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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Bahrain?
Bahrain has a well-implemented online visa system that eliminates lengthy visa processes for many countries all over the world and it is possible for various nationalities to get a visa online. We listed countries that are eligible to apply for an e-visa, visa on arrival, or a visa-free entry to Bahrain below.
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*Countries that can apply for a visa on arrival via Bahrain e-visa system.
**Gulf Cooperation Council states that are eligible for a visa-free entry to Bahrain.
***Qatar citizens must include their reason to visit, whom they are visiting, and contact details while applying.
Countries that are not listed above have to apply for a visa through consulates to visit Bahrain.
Bahrain Visa Types
We covered Bahrain visa types that vary depending on the duration and purpose of the stay.
C Type (Short-Term) Visas
Depending on your purpose of the visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180 days period to Bahrain; it is possible for you to obtain one of the following visa types.
Bahrain Touristic Visa
A Bahrain touristic visa issued for individuals or groups who wish to visit Bahrain for sightseeing purposes. It is possible to enter the country without a visa for many nationalities around the world with a duration of up to 90 days. If your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry to Bahrain, it is expected from you to provide additional documents regarding sufficient financial means, proof of accommodation and travel insurance which are valid through the duration of the stay and a return flight ticket.
Bahrain Business or Fair Participation Visa
A Bahrain business or fair participation visa is granted for individuals who are planning to visit the country for business-related purposes such as meetings, events, business fairs, or unpaid trainings without labor or gainful employment. Invitation documents from professional chambers and organizations are must be included to the application.
Bahrain Family, Relative or Friend Visit Visa
If you are planning to visit Bahrain to visit a family member or a friend residing in the country, you need to obtain a Bahrain family, relative, or friend visit visa. In order to get the visa, it is important to have an invitation letter from the person whom you are visiting while applying.
Bahrain Cultural, Sports or Conference Visit Visa
A Bahrain cultural, sports, or conference visit visa is granted for individuals or groups that are going to attend a cultural event or activity held in Bahrain. An invitation from the receiving association and confirmation documents from the supervising ministry must be included in the application.
Bahrain Short-Term Education or Internship Visa
A Bahrain short-term education or internship visa is issued for international students who wish to study in Bahrain for university projects or special occasions for less than three months. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, proof of accommodation, and admission letter from the receiving institution.
D Type (Long-Term) Visa
Bahrain category D visas are required for stays that exceed a three month period with varying purposes in Bahrain even if the applicant’s nationality is on the visa-free list. It is possible for you to apply for a long-term visa to Bahrain if you are one of the following:
- A student planning to study at a higher education institution, have a language course, or long-term internship
- An employee going to work for a Bahrain-located business or for seasonal employment
- An academic, researcher, or scientist to work in a certified Bahrain research center
- An individual whose family member is a Bahrain citizen
- A patient going to receive medical treatment in a Bahrain -located medical institution
- An investor who has invested more than 100.000 Bahraini dinars to a Bahrain-based industry, project, or business
Bahrain Transit Visa
A Bahrain transit visa is asked from individuals whose nationality is not eligible to transit another destination from Bahrain. A Bahrain transit visa authorizes the individual to travel a third country from the territory of Bahrain for up to two days stay period.
General Requirements to Apply for Bahrain Visa
In order to successfully obtain a Bahrain visa it is important to be prepared and gather all the necessary information regarding your nationality and purpose of visit beforehand. There are certain steps to obtain a Bahrain touristic visa:
Apply Online
Most nationalities around the world can apply a Bahrain touristic visa through its online visa system. Fill out the required information including details of your passport and sponsor if applicable. You are also expected to pay for the asked visa fee.
Check Your Application Online
You can trace your Bahrain visa application with the provided reference number from here. If your application is approved, you can print the confirmation document and bring it with you when you travel to Bahrain.
Bahrain Visa Applications
You are required to present the following documents if your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry, online visa, or visa on arrival to Bahrain:
- Completed official visa application form
- A passport copy
- Proof of sufficient income
- Copy of the sponsor’s ID card
- All documents should also be signed by the sponsor
There are additionally required or supporting documents from certain applicants:
Employed:
- Proof of employment such as work contract if applicable
- Bank statement of the last six months
Self-Employed:
- A copy of the last income tax or relevant bank statements or documents
- Proof of business such as bank statements, invoices or receipts
You can click here to learn more about Bahrain visa applications regarding your nationality.
What is Visa Sponsorship for Bahrain?
If your nationality is not eligible for an online visa or visa-free entry to Bahrain, you will most likely need a visa sponsorship to visit Bahrain. A visa sponsorship can be acquired through Bahrain-based companies, hotels, or travel agencies. Additionally required documents for a visa sponsorship for Bahrain regarding touristic visits are:
- A letter from the individual sponsor explaining the reason of the visit
- Proof of sufficient income
- Copy of both of the sponsor’s and applicant’s ID
- All attached documents should also be signed by the sponsor
You can check our website for more details.
Bahrain Visa Rules
There are many countries across the globe can enter Bahrain without a visa or can apply for one through an online visa application system. In order to obtain a Bahrain visa you need to take consideration of following visa rules:
- The passport must be valid for more than six months from the expected day of arrival to Bahrain.
- Touristic visa applications should include a return flight ticket.
Bahrain Visa Requirements
Bahrain Visa Requirements for Schengen Countries
Citizens of Schengen countries should not have any problems while entering Bahrain since they are eligible for a visa on arrival to the country.
Bahrain Visa Requirements for Qatar Citizens
Qatar citizens are subject to present following additional information to apply for a Bahrain visa:
- A letter clearly states the purpose of visit
- Contact details
- Name, occupation, and your relationship of the person you are visiting
Bahrain Visa Requirements for GCC Countries
Gulf Cooperation Council nationals excluding Qatar can enter Bahrain only with their identity cards at hand.
Bahrain Visa Fees
Bahrain short-stay visa types listed below exclusively include the visa and the processing fee. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced companies, or application form fees.
The current Bahrain visa fees valid as of March 2020 are as follows:
| Fee for Visit e-Visa | BD 25 |
| Processing Fee for Visit e-Visa | BD 4 |
| Total Fee | BD 29 |
NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
