Exploring Bahrain: Visa Options And Categories

Bahrain offers several types of visas, each with specific eligibility criteria, durations, and application processes. The country's visa categories include tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas, and family visas. These visas are typically issued based on the purpose of the traveller's trip, such as tourism, business, or family visits. Bahrain also provides electronic visas (e-visas) and visas on arrival for eligible countries, making the application process more accessible. Understanding the different types of visas and their requirements is essential for anyone planning to visit or work in Bahrain.

Tourist visa

You can apply for a tourist visa through the Bahrain eVisa platform or upon arrival. The eVisa platform allows you to check your eligibility, apply for a visa, pay the application fee, and extend your visa if needed. The standard processing time for the eVisa is 7 days and costs $144.99.

It is important to note that a tourist visa is not valid for working in Bahrain. If you plan to work, you must obtain a valid work permit and signed employment contract before arriving in the country. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your expected arrival date in Bahrain.

COVID-19 Measures

As of May 2024, Bahrain does not require a COVID-19 vaccine certificate to enter the country. There is no need for a PCR test before arrival or quarantine upon entering Bahrain. However, you must follow the health protocols while in the country.

Business visa

Bahrain offers a range of visa options for those looking to enter the country for business purposes. Here is an overview of the business visa requirements and application process:

Eligibility and Documentation

To be eligible for a business visa to Bahrain, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the expected arrival date with one blank visa page.
• Hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay.
• Hold proof of onward/return flights.
• Hold proof of hotel reservation or accommodation details.
• Hold all documents required for their next destination.

In addition to the above, applicants must provide the following documents:

• A copy of the passport information page.
• A copy of the flight confirmation.
• A copy of the hotel confirmation or accommodation details.
• A Letter of Introduction or Invitation from the host organisation or business partner in Bahrain.

Application Process

The Government of Bahrain has implemented an electronic visa issuance system, which means there is no stamp or label placed in the passport. Applicants can apply for the visa through the official website of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The visa application typically takes 1-2 months to process, and the visa is valid for up to 90 days after arrival, allowing multiple entries.

Additional Information

It is important to note that holding a visa does not guarantee entry into Bahrain. Travellers must still meet all the conditions upon arrival to be granted entry, and local immigration officials have the right to refuse entry. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if the application is not approved.

Work visa

Bahrain offers a range of visa options for foreigners seeking to enter the country for work purposes, known as employment visas or work permits. Here is a detailed guide on the work visa process and requirements:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a Bahrain work visa, you must have a valid job offer from a company registered in Bahrain. The job offer should include a designated role such as an accountant, salesman, manager, secretary, or other specified positions.

Application Process:

The application process for a Bahrain work visa varies depending on the employee's current location and visa status:

• If the employee is outside Bahrain: The employer must advertise the job vacancy in local newspapers for seven days, mentioning the position, company name, and contact details. After this period, the employer can proceed with the visa application process.
• If the employee is inside Bahrain without a visa: In this case, the employee can apply for the visa and transfer form. If their previous visa was cancelled less than 30 days ago, they may need to obtain another grace period from the National Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) before applying for the Bahrain work visa.
• If the employee is inside Bahrain under another company's sponsorship/visa: The previous employer must approve the transfer of the Bahrain work visa or cancel the existing work permit. The new employer can then submit the work visa application. If the previous visa is cancelled, the employee has 30 days to obtain the new visa or request another 30-day grace period from the NPRA.
• If the employee is inside Bahrain on a visit visa: When applying for a work visa, they must include a copy of their visit visa and entry stamp in their passport. There is an additional fee of BHD 60 for transferring from a visit visa to an employment visa.

