Types Of Visas In Bahrain: Explained

Types Of Visas In Bahrain

Looking to explore Bahrain?, a vibrant island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a kaleidoscope of visa options for travelers, expats, and business professionals. Worry not! We’ve got your back!

Navigating this array can be as intriguing as exploring Bahrain’s rich history and culture. This article serves as your guide through the various types of visas Bahrain offers, helping you choose the right one for your journey to this enchanting kingdom.

Let’s dive in!

Bahrain Visa Types

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Bahrain visas are single-entry, valid for two weeks, and extendable for another two weeks. 

Bahrain visas can also be given as multiple-entry, allowing for a one-month per stay within a three-month validity term or a three-month per stay within a one-year validity period, depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. 

Bahrain visas for multiple entries can also be extended for two weeks. Visas sponsored by Bahrain can range from two weeks to one month.

Except for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), individuals traveling to Bahrain require a visa. 

The Kingdom of Bahrain provides visas based on a wide range of criteria.

Bahrain visas are classified as follows:

  • Visit Visa
  • GCC Visitor Visa 
  • Student Visa
  • Investment Visa
  • Business Visa
  • Artist Visa
  • Endorsement Visa for foreign companies
  • Training Visa
  • Truck driver Visa
  • Family Visas:
    • Visa for the relatives of Bahraini (father, mother, husband or children
    • Visa to Foreign wives of Bahraini Citizens
    • Visas to children of Bahraini mothers married to foreigners
    • Visa to the parents of foreign residents
    • Visa for sons/daughters over 24 years old

Other visa types include:

  • Self-Sponsorship Residence Permits
  • Self-Sponsorship for Property Owner
  • Self-Sponsorship for Investor
  • Self-Sponsorship for Retiree
  • Golden Residency Visa

Some conditions will affect whether a visa can be obtained and whether entry into Bahrain will be permitted upon arrival. 

Suppose you want to live, legally work, or receive a residency permit in Bahrain. In that case, you must apply to the Bahrain Labour Market Regulatory Authority for a Bahrain work visa or a Bahrain family visa, each with its requirements.

What Are The Popular Visa Types In Bahrain?

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Bahrain visas are available in a wide range of types. Work visas and tourist visas are the most common forms of Bahrain visas. Thousands of people from all over the world apply for these Bahrain visa options.

What You Should Know Before Applying For A Work Visa?

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The visa options mentioned above are easy to obtain. If you are applying for a work visa in Bahrain, you must have a work permit. Bahrain visas are relatively easy to get. 

Bahrain visa applications can be submitted online. Take advantage of the quick processing of these Bahrain visa options to ensure a successful trip.

Visa Requirements For Bahrain

All Bahrain visa applications require the following documents:

  • Passport (A passport or identity document valid for six months from entry into Bahrain).
  • Accommodation (Proof of accommodation)
  • Ticket (A round trip or onward ticket)
  • Personal photo (A recent passport photo measuring 4.5 x 3.5 centimeters)
  • Financial means (Financial proof, such as bank statements showing transactions 3 months before application, with a balance of at least BD300 or the equivalent.)

Applicants may submit a valid GCC, USA, European Schengen, UK, European, or Canadian visa to support their applications.

Additional documentation may be requested throughout the application process, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit to Bahrain.

Where Can I Apply For A Bahrain Visa?

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Bahrain E-Visa

Bahrain visa applications can be submitted online by citizens of 116 countries. Check your eligibility for a Bahraini e-Visa by visiting the Bahrain visa portal.

Bahrain Sticker Visa

Foreign people applying for a sticker visa in Bahrain should use the Bahrain visa portal and choose the relevant embassy to process their applications.

Visa Application For Bahrain

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Foreign nationals applying for a Bahraini sticker visa or a Bahraini e-Visa must complete the following steps:

Bahrain E-Visa

Around 120 nations can apply for a Bahrain e-Visa using the online visa service. This approach allows qualified travelers to obtain a visa before departure by completing a simple computerized form.

An e-Visa for Bahrain can be issued for either tourists or businesses. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, it may be approved as a single or multiple-entry permit.

