Renewing Tourist Visas In Bahrain: A Simple Guide

If you are looking to renew a tourist visa in Bahrain, you can do so at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior. Visas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available. It is important to note that you must meet all the conditions upon arrival to be granted entry, and that holding a visa does not guarantee entry. You will need to have your passport with you, which must have an 'expiry date' of at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Bahrain.

Where to apply for a tourist visa renewal in Bahrain

To apply for a tourist visa renewal in Bahrain, you can visit the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior. The NPRA is the organisation responsible for managing Bahrain's borders and processing visas.

You can extend your visa by visiting the NPRA main office in Manama, Exhibitions Avenue, Building One, on the ground floor, or in Muharraq at The MOI service centre, Building 378, Sheikh Hamad Street Complex 211. Here, you will need to pay an extension fee.

The official website to apply for a visa for the Kingdom of Bahrain is https://www.evisa.gov.bh/. However, it is unclear whether this is also the website for visa renewals.

Required documents for tourist visa renewal in Bahrain

To renew a tourist visa in Bahrain, you must submit a request via the Bahrain e-Visa website. Here is a list of documents you will need:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• A recent passport-sized photo with a white background
• Birth certificate
• Father, mother, and grandfather's identity cards and passports
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate (if applicable)

Please note that you will need to present the original documents as well as copies. Additionally, you may be asked to provide additional documents, depending on your specific situation and visa category.

It is important to note that visa renewal requests must be submitted before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa can result in heavy fines, possible arrest, and/or deportation.

Tourist visa renewal fees in Bahrain

The fees for renewing a tourist visa in Bahrain vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Here is an overview of the fees for different types of tourist visas:

On-Arrival Visit Visa

This type of visa is issued to eligible tourists or visitors upon their arrival in Bahrain, provided their entry does not compromise the security and national welfare of the country. There are two types of on-arrival visit visas:

Single-Entry Visit Visa

• The single-entry visit visa allows a stay of up to 2 weeks, which can be extended for certain nationalities.
• The total fee for this visa is BD 5,000 (USD 13.261).

Multiple-Entry Visit Visa

• The multiple-entry visit visa is also issued on arrival and permits a stay of up to 1 month.
• The visa fee for this type is paid to the Passport Officer, and a receipt is provided.
• The total fee for the multiple-entry on-arrival visit visa is BD 12,000 (USD 31.827).

EVisa for Visit Purposes

The eVisa is an electronic visa that can be obtained from Bahrain's Ministry of Interior website. There are different types of eVisas available, including single-entry, multiple-entry, one-year multiple-entry, and five-year multiple-entry. Here are the fees for each type:

Single-Entry eVisa

• This visa allows a stay of up to 2 weeks and is valid for 90 days.
• The total fee for the single-entry eVisa is BD 9,000 (USD 23,870), including an application fee of BD 4,000 (USD 10.609) and a visa fee of BD 5,000 (USD 13.261).

Multiple-Entry eVisa

• The multiple-entry eVisa permits multiple entries to Bahrain and a stay of up to 1 month per visit. It is valid for 90 days.
• The total fee for this visa is BD 16,000 (USD 42.436), including an application fee of BD 4,000 (USD 10.609) and a visa fee of BD 12,000 (USD 31.827).

One-Year Multiple-Entry eVisa

• This visa allows multiple entries into Bahrain and a stay of up to 90 days per visit. It is valid for 1 year.
• The total fee for the one-year multiple-entry eVisa is BD 44,000 (USD 116.701), including an application fee of BD 4,000 (USD 10.609) and a visa fee of BD 40,000 (USD 106.092).

Five-Year Multiple-Entry eVisa

• The five-year multiple-entry eVisa allows multiple entries into Bahrain with a stay of up to 90 days per visit. It is valid for 5 years.
• The total fee for this visa is BD 64,000 (USD 169.747), including an application fee of BD 4,000 (USD 10.609) and a visa fee of BD 60,000 (USD 159.138).

It is important to note that the application fee for eVisas is non-refundable, while the visa fee may be refundable under certain circumstances.

Processing time for tourist visa renewal in Bahrain

The processing time for a tourist visa renewal in Bahrain depends on the type of visa and the method of application.

Visit Visa

The processing time for a Visit Visa is approximately 3-5 working days. This visa is valid for one month and can be extended for another two weeks by visiting the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA) office in Bahrain.

E-Visa

The processing time for an E-Visa is also approximately 3-5 working days. This visa is obtained electronically, and there is no need to have a physical visa stamp in your passport prior to arrival in Bahrain.

Visa Extension

If you are already in Bahrain and wish to extend your stay, you can visit the NPRA main office in Manama or the Muharraq MOI service center and pay an extension fee.

It is important to note that the visa processing time may vary in exceptional cases, and there is no guarantee of visa issuance or entry into Bahrain even with a valid visa.

Rules to follow when on a tourist visa in Bahrain

When on a tourist visa in Bahrain, there are several rules and requirements that must be followed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

Valid Passport:

Firstly, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned arrival date in Bahrain. This is a standard requirement for entry into the country and is applicable to tourist visa holders.

Visa Application and Duration:

The tourist visa, also known as the Visit Visa, is an electronic visa that can be obtained online before your arrival. The visa is valid for one month and can be extended for an additional two weeks by visiting the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA) office in Bahrain. The visa allows multiple entries, and you must use it within 30 days of approval. It's important to note that you cannot apply for this visa if you are already in Bahrain.

Onward Travel Ticket:

You must have a valid confirmed onward travel ticket to leave Bahrain. This is a requirement for the tourist visa and demonstrates that you do not intend to overstay your visa.

Financial Support:

You must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents travelling with you during your visit. This means having sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Bahrain.

Security and National Welfare:

Your entry into Bahrain must not violate the country's security and national welfare. This means complying with local laws, regulations, and customs to ensure you do not pose any risk to the country's stability or safety.

Visa Extension:

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the original visa duration, you can do so by visiting the NPRA office in Bahrain and paying an extension fee. It is important to initiate this process before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.

Visa Validity:

Your visa must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Bahrain. Overstaying your visa can result in heavy fines, possible arrest, and deportation. Ensure you carefully plan your travels and extensions to avoid any legal complications.

Work Permit:

Do not engage in any form of work or employment while on a tourist visa. Working in Bahrain requires a valid work permit and a signed employment contract. The Bahraini authorities will hold you personally responsible if you work without the necessary permits, even if your employer advises otherwise.

Passport Retention:

It is illegal for your employer or anyone else to retain your passport. This practice, although common, can delay your travel and give undue leverage to your employer in case of a dispute. Always keep your passport in your possession.

Restricted Areas and Activities:

Be cautious of restricted areas and activities. Certain buildings in Bahrain may be prohibited from being photographed, and it is important to respect these restrictions. Additionally, be vigilant when visiting locations frequented by tourists or Westerners, as these sites may be potential targets for terrorist attacks.

Local Laws and Customs:

Respect local laws, customs, and cultural norms. Bahrain has strict rules and penalties for certain activities, such as extra-marital sexual relations, drug possession, drunkenness, and disorderly behaviour. Using vulgar language or hand gestures can also result in heavy fines or criminal charges.

By following these rules and staying informed about the latest guidelines, you can ensure a pleasant and safe trip to Bahrain on your tourist visa.

Frequently asked questions