Exploring Bahrain: Understanding Extended Stay Options

Can you stay in Bahrain longer than two weeks?

Yes, it is possible to stay in Bahrain for longer than two weeks. The duration of your stay in Bahrain depends on the type of visa you hold. A Visit Visa allows you to stay in Bahrain for one month, with the option to extend for another two weeks. The eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Business Visa are typically valid for up to 14 days, but can be extended for a longer period. The Tourist Visa is valid for two weeks, and the Visitor Visa is valid for one month. For longer stays, you can apply for residency through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). It is important to note that overstaying your visa can result in penalties and legal issues, and you may be fined if you overstay your legal residency.

The Visit Visa allows you to stay for one month, with a possible two-week extension

The Visit Visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained from Bahrain's official government website. It costs BD 29 (approximately USD 77) in total, including a processing fee of BD 4 (approximately USD 11) and a visa fee of BD 25 (approximately USD 66). The Visit Visa allows you to stay in Bahrain for one month, with the possibility of a two-week extension. This means you can stay for up to six weeks in total.

To be eligible for the Visit Visa, you must meet several requirements. Firstly, you must have a valid passport from an eligible country with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your arrival in Bahrain. Secondly, you must have a valid confirmed onward or return travel ticket. Additionally, you must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents during your visit. It is important to note that your entry must not violate Bahrain's security and national welfare.

The Visit Visa must be used within 30 days of its approval, and you cannot hold more than one visa at a time. The application process typically takes around 3 to 5 working days, and you will be notified via email once a decision has been made. While printing a copy of the approval is not necessary, doing so can be helpful to carry with you when travelling.

If you need to stay longer than the one month provided by the Visit Visa, you can apply for an extension at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department (NPRA) of the Ministry of Interior. This extension will grant you an additional two weeks in Bahrain. However, it is important to note that the extension comes with an additional fee, and overstaying your visa can result in penalties and legal issues.

You must apply for the visa before arriving in Bahrain

Applying for a Visa to Bahrain

If you are planning to stay in Bahrain for longer than two weeks, you will need to apply for a visa before your arrival. Here are the essential things to know about the process:

Visa Requirements

Firstly, ensure you meet the requirements to apply for a visa. You will need:

• A valid passport with a validity of six months.
• A return or onward journey ticket.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.
• A yellow fever vaccination card if you are travelling from a yellow fever-affected country.
• A bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds for your visit.
• A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.

Visa Application Process

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can proceed with the visa application. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Completing an online application form.
• Submitting the required documents, including your passport, travel tickets, passport photographs, and more.
• Paying the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
• Receiving approval of your application, which can take around 3-5 working days.

Visa Validity and Extensions

The standard Visit Visa allows a stay of one month in Bahrain and can be extended for an additional two weeks. It is important to note that visas must be used within 30 days of approval and cannot be held concurrently with another visa. Therefore, it is crucial to time your application to align with your travel plans.

On-Arrival Visas

It is worth noting that some nationalities may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival, which can be obtained when entering Bahrain. However, this option is only available to specific countries, so it is essential to check your eligibility before relying on this option.

You must have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket

To enter Bahrain, you must have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. Here is some more information on these requirements:

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Bahrain. If you have an old passport, staple it to your new one. If you are travelling with family, each member must have their own passport. You must also submit the pages of your old and new passports that contain your personal details.

Proof of Accommodation

You must provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation. If you are staying with a friend or relative, you will need to provide their ID card.

Return Ticket

You must have a valid, confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Bahrain.

In addition to the above, you will also need to meet other requirements, such as having sufficient funds to cover your stay and applying for a visa.

The visa costs $77, with a processing fee of $11

Visiting Bahrain: Visa Costs and Processing Fees

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, it's important to understand the visa requirements and associated costs. Bahrain offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit, such as tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and student visas. Here's what you need to know about the visa costs and processing fees:

The Visit Visa:

The standard Visit Visa costs $77, including a processing fee of $11. This type of visa is an electronic visa that can be obtained online before your arrival in Bahrain. It allows you to stay in the country for one month and can be extended for an additional two weeks by visiting the NPRA in Bahrain. Some nationalities may be eligible to stay longer. It is important to note that the visa must be used within 30 days of its approval and cannot be used if you are already in Bahrain. The visa fee covers the cost of processing your application, and it is non-refundable even if your application is not approved.

Other Visa Options:

The cost of a Bahrain visa can vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality. For example, a single-entry tourist visa may cost around $83, while a multiple-entry visa for 30 days could be around $136. A business visa for foreign nationals intending to stay for a short time for business purposes typically costs $176 for a 90-day visa. Additionally, expedited processing options are available for urgent travel, with "Rush Processing" and "Super Rush Processing" incurring extra charges.

Visa Application Process:

When applying for a Bahrain visa, you will typically need to provide certain documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward journey ticket. The application process can be completed online or through a Bahrain embassy, depending on your nationality. The processing time for a Bahrain visa can vary, usually taking a few working days, but it is recommended to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

You must be able to support yourself financially during your visit

To stay in Bahrain for longer than two weeks, you will need to prove that you can support yourself financially during your visit. This is a requirement for all types of visas, including the Visit Visa, on-arrival visit visa, and eVisa.

The Bahrain government requires visitors to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. This can be in the form of a bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient balance. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, the five-year multiple-entry eVisa requires visitors to provide a copy of a bank statement showing a balance of not less than the equivalent of BD 300 (USD 796) for the last three months.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Bahrain can be relatively high, especially in the capital city of Manama. The cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses can quickly add up, so it is essential to plan and budget accordingly. Obtaining travel insurance is also recommended to cover any unexpected expenses or emergencies that may arise during your trip.

Additionally, visitors are required to have a valid passport, a confirmed onward travel ticket, and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation. These documents are necessary to obtain a visa and enter Bahrain. It is also worth noting that some visas require a processing fee, which must be paid in addition to the visa fee. The processing fee is typically non-refundable, even if the visa application is not approved.

Frequently asked questions