Commute between Al Khobar and Janabiya (non-COVID19 days)

I think I may have answered these on multiple posts.

The big caveat is that my answers below are PRIOR to Covid and right now, none of this applies.

1) It is entirely your luck, where you live in Bahrain and where is your workplace in Dammam/Khobar.  If you live in Saar or Hamala, on a good day, you can be inside Saudi within 45 minutes and on the way back, within an hour or so.  Generally going into Saudi, if you go early, is not as much of an issue as it is coming back to Bahrain while peak rush hour traffic is underway.  Thursdays are bad.   I have done it in 45 minutes and also spent 2-3 hours a few times trying to get back into Bahrain
2) Going into Saudi, 7 am.  Coming back, 430 max
3) Your employer needs to give you an exit re-entry visa.  This can be a single or multiple.  The cost will vary between 500 SAR to 2000 odd SAR, depending on visa time period and number of entries (I think my 1 year multiple entry cost around 2100 if I am not mistaken).  On arrival visa in Bahrain costs 5 BD (zero for higher Iqama professions) and they give you a printed receipt for it - after stamping passport.  Irrespective of visa, get ready for your passport to be screwed if you travel the causeway regularly - I have changed many passports early because of this.  And no matter what anyone tells about the causeway booklet etc.....they will still stamp it

Having said all of that, remember that right now, the causeway is only open for travel by vaccinated travelers.

On the topic of living in Bahrain, you are not considering one very important point.  HOW?   the only options are:

1) Your company gives you an NOC which you give to Bahrain authorities and they give you a paper CPR with a long term multiple visit visa.  You are not a resident but can do most of the things residents can.  But your company needs to be involved legally to make that happen.  And most companies stopped doing that prior to Covid in order to encourage people to stay in Saudi
2) Set up a business in Bahrain or buy property and sponsor yourself

Read these threads:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=750635https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=739858

XTang, you are right, you have answered these queries multiple times in the forum. I have in fact written many of those points down to get a consolidated list of answers. The man I thought of asking the questions in one shot.


Thank very much for taking the time out to respond, in detail. Clear and explanatory. Much appreciated.

Thank you once again