Bahrain To Spain: Navigating Visa Requirements

If you're a citizen of Bahrain, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Spain. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit. The most common types of visas for Spain are the Schengen visa, transit visa, business visa, study visa, visitor visa, and cultural exchange visa. The documents you will need to provide for your application include a completed visa application form, a valid Bahraini passport, travel medical insurance, proof of financial means, a letter of invitation, civil status application (where applicable), and two passport photographs. It is important to note that the processing time for a Spain visa can take between 15 to 60 days, so applicants should apply accordingly.

Visa application process and requirements

To apply for a visa to Spain from Bahrain, you must first determine the type of visa you need. The most common types of visas issued by the Spanish authorities to visitors are:

• Schengen Visa: This is a tourist visa for short-term visitors to the Schengen zone, which includes Spain and 26 other countries. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days and is solely for tourism or short business trips.
• Transit Visa: This is for travellers passing through Spain en route to another country, who wish to leave the airport during a connecting flight. This visa is valid for just two days.
• Business Visa: This is a short-term visa for business-related activities that will not earn the visitor direct income.
• Study Visa: This visa is for international students wishing to study in Spain. It includes a work permit for a limited number of hours per day.
• Visitor Visa: This is for those visiting family or friends in Spain.
• Cultural Exchange Visa: This is a special type of visa meant for social activities like culture, music, sports, and film crews.

Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you can begin the application process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Research the visa requirements: Before applying, understand the terms and conditions of the visa, the application process, and whether you can meet the requirements.
• Determine the processing time: It typically takes 15-60 days to process a visa application, so it is recommended to apply at least 15 days before your planned travel date. Applications submitted more than six weeks in advance are likely to be rejected.
• Determine where to apply: As there is no Spanish Embassy in Bahrain, you will need to contact a visa application service to find out your application destination.
• Select the appropriate visa type and entry category: Choose from the list of visa types above, and select the entry category (single, double, or multiple) that best suits your travel plans.
• Complete the visa application form: The universal Schengen visa form can be filled out in Spanish or English. Be sure to select the proper visa type and entry category.
• Gather the required documents: The specific documents requested may vary depending on the visa type, but here is a general list:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid Bahraini passport
• Passport photos (two)
• Proof of accommodation in Spain/Schengen area
• Proof of onward travel from Spain/Schengen area
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Supplemental documents related to your specific visa type (e.g., business documents, invitation letter, civil status application, etc.)

• Complete the visa interview and pay the visa fee: Contact a visa application service to schedule your visa interview, which will take place at your application destination in Bahrain. During the interview, you will submit your complete application and pay the visa fee. The fee is typically 80 EUR for most Bahraini citizens, but may be reduced or waived for students, minors, and other applicants.
• Submit biometric data: As part of the security process, you will need to provide fingerprints and photos. This biometric data will be valid for five years.
• Wait for a decision: The processing time for your application can range from 15 to 60 days. If your application is approved, your visa will be placed within the pages of your passport.

It is important to note that the visa application process and requirements may change, so it is recommended to refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Visa types and their purposes

There are several types of visas available for Bahraini citizens and residents who wish to travel to Spain. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. Here are some of the most common types of visas:

• Tourism Visa: This type of visa is suitable for individuals travelling to Spain for leisure purposes, such as vacation or sightseeing. It allows visitors to explore the country, experience the culture, and engage in tourist activities.
• Visiting Family and Friends Visa: As the name suggests, this visa is designed for those who wish to visit family members or friends residing in Spain. It facilitates longer stays and helps strengthen personal connections and bonds with loved ones.
• Medical Visa: The medical visa is intended for individuals seeking medical treatment or undergoing medical procedures in Spain. This visa ensures that individuals can access the necessary healthcare services and facilitates their stay during the treatment period.
• Business Visa: Businesspeople or entrepreneurs who intend to travel to Spain for business-related purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or trade activities, would require a business visa. This visa type supports their professional endeavours and fosters business relationships.
• Student Visa: The student visa is tailored for individuals who plan to pursue academic studies or enrol in educational institutions in Spain. It allows students to immerse themselves in the Spanish educational system and gain international educational experiences.

Each visa type has specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines and ensure they meet the necessary conditions before initiating the application process. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information, along with the required supporting documents, to increase the chances of a successful visa application.

Visa fees and payment methods

The fees for a Spain visa vary depending on the type of visa and the age of the applicant. For most Bahraini citizens and residents, the standard fee is 80 EUR. However, some applicants, such as students and minors, may pay less or even be exempt from fees. There is also a mandatory logistic charge of USD 90 per application and a 10% VAT extra. Additionally, there is a service charge of USD 18 per application, which is separate from the visa fees.

It's important to note that the visa fees and service charges are non-refundable. The fees must be paid in cash and in US dollars at the time of application submission. This payment method is also applicable to minors under 6 years of age, who are typically exempt from visa fees and service charges.

For citizens of specific countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union, such as Albania, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, the Schengen visa fee is 38 USD. Meanwhile, citizens of Cabo Verde pay a visa fee of 60 USD for those 18 years old and above, 30 USD for those aged 12-18, and it's free for those below 12 years old.

When applying for a visa to Spain from Bahrain, it's essential to carefully review the requirements and payment methods accepted by the Spanish authorities.

Visa application centres and appointments

The Spain Visa Application Centre in Bahrain is located at Al-Aali Mall, Gate 1, Office 1028, 1st Floor, Building 2210, Block 428, Road 2827 Manama, Bahrain. Here, you can submit your Spain visa application, as well as enrol your biometrics (fingerprints).

To apply for a Spanish visa in Bahrain, you must book an appointment through the BLS International website. The appointment, checklist and application form are available free of cost at the Spain Visa Application Centre or can be downloaded from the BLS Spain Visa website.

BLS International advises applicants to be cautious of fraudulent practices. They state that their staff will never ask for cash payments or any other form of payment to obtain an appointment, expedite the visa application process, secure an earlier appointment, or influence decision-making. All appointments must be booked through the BLS International website, and applicants should refrain from purchasing appointments through third parties.

In addition to the Visa Application Centre, applicants can also lodge their visa applications directly at the Embassy of Spain in Kuwait, subject to appointment with the Embassy.

Visa processing times

The processing time for a Spanish Schengen visa for Bahraini citizens is typically 15 to 60 days. However, it is recommended that applicants apply at least 15 days before their intended travel date. Applying more than six weeks ahead of your departure date may result in your application being rejected.

The deadline for submitting a visa application is six months in advance of your trip. This deadline is extended to nine months for seafarers.

Once your application has been submitted, you can expect a decision within 15 to 45 days. However, in some cases, this period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 days, particularly when further scrutiny of the application is required or when the authorities of the represented member state are consulted.

When additional documentation is requested, the processing time may also be extended up to 60 days. Therefore, it is essential to submit a complete application with all the required documents to avoid delays.

The Schengen visa is a tourist visa that allows short-term visitors to enter Spain and the other 26 countries in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days. This visa is ideal for those seeking to visit Spain's pristine beaches, vibrant cities, and cultural attractions.

Frequently asked questions