Bahrain's Visa Requirements For South Africa Explained

If you're a South African citizen planning a trip to Bahrain, you will need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. For short stays or tourism, you don't need to apply for a visa, but you must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering Bahrain. For longer stays or business purposes, you will need a valid visa. The good news is that several nationalities, including South African, can easily apply for an electronic visa, which allows them to stay in the country for a specified period.

South African citizens need a visa for Bahrain

Yes, South African citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. The Bahraini government offers different types of visas to South African citizens, depending on the purpose of their visit.

Types of Visas for South African Citizens

South African citizens can apply for either a traditional visa or an electronic visa (e-visa) to enter Bahrain. The e-visa is a more convenient option as it can be applied for online, eliminating the need to visit a Bahraini embassy or consulate.

There are two main types of e-visas available to South African citizens:

• Tourist Visa: This visa is for tourism purposes, such as visiting relatives or exploring the country. South African citizens must have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.
• Business Visa: This visa is for those who want to engage in professional or commercial activities in Bahrain, such as attending seminars and conferences.

E-Visa Variations

The Bahrain e-visa has different variations in terms of validity periods:

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows a stay of 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period.
• Multiple-Entry (30-Day) Visa: Allows a stay of 30 days within a 30-day period.
• Multiple-Entry (90-Day) Visa: Allows South African passport holders to stay for 90 consecutive days within a 12-month period.

E-Visa Requirements

To apply for the Bahrain e-visa, South African citizens must provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport: The passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and 2 blank pages for stamps.
• E-mail Address: A valid and active e-mail address is required, as the travel documents will be electronically linked to the passport and sent via email upon approval.
• Means of Payment: Applicants need to pay both the embassy fee and the visa service fee using online payment methods such as debit or credit cards, or a PayPal account.
• Itinerary: A detailed itinerary or copy of round-trip tickets is necessary.

Application Process

The application process for the Bahrain e-visa is straightforward and can be completed within 10 minutes through websites like VisaHQ. Here are the steps:

• Fill out the visa application form.
• Pay the visa processing fees.
• Submit the application.

It is important to double-check the provided information before submission, as errors or mistakes can delay or deny the approval of the e-visa by the Bahraini authorities.

Processing Fee and Time

The processing time for a Bahrain e-visa is typically 5 business days, but it may take longer due to high demand or secondary checks. The cost varies depending on the chosen e-visa type, with fees covering both the embassy and visa service charges.

Bahrain offers two types of e-visas: tourist and business

If you're a South African citizen planning a trip to Bahrain, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be done online. Bahrain offers two types of e-visas: tourist and business.

The Bahrain tourist e-visa allows South African citizens to enter Bahrain for short stays, typically up to 14 days, with a maximum validity of 30 days. This visa is suitable for tourism purposes, such as visiting relatives or exploring the country. To apply for this visa, you will need to provide a range of documents, including a completed visa application form, a clear scan copy of your passport, a recent bank statement, a travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. The application process is quick and easy, and you will receive your e-visa via email once approved.

Alternatively, if you are planning to conduct business in Bahrain, you can apply for a business e-visa. This visa is suitable for professional or commercial activities, such as attending seminars and conferences. The business e-visa also comes in different variations depending on the length of your stay. You can obtain a single-entry visa valid for 14 days within a 30-day period, a multiple-entry visa valid for 30 days within a 30-day period, or a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days within a 12-month period. Regardless of the type of e-visa you choose, you will need to provide certain necessary documents, including a valid passport, a valid email address, proof of payment, and a detailed itinerary.

The processing time for a Bahrain e-visa is typically around 5 business days, but this may vary due to high demand or additional checks. The cost of the visa will depend on the type of e-visa you select and includes both an embassy fee and a service fee. For example, the single-entry visa has an embassy fee of $24 and a service fee of $59, while the multiple-entry visa for 90 days has an embassy fee of $117 and the same service fee of $59.

It is important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Bahrain, and you may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on the nature of your trip. The online application process is simple and can be completed within 10 minutes, but ensure that all the information you provide is accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

The visa application process for South Africans

South African citizens need a valid visa to enter Bahrain. They can obtain either a traditional visa or an electronic visa (e-visa). The e-visa is a more convenient option as it can be done from the comfort of your home, without needing to visit the Bahrain embassy or consulate office.

Types of e-visas

Bahrain offers two types of e-visas:

• Tourist visa: For tourism purposes, such as visiting relatives and exploring the country.
• Business visa: For performing professional or commercial activities, such as attending seminars and conferences.

Validity period

The validity period for the e-visa depends on the type:

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows a stay of 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period.
• Multiple-Entry (30-Day) Visa: Allows a stay of 30 days within a 30-day period.
• Multiple-Entry (90-Day) Visa: Allows South African passport holders to stay for 90 consecutive days within a 12-month period.

