Bahrain:Visa Requirements

BahrainLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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Bahrain Visa Requirements Map

Bahrain: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • Passengers eligible for visa-free entry may enter Bahrain with a valid national ID card. If a passport is used, the document must be valid for the duration of travel. The identity or travel document used for entry must belong to the passenger, be valid, and be verifiable at border control.
  • There is no central requirement to submit an online application in advance, obtain an electronic travel authorization, or pay a visa fee for visa-free entry. However, border authorities may request the presentation of a valid travel or identity document.
  • The specific minimum passport validity required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of blank passport pages required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The general maximum duration of visa-free stay is not definitively stated in the central official source.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The applicant must first select on the official eligibility page whether they hold a valid GCC residence permit or visit visa, the purpose of travel, the detailed reason for the visit, and the nationality written in their passport. Based on this information, the system generates the visa types available to the applicant and the conditions for each visa type on a personalized basis. Therefore, there is no single universal document list applicable to all applicants.
  • When a suitable visa type is displayed, the online application form must be filled in, the documents requested by the system must be uploaded, and the initial application payment must be made by credit card. The application reference number given upon completion of the application must be kept. The application is reviewed by the NPRA, and the decision is sent to the email address provided during the application. After approval, the required second payment must be completed via the "Pay for Application" section of the official portal.
  • For certain visitor e-visa types, the central service catalogue requests a passport copy, return ticket, hotel reservation, and a bank account statement for the last three months issued in the applicant's name. The bank account statement must be in English. Depending on the relevant visa type, a regular monthly income in the range of 300–500 Bahraini dinars or a available balance equivalent to 150 Bahraini dinars for each day of the visit may be required. This financial condition is not universal for every e-visa type and must be checked according to the visa type presented in the application system.
  • For e-visa applications submitted for family visit purposes, copies of official documents proving the family relationship are requested. These documents may be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or similar official relationship documents.
  • For certain e-visa applications based on a GCC residence permit, a copy of the residence permit must be submitted and the residence permit must be valid for at least three more months at the date of application. For these applications, a passport copy, return ticket, hotel reservation, and a bank account statement for the last three months in English are also requested.
  • Each applicant must use a separate passport issued in their own name. Applications cannot be made on the same passport for dependents registered in a parent's or another person's passport.
  • The approved e-visa must be viewed and printed from the visa inquiry section of the official portal. The same passport used in the e-visa application must be used for entry into the country. No physical visa sticker or stamp is affixed to the passport before e-visa approval.
  • If incorrect information or missing documents are detected, a correction notification may be sent to the applicant. After the notification, only incorrect information and missing documents can be corrected. Failure to complete the correction within seven days from the date the notification was sent may result in the cancellation of the application.
  • Normal e-visa processing takes approximately three to five business days. Exceptional applications may take longer. A mandatory period for how many days before travel the application must be made is not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • The published fees for certain visitor e-visa types vary by visa type. For a two-week single-entry visitor e-visa, a 4 Bahraini dinar application fee and a 9 Bahraini dinar visa fee; for certain three-month multiple-entry e-visas, a total of 29 Bahraini dinars; for a one-year multiple-entry visitor e-visa, 44 Bahraini dinars; and for a five-year multiple-entry visitor e-visa, 64 Bahraini dinars. In the event of application rejection, the processing fee is not refunded. Payments are made by credit card through a secure payment system.
  • The visa validity period, permitted duration of stay in the country, single or multiple entry rights, and extension possibility vary by the selected visa type. The exact validity and stay duration must be checked from the "See Conditions" section that opens after the personalized eligibility process is completed.
  • The general minimum passport validity required for ordinary visitor e-visas is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of blank passport pages required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of photographs, photograph size, background color, date of taking, and file technical specifications are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • A universal travel health insurance requirement and minimum insurance coverage for ordinary visitor e-visas are not definitively stated in the central official source. Fingerprint or mandatory interview practice is not definitively stated in the central official source. A universal central checklist for the consent letter and additional parental documents to be submitted in applications of minors has not been published.
  • Holding an e-visa does not definitively guarantee the right to enter the country. The passenger must meet all entry conditions of the relevant visa upon arrival. The final entry decision is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the border.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • Eligibility for visa on arrival should be checked through the official eligibility system before travel. The system assesses a valid GCC residence permit or visit visa, purpose of travel, detailed reason for the visit, and nationality written in the passport, and indicates whether the right to visa on arrival exists.
  • The passenger must travel with a valid passport belonging to them. The display of the right to visa on arrival in the system does not mean that entry to the country is guaranteed. The passenger must meet all conditions of the relevant visa type upon arrival, and the final decision is made by the immigration officer.
