Last checked: November 2026.
Safety notice. The US State Department rates Bahrain Level 3, “Reconsider travel,” because of terrorism and armed conflict. The UK FCDO stopped advising against all but essential travel on 20 August 2026, but it still warns of further attacks, regional escalation and flight disruption, and says insurance may be invalid if you travel against its advice. Read the US advisory and the UK advice before you book.
Do You Need a Visa for Bahrain?
Most tourists need a visa to visit Bahrain. You can apply online through the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.bh, and some nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the airport. Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive.
Rules differ by nationality, and they change. Always confirm yours on the official portal or with a Bahraini embassy before you book. Our Bahrain travel guide gives the wider background, and the flights to Bahrain guide covers airports and arrival. For moving around once you land, read getting around Bahrain.
Who Needs a Visa, by Group?
- GCC citizens (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE): can enter without a visa, according to World Travel Guide.
- Eligible visa-on-arrival nationalities: can get a visit visa at Bahrain International Airport. The official portal publishes the list of eligible countries.
- Everyone else: applies in advance, usually online through the eVisa portal or at a Bahraini embassy or consulate.
- UK citizens: the UK FCDO says you must have a visa to visit Bahrain.
Even if you qualify for a visa on arrival, applying online first can avoid delays at the border. The UK government has also advised travelers to get a visa in advance.
How to Apply for the Bahrain eVisa
- Go to the official portal, evisa.gov.bh, run by Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA).
- Check that your nationality is eligible and choose the visa type that fits your trip.
- Upload your passport details and a recent photo, and pay with a card.
- Save the approval and keep a copy, on your phone and on paper.
Be careful with look-alike websites. Several private sites copy the portal’s name, and they may charge extra fees. The official address ends in gov.bh.
Passport Rules and Documents
- A passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date.
- A return or onward ticket. One airline guide notes that visitors without one could be refused entry.
- A passport photo and a payment card for the online application.
- Your hotel details, in case you’re asked at the border.
Dual Bahraini-UK nationals face separate passport rules. The FCDO updated its guidance on this in October 2026, so read its entry requirements page if it applies to you.
Visa Length and Fees
The standard short visit visa is often a stay of about two weeks, and longer or multiple-entry options exist. Fees depend on nationality and visa type, and private guides disagree on the amounts. We don’t list prices here. Check the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Border Checks, Health and Extra Rules
The FCDO’s entry requirements page notes extra rules for non-Bahraini passengers who have visited countries affected by an Ebola outbreak in the past 30 days. If you’ve recently been in the region, read the current rules before you fly.
Expect passport and visa checks on arrival, and keep your documents in your hand luggage. If you plan to drive in from Saudi Arabia over the King Fahd Causeway, you’ll also need to meet Saudi entry rules. The FCDO warns that airspace and the causeway closed at the same time in April 2026.
Overstay and Extensions
Don’t overstay your visa. If you need more time, ask the official authorities about an extension before your visa ends, and don’t rely on a travel agent’s promise. The rules and costs for extensions change, so we don’t list them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking flights before checking the current advisories.
- Using an unofficial visa website and paying extra.
- Arriving with a passport that has less than six months left.
- Assuming a visa on arrival is available to your nationality without checking the list.
Bahrain Visa FAQs
Can I get a visa on arrival in Bahrain?
Some nationalities can. The official portal lists the eligible countries. If yours isn’t on the list, apply online or at an embassy before you travel. Even eligible travelers often choose the eVisa to avoid queues and uncertainty.
How long does the Bahrain eVisa take?
Private guides report anything from instant approval to a few working days. We couldn’t confirm an official processing time, so apply well before your flight and check your email for updates.
Can I enter Bahrain from Saudi Arabia by road?
Yes, the King Fahd Causeway links the two countries. You still need a valid Bahrain visa, and you must meet Saudi rules too. The causeway has closed at short notice in 2026, so check the latest status first.
Does my passport need six months of validity?
Yes. The UK FCDO says your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Bahrain. Renew it before you apply if it’s close.