Required documents

To apply for a Bahrain e-visa, the following documents are required:

• Valid passport: The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and 2 blank pages for stamps.
• E-mail address: An active and valid e-mail address is required as the e-visa will be electronically linked to your passport and sent to your e-mail.
• Means of payment: You need to pay both the embassy fee and the visa service fee online, using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
• Itinerary: A detailed itinerary or a copy of your round-trip tickets is necessary.

Application process

The application process for a Bahrain e-visa is simple and can be completed in 10 minutes or less:

• Visit the VisaHQ website and select your citizenship.
• Fill out the visa application form, providing personal details (name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue and expiry date), travel plans (intended departure date, hotel booking), and contact details (phone number, email address).
• Pay the visa processing fees.
• Submit your application.

Processing fee and time

The processing time for a Bahrain e-visa is typically 5 business days, but it may take longer due to high demand or secondary checks. The processing fee depends on the type of e-visa selected:

• Single-Entry Visa: Embassy fee of $24 and service fee of $59.
• Multiple-Entry (30-Day) Visa: Embassy fee of $77 and service fee of $59.
• Multiple-Entry (90-Day) Visa: Embassy fee of $117 and service fee of $59.

Additional considerations

It is important to double-check the information provided in the application to avoid delays or denials. Errors or mistakes may result in the e-visa being delayed or denied by the Bahrain authorities.

Permanent residence options

For those seeking permanent residence in South Africa, there are several options:

• Spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident for five years.
• Holder of 5 years' worth of temporary general, quota, or exceptional skills work visas.
• Parent or child of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Possess an irrevocable annuity or retirement account with a monthly income of at least R37,000.
• Have a net worth of R12 million and pay the Department of Home Affairs' application fee of R120,000.
• Have a passive income of R37,000 per month from savings, investments, annuities, or pension funds.
• Apply under the refugee category after holding refugee status for five years.

The different types of South African visas for Bahraini citizens

Bahraini citizens looking to travel to South Africa for a temporary stay may apply for a South African visa. There are several types of visas available, each with its own specific requirements and purposes. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of South African visas for Bahraini citizens:

• Visitor's Visa: This is the most common type of visa for tourists or individuals visiting family and friends in South Africa. Visitor's visas are typically valid for a short period, usually less than 90 days. Visitors must have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket.
• Study Visa: This visa is for foreign students who intend to pursue their education in South Africa. It is valid for the duration of the course or a maximum of 36 months for school and 24 months for other institutions. Students must provide proof of acceptance from the educational institution, sufficient funds, and medical cover.
• Work Visa: There are three types of work visas: General Work Visa, Critical Skills Work Visa, and Intra-Company Transfer Visa. Each has specific requirements, but all require a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, and a contract of employment.
• Business Visa: This visa is for foreign individuals who intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa. It requires a substantial financial investment and registration with relevant authorities.
• Medical Treatment Visa: This visa is for individuals seeking specialised medical treatment in South Africa. It is typically valid for a maximum of six months and requires a letter from a medical practitioner detailing the nature and necessity of the treatment.
• Exchange Visa: This visa is for individuals under 25 years of age participating in cultural, economic, or social exchange programs. It is valid for up to 12 months and requires proof of program participation.
• Retired Person's Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to retire in South Africa. It requires proof of financial means, such as a pension or retirement annuity.
• Relative's Visa: This visa is for individuals who are immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents. It requires proof of kinship and financial assurance.
• Treaty Visa: This visa is for foreigners conducting activities in South Africa as per international agreements.

It is important to note that the requirements and application processes may vary, and it is recommended to consult the official websites of the South African government and embassies for the most up-to-date information.

The validity period of the e-visa

South African citizens travelling to Bahrain are required to obtain an electronic visa or e-visa. This can be done online, and the process is quick and simple. The e-visa allows South Africans to stay in Bahrain for a short period of time, usually 14 days, with a maximum of 30 days per entry.

The Bahrain e-visa comes in different variations with varying validity periods. The type of e-visa required depends on the nature of the visit to Bahrain. Here are the options available for South African citizens:

• Single-Entry Visa: This type of e-visa allows holders to stay in Bahrain for 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. It is suitable for short-term visits, such as tourism or visiting relatives.
• Multiple-Entry (30-Day) Visa: This e-visa permits travellers to stay in Bahrain for 30 days within a 30-day period. It is a good option for those who plan to make multiple entries into Bahrain during a one-month period.
• Multiple-Entry (90-Day) Visa: South African passport holders can apply for this e-visa if they need to stay in Bahrain for a longer period. It allows them to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days within a 12-month period.

It is important to note that the validity period of the e-visa is different from the length of stay permitted. The validity period refers to the timeframe during which the e-visa is active and can be used for entry into Bahrain. On the other hand, the length of stay refers to the maximum number of days a traveller is allowed to remain in Bahrain during each visit.

When planning their trip, South African citizens should carefully consider the purpose and duration of their visit to Bahrain. By choosing the appropriate e-visa type, they can ensure that they have valid authorization to enter and stay in the country for the required period. It is always advisable to apply for the e-visa well in advance of the intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time and avoid any unexpected issues.

Frequently asked questions