Bahrain, a small archipelago in the Arabian Gulf with a strategic location in the Middle East, is known for its rich history, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture. If you plan to visit or move to Bahrain, it is essential to know which visa is applicable to your purpose of travel and to understand the visa requirements so you can ensure a smooth journey. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various visa types, requirements, and any recent updates.
General information about traveling to Bahrain
The Ministry of Interior oversees the rules and regulations regarding visas and entry permits in Bahrain, implemented by the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA). Travelers generally need a valid passport for a minimum of six months beyond their planned departure date and the appropriate visa if required. Nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Oman—do not need a visa and can use their national ID card to enter Bahrain.
Bahrain's E-Visa System
Bahrain has introduced eVisas, enabling eligible travelers to simplify their applications through an online process.
Single-entry and multiple-entry E-visas
Single-entry eVisa: Valid for one entry with a maximum stay of 2 weeks, to be used within 90 days from approval.
The following are single-entry eVisa categories:
- Two weeks single entry;
- Investors' 3 months single entry visa;
- GCC residents' two-week single entry visa;
- Bahrain Grand Prix (Formula 1) and other races;
- Training visa.
Multiple-entry eVisa: Allows multiple entries within 90 days or up to five years, depending on fees paid. Documentation involves photocopying passport pages containing visa stamps or stickers, a return air ticket showing departure from Bahrain International Airport (BIA), and hotel bookings for each visit.
The following are multiple-entry eVisa categories:
- 3 months multiple entry;
- 6 months multiple entry Visa.
Good to know:
GCC residents can apply for short visit eVisa types (3 or 7 days) requiring travel through Bahrain International Airport (BIA) along with specific financial/travel documents meeting stipulated criteria.
On-arrival: Visitors from many eligible countries may get visas upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport, simplifying the entry process. This visa is issued for a set fee and covers both first-timers and extensions if eligible.
Conversion and extension policies
As of February 2024, visitor visas cannot be converted into work or dependent visas without sponsorship, ensuring people coming into Bahrain have legitimate employment opportunities or support systems before their arrival.
Types of visas for Bahrain
Bahrain offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, employment, family visits, or investment. Each category has its own set of rules and specified duration periods.
Tourist visa
Tourist visas are typically valid for two to four weeks, depending on the applicant's nationality. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival.
Applicable for citizens from many countries if they meet the eVisa portal requirements.
The visa on arrival is available as follows:
- One Year Multiple Entry Visa
- 5 Years Multiple Entry Visa
- 10 Years Multiple Entry Visa
- GCC Visitors One Month Multiple-entry Visa
- GCC Resident 3 Months Multiple-Entry Visa
- GCC Resident One Year Multiple-Entry Visa
- 3 Months Multiple Entry Visa (UK)
Good to know:
As of February 2024, visitor visas can only be converted into work or dependent visas through a sponsor. The conversion fee has increased from BHD 60 (approx. USD160) to BHD 250 (approx. USD665).
Employment visa
If you are planning to work in Bahrain, you will need a sponsoring employer to facilitate the work visa application through the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Upon arrival in Bahrain, new employees should visit the LMRA offices at Bahrain International Airport for fingerprint scanning and final visa issuance procedures. This process ensures that new employees can start their professional journey with the necessary legal permits and documentation right away.
To be able to work legally in Bahrain, you need to be aware of the following conditions:
- Expatriates must cancel multiple entry permits before submitting an application.
- Employers are obligated to deport any expatriate employee who fails the required medical examination.
- Expatriates who have previously lived in Bahrain should use the same personal I.D. number they had when applying again.
Work permit requirements
To obtain a work permit in Bahrain, applicants must meet specific requirements as outlined by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bahrain.
A signed employment contract between the employer and the employee is mandatory. This contract should detail the terms of employment, including job title, salary, and duration.
Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination at an authorized health center. This examination ensures the individual is fit for employment and free from communicable diseases.
Copies of relevant educational certificates and professional qualifications must be provided to verify the applicant's suitability for the position.
The employer in Bahrain must act as the sponsor and initiate the work permit application process through the LMRA's online portal.
If the applicant is currently employed in Bahrain, a NOC (No-Objection Certificate) from the current employer is required to transfer sponsorship.
Non-Commercial Institutions and NGOs need a valid license from the concerned authority (if applicable).
Payment of applicable visa fees, depending on the duration of the work permit.
To apply for the work permit, you need to proceed as follows:
- Access the LMRA EMS system, select the appropriate work visa type, and enter the necessary data.
- Pay the administrative fees through the EMS system or at any of the accredited banks listed on the website.
- After finalizing the fee payment, the application is verified. Status can be checked via the EMS system or by calling the LMRA Contact Centre.
- Upon approval, you will then need to pay the required work permit issuance fees and print your permit. If you (the employee) are outside Bahrain, your employer must print the residence permit upon your arrival.
Applicable fees are as follows:
- Service fee:
- One year: BHD 172 (approx. USD 456)
- Two years: BHD 344 (approx. USD913)
- Dependents: BHD 90 (approx. USD239)
- Admin fee: BHD 5 (approx. USD 13)
Expat employees in GCC Countries
For foreigners employed by companies within GCC countries, obtaining a Bahrain visa is straightforward. This visa is available to foreign employees who need to enter Bahrain for business purposes under the following conditions:
- The application must be submitted by a guarantor or an authorized person.
- Each application must be submitted separately with all relevant documents.
- The applicant must be outside the Kingdom of Bahrain when submitting the application.