  • The Bahrain National Portal states that a visa on arrival can be issued upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. An explicit and up-to-date central list covering all border points for the use of visa on arrival at other ports or land borders has not been published.
  • Conditions that may be requested for visa on arrival, such as a return ticket, proof of accommodation, financial sufficiency document, a visa or residence permit for another country, may vary depending on the passenger's situation and the visa type offered. The exact conditions must be checked from the visa conditions displayed as a result of the personalized eligibility.
  • The general minimum passport validity required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of blank passport pages required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of photographs and technical specifications are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • A single fee applicable to all applicants for visa on arrival is not definitively stated in the central official source. The visa validity period, maximum permitted stay duration, and single or multiple entry right are not universally stated in the central official source. This information varies by the visa type presented in the eligibility check.
  • A universal travel health insurance requirement and minimum insurance coverage for visa on arrival are not definitively stated in the central official source.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Passengers who are not eligible for visa on arrival or cannot obtain a direct e-visa must obtain an entry visa before travel through the Bahrain embassy responsible for their country of residence, a sponsor in Bahrain, or an authorized application channel.
  • In cases where the application is processed through an embassy, the applicant must submit the application form and documents requested by the Bahrain diplomatic mission responsible for the jurisdiction of their country of residence. The central official source has not published a single consular visa checklist valid for all embassies. The documents, fees, and application procedure may vary by the mission applied to, country of residence, purpose of travel, and visa type.
  • For persons who cannot obtain a visa directly, a company, institution established in Bahrain, or a Bahraini citizen may apply as a sponsor. For certain central procedures related to a sponsored visit visa, a service application form, the visitor's original passport, the sponsor company's valid commercial registration or the personal sponsor's identity document, and the identity document of the person making or authorized to make the application are requested. The published fee for this sponsored procedure is 34 Bahraini dinars, and the processing time is five business days. These conditions apply only to the relevant sponsored visit visa procedure and are not applicable to all consular visas.
  • For certain pre-arranged visa procedures for business purposes, an application form, passport copy, valid commercial registration, a company letter explaining the purpose of the visit, the identity document of the person making or authorized to make the application, and a document proving the visitor's profession are requested. The published fee for this procedure is 25 Bahraini dinars, and the processing time is five business days. The conditions apply only to the relevant business visa type.
  • The minimum passport validity required for general consular visa applications is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of blank passport pages required is not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • The number of photographs, photograph size, background color, and other technical specifications are not definitively stated in the central official source. A universal bank account statement period and minimum balance are not definitively stated in the central official source. A universal travel health insurance requirement and minimum coverage amount are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • The general consular visa fee, accepted payment methods, how far in advance the application must be made, processing time, visa validity period, and permitted stay duration are not definitively stated in the central official source. This information must be verified from the relevant embassy or the sponsor making the application.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • If the airport transit time in Bahrain does not exceed eight hours and the passenger does not leave the transit area of the airport, a transit visa is not required. During this time, the passenger must not enter the country by passing through immigration control and must not leave the airport.
  • If the transit time exceeds eight hours or the passenger leaves the airport transit area, a visa may be required. Transit visas may be issued upon request of licensed hotels, companies, or other authorized commercial entities.
  • A universal central checklist covering the passport copy, onward flight ticket, accommodation document, sponsor letter, and other supporting documents requested for a transit visa has not been published. The exact documents are determined by the licensed entity making the application and the NPRA.
  • The minimum passport validity required is not definitively stated in the central official source. The number of blank passport pages required is not definitively stated in the central official source. Photograph specifications are not definitively stated in the central official source.
  • The transit visa fee, processing time, visa validity period, and maximum permitted stay duration are not definitively stated in the central official source. The travel health insurance requirement and minimum insurance coverage are not definitively stated in the central official source.
Population
1,675,572(2026 est.)
Official language
Arabic
Government type
Constitutional monarchy
Continent
Asia
Capital
Manama
Currency
Bahraini dinar
Area
786 km²
Phone code
+973

Bahrain: Key Destinations

Manama serves as Bahrain's capital and principal gateway, with Bahrain International Airport located in nearby Muharraq. The city combines modern financial districts with historic sites like Bab Al Bahrain. Other key urban centers include Riffa and Muharraq.

Bahrain boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the Bahrain Fort and the Pearl Route. The country's coastline and islands offer recreational opportunities, while the Bahrain Financial Harbour highlights its business environment. Visitors can explore traditional souqs and modern attractions.

Bahrain is easily connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, making it a popular addition to Gulf itineraries. The island's compact size allows for efficient road travel between cities and attractions. Many travelers combine a visit to Bahrain with stops in nearby Dubai or Doha.