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Rwanda has enacted a ban on plastic bags, as a web search for "Rwanda plastic bags" will show.

Does this extend to 1-quart or 1-liter sealable freezer bags? If so, how can one pack liquids in carry-on baggage for a flight departing from Kigali?

Even if Rwandan airport security permits liquids without such a bag, the probability of being subjected to additional security screening before boarding a connecting flight seems very high. What is a traveler to do?

The ban can be found here: http://www.rema.gov.rw/rema_doc/Laws/Plastic%20bags%20law.pdf

The relevant text is

Article 2: Definition of the term “polythene bags”

In this Law, a “poythene bag” is a synthetic industrial product with a low density composed of numerous chemical molecules ethene with a chemical formula; (CH2=CH2). In most cases the bag is used in packaging of various products.

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phoog
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2 Answers2

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I just returned from my trip to Rwanda, and while I cannot offer a definitive answer to my question, I can say from personal experience that I observed nobody searching the luggage of arriving travelers for plastic bags.

I also agree with Michael Hampton's comments about the English version of the law. It's not very well written. The intent certainly seems to be to cover thin bags for shop purchases, not freezer bags.

Unfortuntately, I forgot to note whether anyone looked at my plastic bag of carry-on liquids when I checked in for my departing flight.

It also did not occur to me until just now that I should have looked in the supermarket to see whether they sell plastic freezer bags (I suspect that they do).

I will probably be returning to Rwanda in a couple of months; if I do, I will edit this answer as I find more relevant information.

phoog
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According to Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority bags for liquids at the airport are not only allowed but are necessary

https://maps.prodafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/4861_geodir_Document_Security_Information_to_be_published_on_RCAA_website_.pdf

Nick
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