Application can be made through any of the service channels by producing the following documents:
- Application form;
- Clear copy of the applicant's passport, valid for more than 6 months;
- Clear copy of the applicant's or legal representative's ID card;
- Clear copy of the GCC guarantor letter, certified by the commercial and industrial GCC entity;
- Clear copy of the guarantor's residence permit;
- Clear copy of the valid company registration certificate from a GCC country;
- Clear copy of the residential lease agreement in the Kingdom of Bahrain;
- Clear certified birth certificate issued by the legal courts of Bahrain or any other country (certified);
- Clear copy of a certified marriage certificate issued by the legal courts of Bahrain or any other country (certified).
You also need to pay the following fees:
- Application fee: 4 BHD (approximately USD10.60, non-refundable);
- Visa approval fee: 5 BHD (approximately USD13.30);
- Visa issuance fee: 30 BHD (approximately USD79.70).
Once you have paid the required application fee(s), you will receive a receipt.
Important:
If a residence permit is granted, the resident is not allowed to engage in any form of work, whether paid or unpaid, during their stay.
Student visa
A student visa is required for students enrolled in local or international universities or institutes in Bahrain.
However, the application must be submitted by a guarantor or an authorized person. Each application must be submitted separately with all relevant documents. Moreover, the applicant must be outside the Kingdom of Bahrain when submitting the application.
Application for a student visa in Bahrain can be made through service channels by producing the required documents:
- Application form;
- Copy of the applicant's passport, valid for more than 6 months;
- Clear copy of the applicant's or legal representative's ID card;
- Official letter from the university or institute.
Applicable fees include:
- Application fee: 4 BHD (approximately USD 10.60, non-refundable);
- Visa Approval Fee: 5 BHD (approximately USD 13.30);
- Visa Issuance Fee: 30 BHD (approximately USD 79.70).
Important:
Students studying at an educational institution in Bahrain are required to have permanent residence in the country. Locally registered students are eligible for a student residence permit valid for 5 years, while internationally registered students are granted a 1-year stay permit.
Good to know:
If a residence permit is granted, the student is not allowed to engage in any form of work, whether paid or unpaid, during their stay.
Family visa
The family visa in Bahrain is designed for direct family members of residents to join them in the country. The application for this visa must be sponsored or submitted by an authorized person, and each family member must apply separately with all the necessary documents. Importantly, applicants must be outside Bahrain at the time of submission. The process involves applying through a service channel, paying the required fees, and printing the receipts. The documents required include a duly filled application form, a copy of the applicant's passport valid for over six months, a letter of guarantee, a clear copy of the guarantor's ID card, certified birth and marriage certificates, valid health insurance from Bahrain, and a salary insurance certificate from GOSI. The fees include an application fee of 4 BHD, a visa approval fee of 5 BHD, and a visa issuance fee of 30 BHD. It is crucial to note that residency permit holders are not permitted to engage in any paid or unpaid work during their stay in Bahrain.
Self-sponsorship residence permit with return visa
In Bahrain, the self-sponsorship residence permit with a return visa provides an excellent option for retired foreigners, property owners, and foreign investors wishing to reside in the country. This permit is available for durations of 2, 5, or 10 years. Eligible retirees must submit several documents, including an application form, passport and identity card copies, a good conduct certificate, valid health insurance, proof of a stable income, a bank certificate demonstrating a minimum fixed deposit of BD 5,000 (approximately USD 13,300), and proof of retirement after at least 15 years in the government/private sector or a GCC country.
Property owners need to show a property value of at least BD 50,000 (approximately USD 133,000), among other similar documentation requirements. Foreign investors are required to demonstrate a minimum share of BD 100,000 (approximately USD 266,000) in a local company.
Fees vary based on the permit duration: BD 200 for 2 years, BD 400 for 5 years, and BD 600 for 10 years.
Golden residency visa
The Golden Residency Visa in Bahrain provides a path to permanent residency in the Kingdom, extending the same privileges to family members such as spouses, children, and parents. This visa facilitates multiple entries and grants the right to work. Applicants need to provide a passport valid for more than 6 months, any available proof of previous residence, bank statements from the last six months, and a valid health insurance certificate from Bahrain. The application process involves a non-refundable fee of 4 BHD (approximately USD 10.60) per person, with residency issuance fees set at 300 BHD (approximately USD 795.50) per person.
Specific categories have additional requirements:
- Property owners must hold deeds in Bahrain with a combined value of at least 200,000 BHD (approximately USD 531,700).
- Residents, whether employees or retirees, should have an average basic salary of at least 2,000 BHD (approximately USD 5,317) over the past five years, while retirees must demonstrate a monthly basic salary of at least 4,000 BHD (approximately USD 10,634).
- Highly talented individuals are required to submit documents showcasing their exceptional skills.
Upon obtaining the Golden Residency in Bahrain, the primary applicant will receive an email with a link to apply for their relatives. Required documents for relatives include the primary applicant's Golden Residency Visa, a copy of the relative's passport, and proof of relationship.
Practical tips for visa applicants in Bahrain
Start your visa application process well ahead of your planned travel date to avoid any last-minute delays or additional document requests.
Double-check that all the information you provide aligns perfectly with your supporting documents to prevent issues during processing.
Regularly check the Bahrain eVisa portal or the websites of relevant embassies for any updates on visa requirements or application procedures.
Maintain copies of all submitted documents and any correspondence with visa authorities to have a detailed record of your application process.
If possible, arrange for someone in Bahrain to help address any complications that might occur during your application process.
Secure comprehensive health insurance that covers the entirety of your stay in Bahrain, particularly if you are applying for a long-term visa. This ensures you are protected in case of medical emergencies.
Conclusion
Understanding Bahrain's visa requirements is crucial for hassle-free entry. Whether traveling for leisure, business, study, or medical purposes, being well-informed and prepared will enable a smooth application process.
Useful links:
Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), Bahrain
Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA), Bahrain
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