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8 ways to enter

Bahrain visas

Bahrain tourist visa

Visitors can enter visa-free if eligible, apply for an e-Visa, or get a visa on arrival. Stay limits depend on the option.

Ways to get a Bahrain tourist visa

  2. 90-day exemption for diplomatic and official or service passports

    No visa needed

    Holders of diplomatic or official or service passports from China, France, Greece, Israel, Japan and Jordan can enter without a visa.

    Stay
    90 days.

  4. Visitor e-Visa

    eVisa

    Citizens of all countries can obtain an e-Visa. Citizens of Iran, Kosovo and North Korea need a Bahraini business or individual to act as their guarantor.

    Stay
    Two weeks, one month or 90 days, depending on the visa.
    Valid for
    Two weeks, three months, one year or five years, depending on the visa. The visa must first be used within three months of approval.
    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    9 BHD for two weeks; 16 BHD for three months; 44 BHD for one year; 64 BHD for five years.
    Processing
    Approximately 3 to 5 working days.
    1. Prepare scanned copies of the required documents.
    2. Submit your e-Visa application online with those documents.

  5. Visitor visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Eligibility is reported differently. Bahrain's e-Visa website says citizens of all countries except Belarus, Iran, Kosovo and North Korea can qualify. The International Air Transport Association's Timatic system gives a narrower list.

    Stay
    Two weeks for the single-entry visa; one month for the multiple-entry visa.
    Valid for
    Two weeks for single entry; three months for multiple entry.
    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    5 BHD for single entry; 12 BHD for multiple entry.

  6. Five-year multiple-entry visitor visa

    Other permit

    Citizens of Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom may obtain this visa.

    Stay
    90 days per visit.
    Valid for
    Five years.
    Entries
    Multiple entry.

    Passports that qualify (3)

  7. 10-year multiple-entry visa for US citizens

    Other permit

    US citizens qualify under the reciprocal visa agreement between Bahrain and the United States.

    Stay
    90 days per visit.
    Valid for
    10 years.
    Entries
    Multiple entry.
    Fee
    160 USD (60 BHD).

    Passports that qualify (1)

  8. Visitor visa for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries

    Other permit

    Legal residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can apply online or get a visa on arrival, regardless of nationality, except Iranian citizens. Residence permit and occupation conditions apply.

    1. Check that you meet the residence permit and occupation conditions.
    2. Apply online or obtain a visa on arrival at any port of entry.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa. Some diplomatic and official or service passport holders also qualify.

How to apply

  1. Check whether you qualify for visa-free entry, an e-Visa or a visa on arrival.
  2. If applying online, submit your application with scanned supporting documents.

What to bring

  • Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, unless eligible to enter with a national ID card.
  • Return or onward ticket.

Good to know

  • Keep within the stay limit of your visa.
  • Visa-on-arrival eligibility is reported differently by Bahrain's e-Visa website and the International Air Transport Association's Timatic travel requirements system.
  • Eligible residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries have an additional route to an online visa or visa on arrival.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Bahrain?

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry need a visa. Citizens of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa. Some diplomatic and official or service passport holders also qualify.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Bahrain?

There are 8 options: Visa-free entry for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens (no visa at all); 90-day exemption for diplomatic and official or service passports (no visa at all); 30-day exemption for diplomatic and official or service passports (no visa at all); Visitor e-Visa (an online visa); Visitor visa on arrival (a visa at the border); Five-year multiple-entry visitor visa (a special permit); 10-year multiple-entry visa for US citizens (a special permit); Visitor visa for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (a special permit).

Who can go to Bahrain without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have freedom of movement in Bahrain. Holders of diplomatic or official or service passports from China, France, Greece, Israel, Japan and Jordan can enter without a visa. Holders of diplomatic or official or service passports from the listed countries can enter without a visa.

Can I apply online for Bahrain?

Yes: Visitor e-Visa. Citizens of all countries can obtain an e-Visa. Citizens of Iran, Kosovo and North Korea need a Bahraini business or individual to act as their guarantor.

How long can I stay on a Bahrain tourist visa?

The basic single-entry visitor visa allows two weeks.

How much does a Bahrain tourist visa cost?

The two-week e-Visa costs 9 BHD (Bahraini dinars). The two-week visa on arrival costs 5 BHD.

How long does a Bahrain tourist visa take?

Online applications take approximately 3 to 5 working days.

How long is a Bahrain tourist visa valid?

Depends on the visa. Entries: Single or multiple entry..

What documents do I need for a Bahrain tourist visa?

Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, unless eligible to enter with a national ID card.; Return or onward ticket..

How do I apply for a Bahrain tourist visa?

1. 1. Check whether you qualify for visa-free entry, an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. 2. 2. If applying online, submit your application with scanned supporting documents.

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