Visa policy of Bahrain

Visa policy map
Visa policy of Bahrain

Reform

In October 2014, Bahrain implemented a new visa policy that makes it easier for incoming travelers to get Bahraini visas. Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months and a visa to enter Bahrain.[3] However, travelers from approved countries can now get their visas online or when they arrive in the country. Bahrain has issued more visas since the policy was implemented than it did before.[4] Starting in April 2015, Bahrain began sending applicants confirmations of their application status by text messaging.[5]

In November 2016, Bahrain adopted new visa policy rules defining a two-week allowed stay on a single entry visa and a 90-day stay on a multiple entry visa valid for one year. In addition, a multiple entry visa valid for three months allows stay for one month. Citizens of Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom and United States may obtain a five-year multiple entry visa allowing a 90-day stay on each visit.[6]

Visa exemption

Citizens of the following GCC countries except Qatar do not require a visa to visit Bahrain and may use National ID Cards to enter the country:

Visa exemption also applies to holders of diplomatic and special passports of China and India. Visa exemption agreements were signed with Hungary and Indonesia in September 2019, but they are not yet in force.[11][12]

In the past, Qatar citizens could enjoy freedom of movement, but not now.[13]

Visa on arrival or eVisa

Citizens of the following countries and territories may obtain a visa on arrival or online for stays up to one month (three months for the UK and Irish citizens):[14][15]

Visas must be used within 30 days of approval. Multiple entry visas are valid for 3 months from the time of entry. On each entry a maximum length of stay allowed is one month, extendable for two additional weeks.

Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who have already stayed for more than six months in their country of residence and their job professions are in approved list, may apply for a 72-hour visa or a seven-day visa upon their arrival at the airport.

Holders of diplomatic, official or service passports can obtain a visa on arrival.

eVisa only

Citizens of the following countries and territories may obtain an eVisa valid for 14 days:[18][19]

Applicants must supply scanned copies of air ticket, passport, hotel booking and stamped bank statements covering last 3 months. Electronic visas are valid for 30 days from the date of approval.[20] Applications are processed in approximately 3 to 5 working days.[21]

Citizens of other countries must have a guarantor (Bahraini commercial entity or a Bahraini individual) to obtain a visa.[22]

COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, entry was not allowed for all persons, except nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who had not previously visited the Schengen Area, China, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States.[23]

See also

References
  1. "Country information (visa section)". Timatic. International Air Transport Association (IATA) through Olympic Air. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  3. "Bahrain". U.S. Passports & International Travel; United States Department of State. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  4. Smith-Teutsch, Amanda (20 May 2015). "New visa policy in Bahrain leads to sharp rise in business and leisure travelers". Gulf News Journal. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  5. "NPRA launches SMS visa service". Bahrain News Agency. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  6. Bahrain launches two new visas for 114 countries
  13. https://www.thenational.ae/world/saudi-arabia-and-the-uae-exempt-qatari-spouses-caught-in-gcc-crisis-1.42885
  14. New eVisa and On-Arrival Visa eligibility rules - effective October 2014
  16. https://eurasiantimes.com/bahrain-grants-arrival-visa-citizens-georgia/
  17. https://www.npra.gov.bh/en/services/visa-and-residence-permit/
  19. Bahrain adds 11 countries to e-visa list
  22. F1 visa procedures announced
  23. CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK - UPDATE 14.03.2020, International Air Transport Association
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