Bahrain Visa: Get It On Arrival Or Apply Earlier?

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, you'll need to get a visa in advance unless you're a citizen of a Gulf Cooperation Council country (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates). For citizens of 69 countries, including the United States, visas are available on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for a specific fee. This visa covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension. Alternatively, eVisas are available for visitors from 209 countries, which can be applied for through the eVisa platform. It's important to note that visitors to Bahrain must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least six months after their arrival and may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when applying for a visa.

Bahrain visa on arrival for 69 countries

All visitors to Bahrain require a visa, except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). For citizens of other countries, a visa must be obtained in advance through a Bahraini embassy or eVisa platform.

However, visitors from 69 countries are eligible to receive visas upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This visa is issued for a specific fee and covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension (if eligible).

The following countries are among those eligible for on-arrival visas:

• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Myanmar (formerly Burma)
• Sao Tome and Principe

It is important to note that terms and conditions apply for visa on arrival, and eligibility may vary. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for your specific country of origin.

eVisa eligibility for 209 countries

The Kingdom of Bahrain offers eVisas to visitors from 209 countries. If you are a citizen of a country that is not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain an entry visa in advance through a Bahraini embassy, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) do not require a visa to enter Bahrain.

On-Arrival Visa

Visitors from 69 countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This includes citizens of the following countries:

• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Myanmar (formerly Burma)
• Sao Tome and Principe

EVisa Eligibility

The eligibility criteria and application process for eVisas can be found on the Bahrain eVisa platform. This platform allows visitors to check their eligibility, apply for a visa, pay the application fee, and extend their visa if needed.

Other Visa Options

Bahrain offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit:

• Visit visas: for individuals invited by companies in Bahrain
• Transit visas: issued upon the request of licensed companies such as hotels or other authorised commercial entities
• Work visas: for individuals who plan to work in Bahrain, sponsored by an employer

Visa not required for Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa to enter Bahrain. The GCC is an intergovernmental, political, and economic union, and Bahrain is one of its member states. The other GCC countries are Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The GCC is planning to introduce a unified tourist visa, known as the "GCC Grand Tours", which will allow foreign nationals to travel on a multiple-entry visa through all six GCC countries. This will be a significant development, as currently, foreign nationals need to obtain separate tourist visas to visit each GCC country. The new visa is expected to be available by the end of 2024, and it will increase the mobility of residents and Golden Visa holders of GCC countries, giving them full access to the bloc.

In addition to visa-free travel, GCC countries are also facilitating and relaxing previously difficult entry requirements, enabling more people from around the world to visit and establish a second residency. For example, the United Arab Emirates has recently introduced self-sponsored visas, removing the need for a sponsor or employer, and the country also offers a Golden Visa, which provides a path to residency for savvy investors. Qatar has implemented a similar self-sponsored Golden Visa-like program, which enables expats and investors to become residents through real estate acquisition. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has launched "updated" Residency solutions, including the Real Estate Ownership Visa, which offers a straightforward path to residency without the need for sponsorship.

Two-week tourist visas available on arrival

Bahrain offers two-week tourist visas that can be obtained on arrival at the port of entry, such as Bahrain International Airport or a land border crossing. This visa is available to citizens of 69 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European and Caribbean nations. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the Bahrain E-Visa website.

To obtain a visa on arrival, visitors must pay a specific fee and may be required to provide evidence of onward or return travel. The visa covers the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension for those who are eligible. It is important to note that visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Bahrain.

For citizens of countries that are not eligible for a visa on arrival, an entry visa must be obtained in advance through a Bahrain embassy, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency. The eVisa platform provided by Bahrain's Nationality, Passport, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) allows visitors to check their eligibility for an eVisa, apply for a visa, and make payments.

It is important to abide by the visa regulations in Bahrain, as overstaying a visa can result in penalties, legal issues, and possible cancellation of a work visa. Additionally, visitors must not work in Bahrain on a tourist visa, as doing so is illegal, and authorities will hold individuals personally liable.

Visa extensions available

Visa extensions are available for visitors to Bahrain. The process can be completed via the eVisa platform or at the eServices Portal.

EVisa platform

The eVisa platform allows visitors to check their eligibility for a visa, check the status of their visa, pay for their application, correct their application, and extend their visa.

EServices Portal

The eServices Portal allows visitors to access the eVisa platform and other services immediately, 24/7.

In person

Alternatively, if you are already in Bahrain, you can apply to renew your visa in person at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior.

Visa on arrival

It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This visa is valid for a maximum of 14 days. Visitors from 69 countries are eligible for this option, including the British Virgin Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Central African Republic.

Frequently asked questions