Bahrain Visa: Airport Availability And Application Process

If you're planning to travel to Bahrain, it's important to know the visa requirements for your country of residence. Bahrain has specific entry rules, and while some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, others must apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before travelling.

Who needs a visa for Bahrain?

All visitors to Bahrain need a visa, except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. GCC countries include:

• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa before travelling:

• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
• Myanmar (formerly Burma)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival:

• France (including Monaco)
• Guadeloupe
• Israel
• Martinique
• Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)
• Saint Martin
• Vatican City (Holy See)

Citizens of Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom can obtain a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing a 90-day stay on each visit.

In addition, citizens of the United States can obtain a 10-year multi-entry visa, allowing a 90-day stay per visit for a cost of $160 USD (60 Bahraini Dinars).

Passport Requirements

To enter Bahrain, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Where to get a Bahrain visa

All visitors to Bahrain require a visa, except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who can enter using a national ID card. Citizens of the following GCC countries may enter Bahrain without a visa:

• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

If you are a citizen of any other country, you will need to apply for a visa. There are several ways to do this:

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of 69 countries can receive visas upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This is a specific fee that covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension (if eligible).

EVisa

EVisas are available for visitors from 209 countries. The eVisa platform is provided by the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA). This platform enables you to check your eligibility for a visa, check the status of your visa, pay for your application, correct your application, and even extend your visa.

Embassy or Consulate

If you are from a country that is not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain a visa in advance via a Bahrain embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Sponsor or Travel Agency

Alternatively, a Bahraini sponsor or travel agency can obtain a visa for you. If you are coming to Bahrain for a new job, your sponsor can submit a work visa application for you via the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). You can then head to the LMRA offices at Bahrain International Airport for fingerprint scanning and visa issuance.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa to enter Bahrain depends on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, and the duration of your stay. Here is a detailed breakdown of the visa costs:

E-Visa or Visa on Arrival

Citizens of eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport or an e-Visa before travelling. The cost of a visa on arrival is a specific fee, which covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension if you are eligible. The e-Visa costs vary based on the type of visa and your nationality. For example, citizens of the United States can obtain a 10-year multiple-entry visa for a cost of 160 USD (60 Bahraini Dinars), which allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit.

Visit Visas

Visit visas are typically issued for a two-week period and are available for stays of up to six months. The cost of a visit visa may depend on the duration of your stay and your nationality. It is important to note that visit visas cannot be used to start employment in Bahrain.

Transit Visas

Transit visas are issued at the request of licensed companies, such as hotels or other authorised commercial entities. The cost of a transit visa may vary depending on the specific arrangements made by the licensed company.

Work Visas

If you plan to work in Bahrain, your sponsor will need to submit a work visa application on your behalf. The cost of a work visa may depend on the specific arrangements made by your sponsor and the terms of your employment. It is important to note that you must have a valid work permit and a signed employment contract before arriving in Bahrain.

Journalism Visas

Journalists must obtain a journalism visa before travelling to Bahrain. The cost of a journalism visa may vary depending on the specific requirements and duration of your stay.

In addition to the visa fees, it is important to consider other associated costs, such as passport fees, vaccination fees (if required), and travel insurance. It is always recommended to review the latest information on the official websites of the Bahraini government and your home country's embassy in Bahrain for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa costs and requirements.

Visa duration

The duration of your visa will depend on the type of visa you apply for. Visas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available.

If you are visiting Bahrain for tourism, you can get a tourist visa issued for two weeks. You can apply for this visa at the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival at the airport. Alternatively, you can ask for a 10-year multiple-entry visa if you apply through the Bahrain embassy.

If you are visiting Bahrain for business purposes, you can get a visit visa if you are invited by a company in Bahrain. This type of visa can also be issued for up to 6 months.

There are also transit visas, which are issued at the request of licensed companies such as hotels or other authorised commercial entities.

It's important to note that you must have a valid visa for the duration of your stay in Bahrain. Overstaying your visa can result in penalties, legal issues, and even the cancellation of your work visa. If you need to extend your stay, you can submit a request through the Bahrain e-Visa website.

Passport validity

To enter Bahrain, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival. This is a requirement for all visitors to Bahrain, regardless of their nationality.

In addition to having a valid passport, most visitors to Bahrain also need a visa. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from this requirement and can enter Bahrain with a national ID card.

For those who need a visa, there are two main options: applying for an e-Visa before travelling or obtaining a visa on arrival. The e-Visa can be obtained from the Bahrain e-Visa website, and you will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport, among other documents. If you choose to obtain a visa on arrival, you can do so at any port of entry, such as the airport. However, it is important to note that citizens of certain countries must have a guarantor to obtain a visa on arrival.

It is always a good idea to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding passport validity and visa requirements when travelling to Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions