Visa Requirements: Traveling To Bahrain

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, you'll need to ensure that you have the correct documentation to enter the country. Most visitors to Bahrain may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa before travelling. Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have freedom of movement in Bahrain and may enter with a national ID card. However, it's important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival, and you must hold a return or onward ticket. Let's explore the specific requirements for different types of visas and travellers.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit. Tourist, business, and journalist visas are all available for US citizens.

Tourist Visas

US citizens can apply for two-week tourist visas at the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival in Bahrain. It is also possible to apply for a ten-year multiple-entry visa through the Bahrain embassy. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days.

Business Visas

Business travellers must submit a visa application form and an employer's letter showing the purpose of their trip. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) may also be required from a Bahrain sponsor.

Journalist Visas

Journalists must have a journalism visa, which must be applied for in advance of travelling.

Other Visas

Other visas available to US citizens include visitor visas, work visas, and family visas.

Application Requirements

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

• A passport valid for at least six months from arrival
• A confirmed return air ticket
• A hotel booking in Bahrain or the ID card of a relative/friend if staying with them
• A bank statement in the visitor's name covering the last three months with an ending balance of at least the equivalent of $1000

Processing Times and Costs

Most e-visa applications are processed in 3-5 working days. Costs vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay, but generally start at $60, excluding service and processing fees.

Visa requirements for UK citizens

UK citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. The Government of Bahrain offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system, which is the equivalent of a visa without a stamp or label being placed in the passport.

Tourist Visa

For tourism purposes, UK citizens can obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa. The single-entry visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days per entry and is valid for 30 days, while the multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days and is valid for 90 days. The application process for the tourist eVisa is straightforward, consisting of 12 questions and requiring two documents: a bank statement and proof of accommodation. The average waiting time is about three days.

To apply for the tourist eVisa, UK citizens need the following:

• A valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the departure date.
• An email address: The eVisa will be sent to this address.
• A return flight ticket: Proof of return travel before the visa expires may be required.
• Bank statements: Statements from the last three months to prove financial stability.
• Proof of accommodation: This could be a hotel booking or an invitation letter from the host.
• Means of payment: Credit or debit cards are accepted for processing fees.

Business Visa

For business purposes, UK citizens can also obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa. The requirements and documentation needed for the business eVisa are similar to those of the tourist eVisa. In addition, a letter of introduction is required.

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival in Bahrain for a maximum stay of 14 days. However, it is recommended to obtain a visa before departure, as local immigration officials have the right to refuse entry to anyone.

How to apply for an e-visa

The official website for applying for a visa to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain is the Bahrain e-Visa website. It is important to note that no other website or company operates on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Eligibility

Firstly, check your eligibility for an e-Visa. Currently, every nationality entering Bahrain needs an entry visa, except for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). eVisas are available for visitors from over 200 countries. If you are not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain an entry visa in advance via a Bahrain embassy in your country of residence, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency.

Requirements

To apply for an e-Visa, you will need:

• A valid passport and a photocopy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• A valid plane ticket and confirmation of your hotel booking.
• A correctly filled-out Bahrain Visa Application form.
• A money order.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a region with the disease.
• Other recommended travel vaccinations include typhoid, rabies, and hepatitis A.

Application

Once you have gathered the required documents, visit the Bahrain e-Visa website to submit your application. You will also need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and length of stay. Costs generally start at $80, excluding service and processing fees. Please note that payment of the application fee does not guarantee the approval of a Visa, and the processing fee is non-refundable.

Processing Time

The e-Visa will be valid within 30 days of approval.

What documents are needed for a visa application?

To enter Bahrain, you will need a visa and a passport with at least six months' validity from your arrival date. You can apply for a two-week tourist visa on the Bahrain eVisa website, or upon arrival in the country. If you are applying through the Bahrain embassy, you can ask for a ten-year multiple-entry visa.

• A valid passport and a photocopy of your passport.
• A correctly filled-out Bahrain Visa Application form.
• A confirmed return or onward plane ticket.
• A hotel booking for your trip.
• A bank statement under your name covering the last three months with a minimum ending balance of 1000 USD.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as a money order.

If you are applying for a business visa, you will also need to submit an employer's letter showing the purpose of your trip. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) may also be required from a Bahrain sponsor.

It is important to note that visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and length of stay. Costs generally start at $60, excluding service and processing fees.

What are the costs and processing times for a visa?

The costs and processing times for a visa to Bahrain vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, applicant nationality, and processing method. Here is an overview of the visa costs and processing times:

Bahrain e-Visa Costs:

The cost of a Bahrain e-visa depends on the visa type and applicant nationality. The fees vary for single-entry or multiple-entry visas, with multiple-entry visas typically being more expensive. There is also a service charge for every e-visa application, covering administrative and processing costs. The total cost of a Bahrain e-visa includes the government fee, processing fee, and any rush processing fees for expedited service.

For US citizens, the Bahrain e-visa fee is BHD 9, which is approximately $24. However, visa fees can change without notice and are subject to the exchange rate on the day of application.

Bahrain e-Visa Processing Times:

The standard processing time for a Bahrain e-visa is typically a few working days, but it can vary depending on the number of applications and the specifics of your application. The total processing time is flexible and can be influenced by factors such as application accuracy, demand and workload, and internal procedures.

If you require expedited processing, there are options available for an additional cost. These include Rush Processing and Super Rush Processing, which can reduce the processing time for urgent travel needs. When applying through the government portal, the processing time after visa payment is 18 days. Applying through a third-party service like Atlys can further reduce the processing time to 22 days.

It is recommended to apply for your visa at least three weeks before your travel date to avoid any delays.

Frequently asked questions