Us Citizens: Visa Rules For Bahrain Explained

If you're a US citizen, you will need a visa to enter Bahrain. This can be obtained on arrival or beforehand via the Bahrain e-Visa website. The e-Visa application requires a passport, a return ticket, proof of funds, and a hotel booking. The visa will be valid for two weeks, and you must have at least six months' validity on your passport.

Tourist visas

U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. Tourist visas can be obtained on the Bahrain e-visa website or upon arrival. The visa is valid for two weeks. However, if you are applying through the Bahrain embassy, you can request a ten-year multiple-entry visa.

The following requirements must be met to obtain a tourist visa:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and a blank page for the entry stamp.
• A completed visa application form, which can be filled out on the Bahrain government website.
• A ticket showing entry and exit dates.
• A copy of hotel reservations.
• Proof of sufficient funds and a money order.

It is advised that travelers obtain their visas before coming to Bahrain to speed up the immigration process.

Business visas

To obtain a business visa for Bahrain, you must submit the following documents with your application:

• A passport valid for at least six months, with a blank page for the entry stamp.
• A completed visa application form, filled out correctly and available on the Bahrain government website.
• An employer's letter, showing the purpose of your trip.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a Bahrain sponsor may also be required.

You can apply for an e-visa, or electronic visa, on the Bahrain e-visa website. You will need to provide your passport, confirmation of your plane ticket, and proof that you can financially support yourself and any dependents during your stay. Your e-visa must be used within 30 days of approval.

It is advised that travelers obtain their visas before coming to Bahrain to speed up the immigration process.

Journalism visas

Journalists are among those who require a visa to enter Bahrain. Here is some essential information regarding journalism visas for US citizens:

Visa Requirements:

US citizens travelling to Bahrain for journalism purposes must obtain a journalism visa in advance of their trip. This visa must be valid for the entire duration of their stay in Bahrain. It is recommended that travellers obtain their visas before arriving in Bahrain to expedite the immigration process.

Application Process:

The application for a journalism visa can be completed on the Bahrain e-visa website. The following documents are typically required for the application:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and a blank page for the entry stamp.
• A completed and correctly filled out Bahrain Visa Application form.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
• A valid plane ticket and hotel booking confirmation.
• A money order.

Additional Considerations:

Journalists should be prepared to answer questions about their purpose of travel upon arrival in Bahrain. It is important to adhere to the visa duration and exit the country before the visa expires to avoid heavy fines, arrest, or deportation. An extension request can be submitted via the Bahrain e-Visa website if needed.

Work Permits:

If you intend to work in Bahrain, you must obtain a valid work permit and signed employment contract before your arrival. The contract should outline provisions related to relocation, housing, visa fees, salary, probation, transportation, local taxes, and benefits. Additionally, you must have a local identification card and ensure that all documents required for your employment permit are authenticated before entering the country.

Embassy Information:

The US Embassy in Bahrain is located in Manama, and the workweek in the country is from Sunday to Thursday. The contact information for the embassy is as follows:

• Address: Building No. 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
• Telephone: +(973) 1724-2700
• Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(973) 1727-5126
• Fax: +(973) 1727-2594; 1725-6242 (Consular Section)

Work visas

To work in Bahrain, US citizens must have a work visa. If you are not a Bahraini citizen and plan to work in Bahrain, your sponsor can submit a work visa application for you via the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). If you are coming to Bahrain for a new job, head to the LMRA's offices at Bahrain International Airport for fingerprint scanning and visa issuance.

To work in Bahrain, you must also have a local identification card. Consult Bahrain's Labor Market Regulatory Authority for complete details.

Obtain a valid work permit and signed employment contract before arriving in Bahrain. The contract should clearly state:

• Provisions related to relocation expenses
• Type of housing and number of occupants
• Any visa fees to be paid by the employee
• Salary payment schedule and any salary penalties
• Terms of the probation period
• Who pays transportation expenses, should the contract be terminated
• Local tax obligations, if any
• Benefits offered, including final settlement

Do not work in Bahrain on a tourist visa. Even if employers advise you otherwise, Bahraini authorities will hold you personally liable if you do not have a valid work permit.

Have all documents required for your employment permit authenticated before arriving. The US Embassy in Manama cannot provide this service. For information on authentication of US-issued documents, see Authentication of American Academic Credentials for Use Abroad and contact the Office of Authentications.

Family visas

U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Bahrain. This includes tourists, people travelling for business, and journalists. It is advised that travellers obtain their visa before arriving in Bahrain to speed up the immigration process.

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity and a photocopy of your passport.
• A plane ticket and hotel booking for the duration of your trip.
• A correctly filled-out Bahrain Visa Application form.
• A money order.
• Proof that you can support yourself and any dependents financially during your stay.

You can apply for a visa on the Bahrain e-visa website.

Frequently asked questions