Required Documents:

The following documents are typically required to apply for a Bahrain work visa:

• Valid passport of the employee (with a minimum validity of six months, but preferably two years)
• Old passport copy (if available)
• Employment contract in English and Arabic, specifying the role, salary, duration, and other relevant details
• Intention to Transfer form (if transferring from one employer to another within Bahrain)
• Employee address (if available)
• Medical certificate approved by the GCC Approved Medical Certificate Association (GAMCA)

Approvals and Payments:

There are four mandatory approvals required for all employment visa applications:

• Approval from the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)
• Issuance of a Central Population Record (CPR) number from the Central Information Office (CIO)
• Approval from the National Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA)
• Visa Payment

The standard work permit visa fee is BHD 172 for one year and BHD 344 for two years, which is approximately $456 and $912, respectively.

Processing Time:

The processing time for a Bahrain employment visa depends on the employee's location. If the employee is already in Bahrain, the normal processing time is 3-10 business days. If the employee is outside Bahrain, the processing time is typically 18-25 business days.

Benefits of a Bahrain Work Visa:

Obtaining a work visa in Bahrain offers several advantages, including legal authorization to work in the country, diverse employment opportunities, financial stability through social security benefits, the ability to sponsor family members, cultural immersion, travel opportunities within the region, and enhanced professional growth.

Student visa

International students who wish to study in Bahrain are required to obtain a student visa. This visa helps students gain entry into the country and enrol in a recognized educational institution. The process of obtaining a student visa in Bahrain is straightforward, but there are specific requirements that must be met.

Firstly, it is important to note that the student visa application must be initiated from the applicant's country of origin. The first step is to email the consulate a copy of the applicant's passport, which includes their name, nationality, and date of birth. Along with this, the applicant should provide their current country of residence and any other residency permits they hold. Additionally, a visa fee of USD 650 must be paid, and a receipt of payment must be attached to the application.

To be eligible for a student visa in Bahrain, applicants must provide a letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution, confirming their enrolment in a full-time course. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay. This includes proof of payment of course fees in full.

Another crucial requirement for the student visa is private medical insurance. Documentary evidence of this insurance must be provided with the application. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies in Bahrain.

The processing time for a student visa can vary, typically taking up to two months or longer, depending on the applicant's nationality and other factors. Therefore, it is advisable to submit the required documents as early as possible once the offer of admission has been confirmed.

Other Types of Visas in Bahrain

In addition to the student visa, Bahrain offers various other types of visas, including:

• Visit Visa: Issued to individuals who want to visit family or friends in Bahrain or spend holidays there.
• Business Visa: For businesspeople visiting Bahrain for meetings, events, or unpaid training.
• Domestic Visa: This visa is for individuals such as maids, drivers, cooks, etc., extending their stay in Bahrain as foreigners.
• Employment Visa: A document that allows foreigners to work for an employer within Bahrain.

Family visa

Overview

Bahrain offers a family visit visa for those wanting to visit family members in the country. This is a short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days. For longer stays, a category D long-term visa is required.

Requirements

To obtain a family visit visa for Bahrain, the following is needed:

• An invitation letter from the family member being visited.
• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport, with a minimum validity of six months, although two years is recommended.
• Proof of sufficient income.
• Proof of travel arrangements.
• A sponsor with a residency permit, such as an employer, who will coordinate the application.
• A sponsor's CPR (Commercial Registration Number) and CR (Commercial Register).
• A copy of the sponsor's passport.
• Copies of the dependents' passports.
• Copies of the dependents' birth certificates, attested by the home country's embassy in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.
• A copy of the marriage certificate, in Arabic or English, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the home country and the Bahrain Embassy in the home country.
• A copy of the sponsor's latest paid electricity bill.

Additional Information

• The sponsor must be earning at least BHD 400 per month.
• If a dependent is over 18, their residence permit must be issued directly through the Nationality Passports and Residency Affairs.
• For children born in Bahrain or issued new passports in Bahrain, a new file must be opened or updated at the Nationality Passports and Residency Affairs.
• For those not eligible for a visa-free entry, online visa, or visa on arrival, a visa sponsorship is required. This can be obtained through Bahrain-based companies, hotels, or travel agencies.

Frequently asked questions