Transit Visa For Bahrain: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip with a stopover in Bahrain, you may be wondering if you need a transit visa. The good news is that if your connecting flight is less than 8 hours, you can stay in the airport without a visa. However, if your transit exceeds 8 hours, you may need to obtain a visa. It's important to note that some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements or can obtain a visa upon arrival. Additionally, certain airlines may offer stopover packages that include accommodation, airport transfers, tours, and visa fees. Bahrain has an online visa system, making it convenient for eligible travellers to obtain a visa before their trip.

Transit visas for stays under 8 hours

If you are transiting in Bahrain for under 8 hours, you do not need a visa, but you must remain in the airport. If you wish to leave the airport, or if your stay exceeds 8 hours, you will need to apply for a visa.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has an online visa system, and it is possible for various nationalities to obtain an e-visa. Nationals of the following countries can apply for a visa on arrival via Bahrain's e-visa system:

• British Virgin Islands
• Caribbean Netherlands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• United Arab Emirates
• United States Virgin Islands

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (except for Qatar) can enter Bahrain without a visa, simply with their identity cards. Turkish citizens can obtain an entry permit on arrival at the airport.

If you are not a national of one of the countries listed above, you will need to apply for a visa through a consulate.

Transit visas for stays over 24 hours

If you are transiting in Bahrain for more than 24 hours, you will need a transit visa. This is also the case if you are staying for fewer than 24 hours but plan to leave the airport. The transit visa allows individuals to travel to a third country from Bahrain for a maximum stay period of two days.

To obtain a transit visa, you must provide the following:

• A completed official visa application form
• Proof of sufficient income
• A copy of your sponsor's ID card
• All documents signed by the sponsor

Additionally, you may need to provide:

• Proof of employment, such as a work contract
• Bank statements from the last six months
• A copy of the last income tax or relevant bank statements or documents
• Proof of business, such as bank statements, invoices, or receipts

If you are transiting for more than seven hours and fewer than 24 hours, you may be entitled to hotel accommodation and a free visa for your transit period. However, entry to Bahrain is at the sole discretion of the Ministry of Interior at the time of arrival.

Visa requirements for GCC countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Currently, foreign nationals are required to obtain separate tourist visas to visit each GCC member state. However, the UAE Minister of Economy recently announced a forthcoming unified GCC tourist visa, called the "GCC Grand Tours". This visa is expected to be available by the end of 2024 and will allow foreign nationals to travel on a single multiple-entry visa through all six GCC member states. The length of stay permitted on the GCC Grand Tours visa is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be longer than the current 30-day maximum stay allowed in many of these countries.

Bahrain

All nationals require a visa to enter Bahrain, except transit passengers who are continuing their journey by the first connecting flight, provided they hold confirmed tickets and appropriate travel documents, and remain within the transit area. Nationals not listed in the visa chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Visas can be obtained on arrival or online in advance. A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival is required for all visitors.

Kuwait

Visa requirements for Kuwait are currently unknown.

Oman

Visa requirements for Oman are currently unknown.

Qatar

Visa requirements for Qatar are currently unknown.

Saudi Arabia

Visa requirements for Saudi Arabia are currently unknown.

United Arab Emirates

GCC residents and their companions need to apply online for a visa to enter the UAE. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30-day period. A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival is required.

Visa requirements for UK citizens

If you are a UK citizen travelling to Bahrain, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. The requirements to obtain an entry visa for Bahrain vary depending on nationality, and it is always advisable to check the regulations before travelling. Currently, all nationalities need an entry visa to enter Bahrain, except for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar).

EVisas

EVisas are available for visitors from over 200 countries. If you are from a country that is not eligible for an on-arrival visa, you must obtain an entry visa in advance via a Bahrain embassy in your country of residence, a Bahraini sponsor, or a travel agency.

The Bahrain eVisa is an official document that can be obtained by applying online and it allows entry to and travel within Bahrain. The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport. To apply for an eVisa, you will need:

• A valid passport – this must be valid for at least another six months from your date of departure.
• An email address – your visa will be sent to you via email.
• A return flight ticket – as proof that you will return to your country before your visa expires.
• Proof of financial support – you may be required to provide a bank statement or other proof that you can support yourself during your trip.
• Means of payment – for the visa, which can be made via credit or debit card.

The eVisa is valid for 90 days after arrival and there are three options for processing times, which will determine the price:

• Standard processing – your visa application is processed within 7 days, costing USD $154.99 (service fees included).
• Rush processing – you will receive your visa within 5 days, costing USD $180.99 (service fees included).
• Super rush processing – this is the fastest option, and you will get your Bahrain eVisa in 4 days, costing USD $230.99 (service fees included).

On-Arrival Visas

Nationals from the following countries are 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
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Myanmar (formerly Burma)
• Sao Tome and Principe

On-arrival visas are issued for a specific fee and cover the issuance of a first-time visa or an extension (if eligible).

Transit Visas

You will need a transit visa if you plan to leave the Bahrain airport while in the country. However, if you are a transit passenger continuing your journey by the first connecting flight and hold confirmed tickets and appropriate travel documents, you do not need a visa as long as you remain within the transit area.

Obtaining a visa through a guarantor

If you are a resident of Bahrain, you may be able to act as a guarantor for someone else's visa application. To do this, you must supply a valid ID and/or CR number, as well as your full personal details and those of your company and proposed users (if you are registering as a company guarantor).

To begin the process, go to the Bahrain Electronic Visa Service website and select the "Guarantor Registration" option. Here, you will be asked to provide your ID and/or CR number, as well as your full details and those of any proposed users. Once you have completed this step, you will be able to continue with the guarantor visa application process.

As a guarantor, it is important to note that you are responsible for ensuring that the applicant meets all the conditions and requirements for the visa they are applying for. This includes having the appropriate travel documents, confirmed tickets, and ensuring they remain within the transit area if they are applying for a transit visa.

The guarantor registration process is straightforward, but it is important to ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying. It is also worth noting that holding a visa does not guarantee entry into Bahrain, and each case is considered at the sole discretion of the Ministry of Interior at the time of arrival.

Frequently asked questions