Exploring Bahrain: Saudi Visit Visa Accessibility

If you are a Saudi citizen with a Saudi visit visa, you can travel to Bahrain without needing a separate visa. However, there are some requirements you must adhere to. These include having a passport and national ID card with at least three months of validity remaining. On the other hand, if you are a resident of Saudi Arabia, you can enter Bahrain by obtaining an electronic visa, but you must meet specific requirements, such as having spent at least three months in Saudi Arabia without leaving.

Saudi citizens can enter Bahrain without a visa

Saudi citizens can enter Bahrain without needing a visa. However, there are still some requirements that must be adhered to when travelling from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. For Saudi citizens, a passport with at least three months of remaining validity is required, as is a National ID card with at least three months of validity remaining. For residents of Saudi Arabia, a visa is required to enter Bahrain, and this can be obtained electronically, provided that the applicant has spent at least three months in the Kingdom without leaving and has a residency card and passport valid for at least six months.

For those travelling to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway, there are some additional requirements. All travellers must carry the relevant vehicle documents, such as a valid driving licence and vehicle ownership certificate, or a notarized authorisation certificate from the vehicle's owner. An electronic exit and re-entry visa is also required, along with a valid residency permit and passport valid for at least six months.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is considered a distinctive tourist destination, offering a blend of ancient history and modern civilisation. From historic sites like the Bahrain Fort to the vibrant culture and natural areas such as the Amwaj Islands, Bahrain has much to offer.

Requirements for Saudi citizens travelling to Bahrain

Saudi citizens can visit Bahrain without needing a prior visa. However, there are still some requirements that they must adhere to when travelling to the country. Here are the essential requirements for Saudi citizens travelling to Bahrain:

Passport and National ID

It is necessary to have a passport with at least three months of validity remaining at the time of travel. Similarly, the National ID card must also have a minimum validity of three months. These documents should be carried with you during your travel to Bahrain and presented to the immigration authorities if needed.

Travel Visas for Residents

While Saudi citizens do not require a visa, residents of Saudi Arabia who are not citizens need to obtain an electronic visa to enter Bahrain. This requirement is waived for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who can enter without a visa.

Vehicle Documents

If you plan to drive to Bahrain, you must carry the necessary vehicle documents, such as a valid driving license and vehicle ownership certificate. Alternatively, if you are not the owner of the vehicle, you will need a notarized authorization certificate from the owner.

Travel Requirements for Children

Children who do not have an ID card must carry a travel document. Additionally, children under 21 travelling without their parents are required to have a permit from their guardian.

Other Considerations

When planning your trip to Bahrain, it is advisable to check the current entry requirements on official websites. Visa policies and entry requirements can change, so staying informed ensures a smooth travel experience.

Residents of Saudi Arabia can enter Bahrain with an electronic visa

Overview:

When travelling between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, it is essential to adhere to specific requirements and regulations. While Saudi citizens can visit Bahrain without a prior visa, residents of Saudi Arabia must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) to enter Bahrain. This requirement is part of the travel procedures for residents travelling between the two countries.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa) for Residents of Saudi Arabia:

Residents of Saudi Arabia can apply for an electronic visa to enter Bahrain. However, they must meet certain requirements, including having a valid residency card in Saudi Arabia for at least three months and spending a minimum of three months in the Kingdom without leaving. Additionally, their passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel.

Applying for the Bahrain e-Visa:

The process of obtaining a Bahrain e-Visa typically involves the following steps:

• Visit the official e-Visa platform or website: The e-Visa application process usually starts by accessing the designated website or platform, such as the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) platform in Bahrain.
• Provide necessary information: Applicants will need to fill out an application form with accurate personal and travel details. This may include information such as the purpose of their visit, the planned duration of their stay, financial means to support themselves, and passport details.
• Submit required documents: Depending on the specific requirements, applicants may need to submit additional documents, such as a copy of their passport, recent passport-sized photographs, and other supporting documents.
• Make the payment: After completing the application and submitting the necessary documents, applicants will be directed to the payment section. The visa fee may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
• Wait for visa processing: Once the application and payment are submitted, applicants should allow time for the visa to be processed. The processing time can vary but is generally completed within a specified number of business days.
• Receive the e-Visa: Upon approval, applicants will receive their e-Visa via email or through their online account. It is recommended to have both a digital copy and a printed copy of the e-Visa for presentation during travel.