The single-entry e-visa allows for a stay of up to three months, depending on the traveler’s demands. While completing the online form, applicants must select the desired period of stay.

The Bahrain e-Visa for multiple entries allows the holder to stay in the country for up to one month for every entry.

A Bahrain electronic visa is valid from the moment it is accepted, and travelers have 90 days from the date of issue to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

Once they enter the country, they can stay within their chosen time limit.

Applicants are recommended to apply for the e-Visa at least five business days before their estimated arrival date in the nation, considering that Friday and Saturday are not considered working days in Bahrain.

Apply Online At The Bahrain Visa Portal

  •  Select the type of Bahrain visa you require.
  • Complete the online application form.
  • Upload the necessary documentation.

Pay The Bahrain E-Visa Application Fee

  • Make use of a credit/debit card.
  • Make a note of the Application Reference Number.

Wait For The Decision On The Bahrain E-Visa

  • If your application is approved, you will receive an email with a PIN.
  • Your Bahrain e-Visa approval will be delivered to the email address you supplied.
  • Verify that the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.

Bahrain Sticker Visa

  • Go to the Bahrain visa portal and answer the questions to be routed to your country’s visa possibilities.
  • Choose the best Bahrain visa option and embassy for you.
  • Completing and submitting the Bahrain application form.
  • Upload any necessary documents.
  • Make a note of the Application Reference Number.

Wait For The Decision On Your Bahrain Sticker Visa

If authorized, you will receive an email.

Visit The Bahrain Embassy Or Representative Office In Your Area

  • Pay the visa charge for Bahrain.
  • Verify that the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.

Bahrain Visa Processing Time

The Bahrain e-Visa application procedure usually takes three to five business days, whereas the Bahrain sticker visa application process can take longer, depending on the type of visa requested. 

Please keep in mind that unforeseen situations may impact processing timelines.

How Much Does A Bahrain Visa Cost?

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The following government fees apply depending on the kind of visa:

  • The e-Visa, or online visa, costs the government 29 BHD (about 65 euros).
  • The Visit -Single entry visa costs 10 BHD (about 20 euros).
  • The government fee for the Visit – One-year visa is 45 BHD (about 100 euros).

Before submitting the completed form, fees must be paid. After you have done this, you will obtain government permission by email within a few days. Please remember that the pricing in euros may fluctuate depending on the BD’s fluctuation.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Bahrain Visa?

The Bahrain e-Visa application process usually takes 3-5 working days; however, it may take longer in extraordinary circumstances. Depending on the type of visa required, the Bahrain sticker visa application process may take longer.

How Far Ahead Of Time Should I Apply For A Bahrain Visa?

The approval time for both the e-visa and the visiting visa is generally between 5 and 7 days. Nonetheless, applying at least 15 days before your scheduled entry into the nation is recommended.

This will prevent hiccups like government officials requesting further information or documentation.

Is It Possible To Change The Bahrain Visa Once It Has Been Processed?

Unfortunately, after your application has been processed, you cannot change it. As a result, before submitting the form, double-check all of the information you’ve entered. 

If an error is made, your visa will be denied, and you will not be compensated for any government payments.

Convert A Visit Visa Into A Work Permit

Yes, if a company applies on your behalf and your visit visa is still valid for at least seven days, you can convert it to a work permit. If your visit visa has expired or will expire in six days, you should apply for an extension first.

Guidance For Travelling To Bahrain

  • We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover medical expenses and theft or loss of belongings.
  • Bahrain has severe anti-drug legislation. Consumption is punishable by jail and deportation, and illegal drug sales can result in life imprisonment.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street, particularly drunkenness in public, will land you in jail.
  • During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking, listening to loud music, or dancing in public areas is illegal and penalized by law. Tourists are not forced to follow these restrictions.

Conclusion

As we close our exploration of Bahrain’s diverse visa options, remember that each type is a key to different experiences and opportunities in this dynamic country.

Whether you’re a tourist, a business mogul, or an aspiring expat, the right visa is your first step towards an unforgettable adventure in Bahrain. May your journey be as smooth and fulfilling as the Arabian dunes.

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