Rwanda entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Rwanda. No advance application needed. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Kigali International Airport.
Apply for Rwanda eVisaOfficial portal: Rwanda Irembo Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Pay $50 USD in cash (USD preferred, but some officers accept Rwandan francs at a poor rate). Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer may ask to see them before stamping.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Rwanda. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport check this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. Two blank pages required for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Kigali Airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're overlanding to Uganda or DRC, have a bus ticket or a letter from your tour operator showing your exit plan. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Rwanda. The visa officer may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A booking.com or Airbnb confirmation with your name and dates is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see you have money for your stay. ATMs at Kigali Airport dispense Rwandan francs, but the exchange rate at the airport is poor. | Recommended |
Cash is king at visa on arrival
The visa fee is cash only — no credit cards accepted. Bring US dollars, euros, or Rwandan francs in small denominations. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash to get through.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Kigali International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually at the main immigration hall. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll receive a short form to complete on arrival. It asks for basic details: name, passport number, flight info, and where you're staying. Fill it out in the queue.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around $30–$50 USD (payable in US dollars, euros, or Rwandan francs). Cash is preferred — credit cards may not be accepted. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is typically valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're now free to enter Rwanda.
Download Rwanda Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 11 BHD)
Apply online or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 19 BHD)
Ideal for multiple visits within 3 months.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda)
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
Allows travel across three countries. Apply online.
work visa
Rwanda Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD) processing fee
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Rwandan company. Requires work permit application and employer sponsorship.
Apply student visa
Rwanda Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. 19 BHD) processing fee
For enrolled students at recognized Rwandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Apply investor visa
Rwanda Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 76 BHD) processing fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 in a registered business. Includes residency rights.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at Kigali International Airport in cash (USD or local currency). | $30 USD (approx. 11 BHD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, online)Apply via Rwanda e-Visa portal before travel. | $30 USD (approx. 11 BHD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days from issue, multiple entries. | $50 USD (approx. 19 BHD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $50 USD per day (approx. 19 BHD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Rwanda
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Rwanda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsKigali International Airport (KGL)
Health & vaccines for Rwanda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy seasons.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Volcanoes National Park (above 2,500m).
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,500m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kigali
Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration (DGIE)
KG 7 Ave, Kacyiru, Kigali
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Kigali
Kigali International Airport Immigration Office
Kanombe, Kigali
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalKigali
LanguageKinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRwandan franc (RWF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,468.83 RWF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,JType C (two round pins) and Type J (three round pins, similar to Swiss but with different spacing).
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival costs approximately $30–$50 USD. Payment is usually in cash (US dollars, euros, or Rwandan francs). Credit cards are not always accepted, so bring small bills.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can check the exact validity on the sticker before leaving the counter.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali. Extensions are possible for up to 90 days total stay. The cost is around $50 USD for a 30-day extension.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Bahrain is not a yellow fever country, but if you've traveled to an affected area recently, you'll need proof.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders, including the border with Uganda (Gatuna/Katuna) and Tanzania (Rusumo). The process is similar — have your documents ready and cash for the fee.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online through the Rwanda e-visa portal. It costs about $30 USD and is processed within 3 business days. This can save time at the airport if you prefer to have it sorted in advance.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and a confirmed hotel booking for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.