Additional Considerations:

When planning travel between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, it is important to stay updated with the latest entry requirements and visa policies, as they may change over time. Additionally, residents should ensure they comply with any specific conditions associated with their visa, such as restrictions on employment and the need for valid travel documents and permits.

Requirements for Saudi residents travelling to Bahrain

When travelling from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, there are a number of requirements that residents should be aware of. Here is a detailed and direct guide to the requirements and procedures for Saudi residents planning to visit Bahrain.

Visa Requirements

Saudi residents are required to obtain a visa before entering Bahrain. The type of visa needed will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit. The most common types of visas for Saudi residents travelling to Bahrain include:

• Tourist visa: For sightseeing, recreational activities, or family visits. This is usually valid for multiple entries over a one-year period, with each stay lasting no longer than 90 days.
• Business visa: For business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
• Transit visa: For travellers passing through Bahrain en route to another destination. This allows for a short stay, typically up to 96 hours.

Documentation

To obtain a visa for Bahrain, Saudi residents must provide the following documents:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport with a remaining validity of at least six months beyond the intended stay in Bahrain.
• A recent passport-sized photograph that meets Bahrain's specific requirements.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
• Details of your planned accommodation in Bahrain.
• A valid confirmed ticket for your onward journey from Bahrain.

Application Process

Saudi residents can apply for a Bahrain visa online through the eVisa platform or by contacting a Bahrain embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Centre (VAC). The online application process typically involves filling out an application form, making an online payment, and submitting the required documents. The processing time for a Bahrain visa is generally 10 to 12 working days, but it is recommended to apply at least two weeks in advance to ensure smooth processing.

Travel Requirements via King Fahd Causeway

When travelling via the King Fahd Causeway, Saudi residents must carry additional documentation, including a valid residency permit and an electronic exit and re-entry visa. They must also present the vehicle documents if they are using a personal vehicle, such as a valid driving licence and vehicle ownership certificate.

Important Considerations

It is important to note that visa policies and entry requirements may change over time. Therefore, travellers are advised to check the current entry requirements on official websites before planning their trip. Additionally, when visiting Bahrain, it is essential to adhere to the entry conditions, such as not engaging in paid employment and ensuring compliance with the validity period of the visa.

Visa requirements for children travelling to Bahrain

Children travelling to Bahrain may need to present a travel document if they do not have an ID card. Children under the age of 21 must have a permit from their guardian if they are travelling without their parents.

In addition, the following general passport and visa requirements apply to all travellers entering Bahrain, including children:

• Passport validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected departure date from Bahrain. Some sources state that the validity should cover the duration of the stay in Bahrain or the visa validity, whichever is longer.
• Visa requirements: A visa is required to visit Bahrain and can be obtained in advance from the Bahrain Embassy or online. Visas are typically issued for a 2-week period but can also be obtained for stays of up to 6 months.
• Onward or return travel: Visitors may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when applying for a visa.
• Yellow fever vaccination: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from or transiting through a country where yellow fever occurs.
• Other vaccinations: While not specifically mentioned for children, it is generally recommended that travellers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date and consider additional vaccinations relevant to their destination and itinerary.
• Travel authorisations: Due to regional tensions, travellers seeking to enter Saudi Arabia from Bahrain via the causeway are advised to check the terms of their Saudi visa. Some Saudi visas only permit entry into the country by air, not by land from Bahrain.

Frequently asked questions