Bahrain's Current Visa Policy: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, you'll need to check if you require a visa. Currently, all nationalities entering Bahrain need a visa, except for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). Visitors from more than 60 countries can receive visas upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport, while eVisas are available for visitors from over 200 countries. If you're not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain an entry visa in advance via a Bahrain embassy, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency.

Bahrain issues visas to visitors from over 200 countries

The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes tourists and business visitors from around the world. Currently, all nationalities entering Bahrain require an entry visa, except for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar).

Bahrain offers eVisas to visitors from over 200 countries. The eVisa platform, provided by the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA), allows visitors to check their eligibility, apply for a visa, pay for the application, correct their application, and extend their visa if they wish to extend their stay.

The eVisa is designed for short-term travel, including tourism, visiting friends or family, and business-related activities such as conferences or meetings. It offers both multiple-entry and single-entry options, with each visit not exceeding 30 days for the multiple-entry visa and a maximum stay of two weeks for the single-entry visa. Both visas are valid for 90 days after arrival in Bahrain.

For those who are not eligible for the eVisa, there is the option to apply for a standard tourist visa. This applies to individuals from countries that are not included in the list of eligible countries for the eVisa, as well as those who require a local guarantor in Bahrain, such as a commercial entity or an individual.

Additionally, visitors from over 60 countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This includes countries such as the British Virgin Islands, Central African Republic, Congo, and the United States Virgin Islands.

It is important to note that visa requirements and regulations may change over time, so visitors are advised to check the latest information on the official websites of the NPRA or the Bahrain eVisa platform before planning their trip to Bahrain.

Gulf Cooperation Council nationals do not need a visa to enter Bahrain

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional union that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCC aims to promote economic, social, cultural, and political cooperation among its member states in the Persian Gulf, excluding Iraq. This collaboration seeks to enhance regional unity and stability across these Arab countries.

GCC nationals do not need a visa to enter Bahrain. They can enter the country without a visa and receive an entry stamp in their passport. However, they should use their valid national ID card and ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from their arrival.

GCC residents can apply for a Bahrain eVisa to facilitate their travel to the country for up to one year for tourism or business purposes. The eVisa system offers an electronic solution that streamlines travel plans quickly and efficiently.

Several types of Bahrain e-visas are available to GCC residents, including:

• General Visit eVisa: Allows for tourism or family visits and requires a valid passport, sufficient funds, and an online application.
• Tourism eVisa: Requires an online application with personal and travel details for leisure travel.
• Family Visit eVisa: Simplifies visiting family members in Bahrain and offers a budget-friendly option for family reunions.
• Business Meeting eVisa: Makes business travel to Bahrain straightforward and affordable for those attending business meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.

The Bahrain e-visa system provides GCC residents with a user-friendly, efficient, and flexible way to obtain travel authorization, enhancing their travel experience to the country. It offers convenience, flexibility, accessibility, simplified documentation, extended validity and stay periods, and support for various travel purposes, including tourism and business.

Visitors from over 60 countries can receive a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport

If you are from a country that is not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain an entry visa in advance through a Bahrain embassy in your country of residence, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency. eVisas are available for visitors from more than 200 countries. To find out if you are eligible for an eVisa, you can use the eVisa platform provided by the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA). This platform also allows you to check the status of your visa, pay for your application, correct your application, and even extend your visa if you decide to extend your visit.

When applying for a visa, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Bahrain. Additionally, visitors must hold a return or onward ticket. The visa is issued for a specific fee and covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension, if eligible.

It is important to note that the rules and requirements for visas can change over time, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the official websites of the Bahraini government or diplomatic missions before planning your trip.

The Golden Residency Visa allows permanent residence in Bahrain and multiple entries without restrictions

The Golden Residency Visa is a permanent residence visa for Bahrain, allowing multiple entries without restrictions. It is available to both residents and non-residents, and includes the right to work in Bahrain and provides residency for close family members (spouse, children, and parents).

There are several categories of applicants who are eligible for the Golden Residency Visa:

• Retirees: Applicants must be resident in Bahrain or any other country worldwide and have a minimum set monthly income of BHD 4,000.
• Property owners: Applicants must own one or more properties in Bahrain with a total value of at least BHD 200,000.
• Talented individuals: Applicants must be designated as talented individuals by a government agency or counterpart.
• Residents: Applicants must have been residing in Bahrain for a minimum of five years with an average salary exceeding BHD 2,000 over that period.
• Retired foreigners: Applicants must have worked in the government or private sector for 15 or more years, with an average retirement pension exceeding BHD 2,000 over the last five years of residency.

The Golden Residency Visa has a non-refundable application fee of BHD 4 per person and a residency issuance fee of BHD 300 per person. Applicants will need to spend a minimum of 90 days each year in Bahrain to maintain their residency status.

Journalism visas must be applied for in advance

Journalism Visas for Bahrain

Journalists must obtain a journalism visa to enter Bahrain. This must be applied for in advance of travelling to the country.

How to Apply for a Journalism Visa

The journalism visa can be applied for on the Bahrain eVisa website. It is the only official website for applying for a visa to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain. No other website or company operates on behalf of the Bahraini government.

Visa Requirements

Journalists should be prepared to answer questions about their purpose of travel. They must also ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months.

Visa Duration

Journalists must be sure to leave Bahrain before their visa expires. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines, possible arrest, and/or deportation. It is possible to request a visa extension via the Bahrain e-Visa website.

Frequently asked questions