Applying For A South African Visa: Bahrain To Sa

If you're a South African citizen wanting to travel to Bahrain, you can apply for a Bahrain eVisa online. This visa is valid for 30 days and allows multiple entries. The application process is straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes. You will need to fill out a form, submit the necessary documents, and pay the visa fee. The cost of the visa depends on how quickly you want it processed, with standard, rush, and super-rush options available. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, and note that you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation and a return ticket.

South African visa types

Visitor's Visa

The Visitor's Visa is a document that gives travellers permission to enter South Africa on a temporary basis for tourism, business purposes, or to visit family or friends. It is typically valid for a period of 90 days. This visa can be applied for at a South African embassy or mission abroad, and applicants can apply for a renewal on their existing visa.

Work Visa

There are three types of South African work visas:

• General Work Visa: Issued to foreigners with specific skills that are scarce in South Africa.
• Critical Skills Work Visa: Issued to foreigners with qualifications and skills that are considered critical for the country's economy.
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Issued to employees of multinational companies who are transferred to a branch in South Africa.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is for foreigners who want to invest in or start a business in South Africa. Applicants are required to invest a prescribed financial capital contribution.

Study Visa

The Study Visa is for foreign students who wish to study at a South African educational institution. It is valid for the duration of the course registered for, up to 36 months for school and 24 months for other institutions.

Exchange Visa

The Exchange Visa is for foreigners under 25 years of age who wish to participate in cultural, economic, or social exchange programmes administered by the state or a public higher educational institution.

Medical Treatment Visa

The Medical Treatment Visa is for foreigners seeking specialised medical care in South Africa.

Retired Person's Visa

The Retired Person's Visa is for foreigners who wish to retire in South Africa. Applicants must receive a minimum monthly income of R37,000 from a pension fund or have a net worth of at least R37,000.

Relative's Visa

The Relative's Visa is for immediate family members of South African citizens or permanent residents. This includes spouses, children, siblings, and parents.

Treaty Visa

The Treaty Visa is for foreigners who want to enter South Africa to participate in programmes agreed upon by South Africa and their respective countries.

Volunteer Visa

The Volunteer Visa is for foreign nationals involved in unpaid volunteer or charity work in South Africa.

Crew Visa

The Crew Visa is for members of the crew of any transport conveyance.

Application process

The application process for a South African visa for Bahraini citizens is outlined below.

Firstly, it is important to select the visa option that best suits the purpose of your visit. There are several visa options available, including:

• Visitor visa
• Work visa (General, Critical Skills, or Intra-Company Transfer)
• Business visa
• Study visa
• Life partner visa
• Spouse visa
• Retired person visa
• Exchange visa
• Treaty visa
• Relative's visa
• Medical treatment visa
• Volunteer visa
• Crew visa

Once you have chosen the appropriate visa type, you will need to submit a visa application, which will be processed by a team of immigration lawyers. This application should include the necessary supporting documents, such as a passport with at least six months of validity and other relevant paperwork.

For a South African visitor visa, the following documents are required:

• A completed online application form
• A passport photo that meets specific requirements and is no older than 6 months
• A clear scan copy of your passport, including the signature page, photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates
• A recent monthly bank statement showing your name, account holder status, balances, and the date of the statement
• A travel itinerary, including travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections
• Accommodation reservation details, including the name and address of the accommodation, and check-in and check-out dates
• Proof of previous travel to certain countries, such as previous visas or entry/exit stamps in your passport
• A round-trip flight reservation, including departure and return flight details and confirmed booking references

The application process can be completed online, and it is recommended to use the services of a reputable company, such as Evisa Express, to ensure a smooth and secure application procedure. The average processing time is around 46 hours, and the visa should be issued within 5 business days.

The cost of the visa will depend on the type and length of your stay. For example, a single-entry visa for up to 14 days costs 69 EUR, while a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days each costs 249 EUR.

It is important to note that the visa application fee is typically non-refundable, so applicants should carefully review their applications and supporting documents before submission.

Required documents

To apply for a South African visa from Bahrain, you will need to gather several documents to support your application. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. Here is a detailed list of the documents you will typically need:

Passport

A valid passport is required for your application. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Africa, and it should have at least one blank page for visa stamps. You will need to provide a clear scan copy of your passport, including the information pages with your signature, photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.

Visa Application Form

You will need to complete the online visa application form accurately and legibly. Incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or denial of your visa application, so it is important to double-check for any errors before submission. The form will require personal information, passport details, and your intended travel plans to South Africa.

Passport Photo

A recent passport photo is required, typically no older than six months. It must meet the specific requirements set by the South African authorities, including size, background colour, and facial expression. Ensure the photo is of high quality to avoid any issues.

Bank Statements

You may be required to provide recent bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself during your trip. The number of months' worth of statements requested may vary, but typically, you will need to show statements that clearly display your name as the account holder, the balances of the accounts, and the dates of the statements. If printed online, they must be authenticated (stamped) by bank officials.

Travel Itinerary and Accommodation

As part of your application, you will need to provide a clear travel itinerary, including travel reservations to and from South Africa in your name. This should include travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of accommodation in South Africa for the duration of your visit. This should include the name and address of the accommodation, as well as your check-in and check-out dates and confirmation of your booking.

Previous Travel History

You may be asked to provide proof of your previous travel history, such as previous visas, entry/exit stamps in your passport, or other travel documents. This helps demonstrate your travel experience.

Round-Trip Flight Reservation

A round-trip flight reservation, including departure and return flights with confirmed booking references, may be required. This helps verify your travel plans and intended duration of stay.

Additional Documents

Depending on your specific situation and the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents. These could include a justification letter, a GCC Residence Permit, or a visa from specific countries (such as the UAE, UK, USA, KSA, or Schengen Visa). If you are travelling with minor children, you will need an authorisation letter from your spouse or a death certificate if your spouse is deceased.

Please note that the requirements may change, and it is always recommended to check with the official government sources or consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Payment methods

The payment methods for a South African visa vary depending on whether you are applying for an e-Visa or submitting your application at an embassy or consulate.

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Cash

Processing times

The processing time for a Bahrain e-Visa for South African citizens depends on the type of e-Visa and the processing speed selected. The average processing time is 46 hours, but it can take up to 5 business days.

There are three types of e-Visas available for South African citizens:

• Single-entry: Allows a stay of up to 14 days in Bahrain and is valid for one entry.
• Multiple-entry (1): Allows a stay of up to 30 days with multiple entries and is valid for 3 months.
• Multiple-entry (2): Allows a stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries and is valid for 365 days from the arrival date.

The cost of the e-Visa varies depending on the type and length of stay:

• 69 EUR for single-entry (up to 14 days).
• 109 EUR for multiple-entry (1) (up to 30 days each).
• 249 EUR for multiple-entry (2) (up to 90 days each).

Additionally, applicants can choose from different processing speeds, which will incur different costs:

• Standard processing: The most affordable option, with a processing time of up to 7 days and a cost of USD 150.99.
• Rush processing: Faster option with a processing time of 5 days and a cost of USD 179.99.
• Super Rush processing: The quickest option for emergencies, with a processing time of only 4 days, and a cost of USD 226.99.

Frequently asked questions