France Visa In Bahrain: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a citizen of Bahrain and want to travel to France, you'll need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay in France. This guide will take you through the process of applying for a French visa in Bahrain, including the different types of visas available, the application process, and some helpful tips to ensure a smooth journey towards your French adventure.

Visa application guidelines

To obtain a French visa in Bahrain, you must submit your application to the visa service of the French embassy in Manama. The embassy is the only authority authorised to make decisions about visas. It is recommended that you submit your application at least 20 days before your departure.

Firstly, use the "Visa Wizard" on the France-Visas website to check if you need a visa, and if so, what type. The wizard will also inform you of the required documents and fees. Once you have confirmed that you need a visa, you can complete your application on the France-Visas online portal. Here, you will be asked to create a France-Visas account, which you will need for each step of the process.

After completing your online application, submit it to your local visa centre. France-Visas will provide information on how and where to do this. You can then track your application online.

When visiting the Visa Application Centre, please note that only visa applicants are authorised to enter. No companions are permitted unless prior authorisation has been obtained by emailing the HELP service. Security checks will be conducted, and you must comply with the prohibited items list.

For your appointment, ensure you bring the following:

• Appointment confirmation document
• Completed and signed application form, including the full address in the Schengen State
• Original passport and copy of the passport
• A recent ID picture in ISO/IECI format (pdf)
• Copy of previous Schengen Visa (if applicable)
• Supporting documents (originals and copies) specific to your situation and purpose of travel
• Means of payment for your application

Biometric data, including a photograph and 10 fingerprints, will be collected from applicants who are over 12 years of age. Children under 12 years of age are exempt and can have their application submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

Visa application timing

The timing of your visa application is crucial, and there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure a smooth process. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Application Window

It is essential to apply for your French visa within the designated time frame. For citizens of Bahrain, the recommended time frame for submitting a visa application is between 6 months and 15 days before your intended stay in France. This allows ample time for processing and avoids any last-minute complications.

Avoiding Inconvenience

To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to submit your visa application at least 20 days before your planned departure. The visa delivery time may vary, and it is important to plan ahead to ensure you receive your visa in time for your trip.

Justified Emergencies

In cases of duly justified emergencies, such as business trips or family emergencies, it is possible to submit a visa application less than 15 days before your departure. However, it is important to note that the Embassy of France cannot guarantee the issuance of the visa before your departure in such cases.

Biometric Data Collection

For applicants over 12 years of age, biometric data collection is required. This includes a photograph and 10 fingerprints, taken flat and digitized. This process ensures the security and authenticity of the visa application.

Processing Timescales

It is important to understand that processing timescales for short-stay visas may vary from one embassy or consulate to another. The time taken to process your visa application can depend on various factors, including the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance to account for any potential variations in processing times.

Visa application process

To obtain a French visa in Bahrain, you must submit your application to the French Embassy in Manama. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a French visa if you are in Bahrain.

Step 1: Check Visa Requirements

Use the "Visa Wizard" on the France-Visas website to determine if you need a visa and, if so, what type. The wizard will also inform you of the necessary documents and fees for your specific situation.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

After confirming your visa requirements, you can proceed to fill out the online application form on the France-Visas portal. You will need to create a France-Visas account to do this and for the subsequent steps.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the online application, submit it to your local visa centre in Bahrain. France-Visas will provide you with the necessary information on how and where to submit your application.

Step 4: Track Your Application

After submitting your application, you can track its progress online through the France-Visas website. This will allow you to monitor the status of your application and see how and when you can collect your passport and prepare for your trip to France.

Additional Information:

• It is recommended that you submit your visa application at least 20 days before your departure to avoid any inconvenience.
• The processing time for short-stay visas can vary depending on the embassy or consulate.
• All documents must be submitted in French, and you must provide both the originals and photocopies.
• Visa applications are only processed once a complete application has been received.
• The fee for a short-stay visa is up to €90, and it is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

Visa application tracking

To track your visa application, log on to France-Visas, the official website for visa applications to France. France-Visas is a single portal with all the information you need to process and help you every step of the way, including preparing the application, entering details, submitting, and tracking the application.

You can check the status of your visa application at any time in your "My Applications" area on France-Visas. If you applied at a CAPAGO or TLS visa application centre, you will need to use their respective online application tracking tools and provide your file reference or log in to your TLS account. If you applied at a VFS visa application centre, you will need to use the VFS online application tracking tool and provide the reference number that was given to you.

Once your application has been processed, you will be asked to collect your passport from your visa application centre. Certain countries offer a "passport courier service". Please check the availability of this service with your visa application centre.

Visa application centre

To obtain a French visa in Bahrain, you must submit your application to a visa centre for France. The visa service of the French Embassy in Manama is authorised to make all visa decisions.

The application process can be initiated online via the official website, france-visas.gouv.fr. Here, you can use the 'Visa Wizard' to check if you need a visa, and if so, what type. The wizard will also outline the required documents and the relevant fee. Once you have confirmed that you need a visa, you can complete your application on the online portal.

After completing your online application, you must submit it to your local visa centre. France-Visas will provide you with the necessary information on how and where to submit your application.

The VFS Global Centre in Manama is an option for submitting your application in person. This centre is located on the 18th Floor of the Diplomatic Commercial Office Tower, Building 1565, Road N° 1722 Diplomatic Area 317 Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. It is open from Sunday to Thursday, between 08:00 and 15:00. You can contact the centre by phone on (+973) 17516544 or by email at [email protected].

When visiting the Visa Application Centre, only visa applicants are authorised to enter. No companions are permitted unless prior authorisation has been obtained by emailing the HELP service. Security checks are carried out on all individuals entering the centre, and several items are prohibited, including battery-powered devices, bags (except small handbags and plastic bags containing application documents), sealed packages, inflammable items, sharp objects, and weapons or explosives.

At your appointment, remember to bring the following:

• Your appointment confirmation document (printed)
• A completed and signed application form
• Your original passport and a copy of it
• A recent ID picture in ISO/IECI format (pdf)
• A copy of your previous Schengen Visa (if applicable)
• Supporting documents (originals and copies) specific to your situation and purpose of travel
• Means of payment for your application

Frequently asked questions