreational regime. In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Cocaine
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cocaine is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
DMT
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- DMT is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Fentanyl
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Fentanyl is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
GHB
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- GHB is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Heroin
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Heroin is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
LSD
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- LSD is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
MDMA
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- MDMA is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Mescaline
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Mescaline is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Methamphetamine
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Methamphetamine is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
PCP
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- PCP is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
Psilocybin
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 and the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018), unlawful manufacture/transformation/import/transport/sale/distribution is the serious tier; use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment; exact current Penal Code article year-terms not separately pinned here and left to confirmation against the current Penal Code; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Psilocybin is controlled in Rwanda under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors) together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018). In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Rwanda, drugs fall under Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, together with the Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018). The unlawful manufacture, transformation, import, transport, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the serious tier, while use and possession sit at lower tiers; the 2018 Penal Code substantially raised drug-offence penalties, serious trafficking reaching long fixed-term to life imprisonment. The exact current Penal Code article year-terms are not separately pinned here, verify against the current Penal Code. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment. Cannabis is controlled under the same framework, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors + Penal Code (Law n° 68/2018, Official Gazette 27/09/2018) · rwandalii.org · Updated June 28, 2026
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Not individually verified
74 substances are not individually verified for Rwanda
For these the governing national drug law is cited, but we have not verified that the substance specifically is scheduled under it. Treat them as unanswered, not as legal. Confirm with Rwanda’s drug authority or your embassy.
| Substance | What we found |
|---|---|
| 1P-LSD | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 2-FDCK | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 25I-NBOMe | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 2C-E | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 2C-I | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 2C-T-7 | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 3-MMC | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 4-AcO-DMT | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 4-HO-MET | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 6-APB | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Adderall | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Alcohol | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Amanita muscaria | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Amphetamine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Amyl Nitrite | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Ayahuasca | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Barbiturates | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Buprenorphine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Caffeine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Cannabinol | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Cathinone | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| CBD | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Clonazepam | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Codeine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Crack Cocaine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Delta-8-THC | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Diazepam | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| DOM | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| DXM | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Ephedrine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Etizolam | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Gabapentin | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| GBL | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| HHC | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Hydrocodone | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Ketamine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Khat | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Kratom | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Lorazepam | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| LSA (Morning Glory) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| MDA | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| MDPV | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Memantine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Mephedrone (4-MMC) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Methadone | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Methaqualone (Quaaludes) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Methylone | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Methylphenidate | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Mitragynine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Modafinil | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Morphine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| MXE | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Nicotine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Nimetazepam | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Nitrous Oxide | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Opium | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Oxycodone | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Peyote | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Phenibut | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Pink Cocaine / Tusi | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Poppers | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Pregabalin | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Quetiapine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Salvia divinorum | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Scopolamine (Devil's Breath) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| THC-P | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Tobacco | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Tramadol | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Xanax (Alprazolam) | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Xylazine | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
| Zolpidem | Not confirmed, Law n° 03/2012 of 15/02/2012 (governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors)... |
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
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