Bahrain Visa: Buying On Arrival, Possible Or Not?

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, you'll need to check the visa requirements for your nationality. Most visitors to Bahrain can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa before travelling. However, there are some exceptions. For example, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) can enter Bahrain without a visa and may use a national ID card. Additionally, citizens of certain countries, such as the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, and the United States Virgin Islands, are eligible to apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. It's important to note that visa requirements may change, so it's always a good idea to check with the Bahrain Embassy or an official source for the most up-to-date information.

Who needs a visa to enter Bahrain?

According to Bahrain's visa policy, all visitors must obtain a visa to enter the country, except for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). GCC nationals can enter Bahrain without a visa and may use a national ID card.

Citizens of all other countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa before travelling. An e-Visa can be obtained through the eVisa platform provided by Bahrain's Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs (NPRA). This platform allows visitors to check their eligibility for a visa, apply for a visa, pay the application fee, correct their application, and extend their visa if they wish to extend their stay.

In addition to GCC countries, there are several other countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements or can obtain a visa on arrival. These include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Ireland
• Schengen countries
• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Congo
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Myanmar
• Sao Tome and Principe
• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands

Citizens of the countries listed above can obtain a visa on arrival via Bahrain's e-visa system. However, it is important to note that visa requirements may change, so it is always advisable to check the latest regulations before travelling.

For those who are not eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa, a visa must be obtained in advance through a Bahrain embassy or consulate.

What is the validity of a Bahrain visa?

The validity of a Bahrain visa depends on the type of visa. Single-entry visas are valid for two weeks, while a multiple-entry visa allows a stay of up to 90 days over a year. A multiple-entry visa valid for three months allows a stay of one month.

Five-year multiple-entry visas are available to citizens of Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, permitting a 90-day stay for each visit. Citizens of the United States can also obtain a 10-year multi-entry visa with a 90-day validity period per visit.

To check the validity of a Bahrain visa, you can visit the Bahrain e-visa website and enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth. The National Portal can also be used to check the validity of residency visas, while the Labour Market Regulatory Authority website (LMRA) is used for work visas.

What is the cost of a Bahrain visa?

The cost of a Bahrain visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa, your country of citizenship, and the method of application. Here is a detailed overview of the costs and other relevant information:

Bahrain Visa Costs

The cost of a Bahrain visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Bahrain offers different types of visas, including:

• Visit Visa: This is a short-term visa for tourists wishing to visit Bahrain for a specific period. The duration options include two weeks (single entry), three months (multiple entry), one year (multiple entry), and five years (multiple entry). Each of these options comes with a corresponding fee.
• E-Visa: The Bahrain e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be applied for online. It is issued for tourism, visiting friends and family, or business purposes. The cost of the e-Visa is BHD 9, which is approximately $24 or $45. This fee is subject to change, and the final amount may depend on the exchange rate at the time of application.
• Visa on Arrival: Bahrain also offers visas on arrival for citizens of specific countries. This option may be available for a fee, but it is not guaranteed for all eligible nationalities. It is important to check the official website or consult the Bahrain Embassy in your country to confirm your eligibility and the associated costs.

Application Process and Requirements

When applying for a Bahrain visa, you will typically need to provide certain documents and meet specific requirements. These may include:

• A completed online application form.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry to Bahrain.
• A scanned copy of the biodata page of your passport, including a clear photograph, name, date, and place of birth.
• Proof of return or onward travel, such as a return flight ticket.
• Accommodation details, such as hotel reservations or proof of staying with a relative.
• Financial means, demonstrated through a bank statement, to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
• A yellow fever vaccination card, if travelling from a high-risk country.

The application process may vary slightly depending on whether you are applying for an e-Visa or a traditional visa. For the e-Visa, you can expect the following steps:

• Start your application by visiting the official Bahrain e-Visa website and clicking the "Apply for Visa" button.
• Fill out the eligibility fields, including your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
• Select the desired visa type based on the duration of your intended stay.
• Enter your personal information, ensuring it matches exactly what is shown on your passport.
• Attach the required documents, including copies of your passport biodata page, return ticket, and hotel booking.
• Review your information and attached documents for accuracy.
• Pay the application fee online using a credit card.
• Submit your application electronically.
• Wait for the processing period, which is typically around 5 to 23 days, depending on the processing entity.
• Receive your approval letter via email, which serves as your e-Visa.

Please note that the information provided here is not exhaustive, and visa requirements can change at any time. It is always recommended to consult official sources, such as the Bahrain government websites or your local embassy, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa costs and application procedures.

What is the Golden Residency Visa?

The Golden Residency Visa is issued to foreigners who fall under the following categories: retirees, property owners, talented individuals, and residents. The visa is issued in accordance with the standards and regulations in force in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Retirees

Retirees who are residents of Bahrain or any other country worldwide earning a basic minimum pension income of BD 4,000 are eligible for the Golden Residency Visa. Alternatively, retired foreigners who have worked in the government or private sector for 15 or more years, with an average retirement pension exceeding BD 2,000 over the last five years of residency, are also eligible.

Property Owners

Applicants who own one or more properties in Bahrain, with a total value of at least BD 200,000, are eligible for the Golden Residency Visa.

Talented Individuals

Individuals designated as talented by a government agency or counterpart can apply for the Golden Residency Visa. This includes academics, athletes, entrepreneurs, inventors, award-winning artists, authors, and their counterparts.

Residents

Existing residents of Bahrain can qualify for the Golden Residency Visa if they have been residents for at least five years, earning a minimum average salary of BD 2,000 per month during this period.

The Golden Residency Visa is renewable indefinitely, provided applicants continue to meet the criteria. It includes the right to work in Bahrain, provides unlimited entry and exit to the country, and residency for close family members. Applicants are required to spend a minimum of 90 days each year in Bahrain.

What documents are required for a Bahrain visa?

To enter Bahrain, you must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least 6 months after your arrival. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid passport or travel document, or if you try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you are a dual Bahraini/UK national, the authorities may require you to enter and exit Bahrain on a Bahrain travel document only.

You must also have a visa to visit Bahrain. Visas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available. You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply.

You can apply for a Bahrain visa in one of the following ways, depending on your nationality and how long you intend to stay in Bahrain:

• When you arrive at the airport
• Online, through the eVisa portal
• At the nearest Bahrain Embassy, if you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or an online visa

Bahrain Visa Requirements:

To apply for a Bahrain visa, you will need the following documents:

• Your passport, with at least 6 months' validity from the date of entry
• A passport-sized photo that meets specific size and background requirements
• Proof that you can support yourself financially in Bahrain (bank statements from the last three months)
• Proof of accommodation in Bahrain
• Any other documents required by the Bahrain Embassy or Immigration

Bahrain eVisa Requirements:

If you are eligible for a Bahrain eVisa, you can apply yourself through the official government website. To get an eVisa for Bahrain, you need to go through the following steps:

• Complete the application form with your information: nationality, passport number, personal details, etc.
• Attach the required documents in either JPG or PDF format: a scan of your passport, a copy of your return flight ticket, and a copy of your hotel reservation. If you are staying with a relative, you will need a copy of their CPR Reader's printout.
• Pay the Bahrain eVisa fee using a credit or debit card. The application fee is non-refundable.

A Bahrain eVisa is typically processed within 3 to 5 working days. If your Bahrain visa is approved, you can print it out and use it to travel to Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions