Choose the right eVisa category for your travel purpose to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaThe Kingdom of Bahrain offers various electronic visa (eVisa) types to accommodate different travel purposes and visitor categories. Whether you're planning a leisure trip, attending business meetings, visiting family, or coming for a special event, there's a specific eVisa designed to meet your needs.
The Bahrain eVisa application system simplifies entry procedures by allowing eligible travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate. Each visa type comes with specific validity periods, duration of stay, and entry conditions that applicants must understand before applying.
This comprehensive guide explains all available types of Bahrain eVisas, their requirements, validity periods, and which one is suitable for your travel situation.
The single-entry tourist eVisa is designed for travelers visiting Bahrain once for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. This is the most commonly applied visa type.
Applicants must enter Bahrain within the 90-day validity period and can stay for a maximum of 14 days from the date of arrival. Once you exit Bahrain, the visa cannot be reused.
The multiple-entry tourist eVisa is ideal for frequent travelers who need to visit Bahrain several times within a specific period.
With a 90-day multiple-entry eVisa, travelers can enter Bahrain multiple times, staying up to 30 days per visit. The one-year multiple-entry eVisa offers even greater flexibility for those planning frequent trips to the Kingdom.
Learn more about multiple-entry eVisa requirements and application process.
The business eVisa is specifically designed for professionals traveling to Bahrain for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring investment opportunities.
In addition to standard eVisa documentation requirements, business visa applicants may need:
Important Note: The business eVisa does not permit employment or work in Bahrain. A separate work visa is required for individuals seeking employment in the Kingdom.
Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries benefit from a simplified eVisa process with relaxed documentation requirements and extended stay options. This special category is available to residents of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Validity: 90 days
Stay: Up to 14 days
Entry: Single entry
Validity: 30 days
Stay: Up to 30 days per visit
Entry: Multiple entries
Validity: 90 days
Stay: Up to 30 days per visit
Entry: Multiple entries
For detailed information, read our complete guide on Bahrain eVisa for GCC residents.
The family visit eVisa is designed for travelers visiting family members or relatives who are residents or citizens of Bahrain. This visa type requires proof of relationship and an invitation from the host in Bahrain.
Eligible family relationships typically include:
Single-Entry Family Visit eVisa:
Multiple-Entry Family Visit eVisa:
Additional Documents: Invitation letter from family member in Bahrain, proof of relationship, and sponsor's residency documentation.
Bahrain issues a special event eVisa for spectators attending the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. This exclusive visa is only available to those who have purchased tickets to the F1 event.
F1 Grand Prix eVisa Features:
Learn more about the F1 Grand Prix eVisa application.
Bahrain also offers specialized eVisas for specific purposes:
Medical Treatment eVisa: For patients seeking medical care in Bahrain, requiring hospital documentation and appointment confirmations.
Cultural Exchange eVisa: For participants in cultural programs, educational exchanges, or religious pilgrimages.
Investment eVisa: For individuals exploring business investment opportunities in Bahrain, requiring proof of investment intent.
Each special purpose eVisa has unique documentation requirements based on the specific nature of the visit.
The transit eVisa is available for travelers passing through Bahrain en route to another destination. This visa allows you to stay in Bahrain for a short period during your layover.
Important: If you plan to leave the airport during transit, you must obtain a transit eVisa. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free transit if they remain in the airport transit area.
Quick comparison of different Bahrain eVisa categories
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Duration of Stay | Entry Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | 90 days | Up to 14 days | Single | Short vacations, one-time visits |
| Tourist Multiple Entry (90 days) | 90 days | Up to 30 days per visit | Multiple | Frequent short trips |
| Tourist Multiple Entry (1 year) | 1 year | Up to 30 days per visit | Multiple | Regular travelers, business tourists |
| Business eVisa | 3 months | 14-30 days | Single/Multiple | Business meetings, conferences |
| GCC Resident | 30-90 days | 14-30 days per visit | Single/Multiple | GCC country residents |
| Family Visit | Up to 1 year | Up to 90 days per visit | Single/Multiple | Visiting family in Bahrain |
| F1 Grand Prix | Event period | Event duration | Single | F1 race attendees |
| Transit | Single use | Up to 72 hours | Single | Airport layovers |
Selecting the appropriate eVisa type depends on several factors related to your travel plans. Consider the following when making your choice:
The primary purpose of your visit determines which visa category to apply for:
Different visa types offer varying lengths of stay:
Consider how many times you need to enter Bahrain:
Before applying, verify that you meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa type. Some factors that affect eligibility include:
Regardless of the visa type, the application process follows similar steps:
The standard processing time is 3-5 business days, though some applications may be processed faster.
Each visa type may require additional documentation:
Review the complete document requirements for your specific visa type before applying.
The cost of a Bahrain eVisa varies depending on the type of visa, entry options (single or multiple), and your nationality. Here's a general overview of fee structures:
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. For detailed and current fee information, visit our Bahrain eVisa fees page.
Understand the difference: validity refers to the period during which you can enter Bahrain, while duration of stay indicates how long you can remain in the country after entry.
All eVisa types require a passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Bahrain. Check your passport requirements before applying.
Most eVisas can be extended while in Bahrain by applying to the immigration department before expiry. Tourist eVisas may be extended for an additional 2 weeks.
After submitting your application, you can check your eVisa status online using your application reference number. Most applications are processed within 5 days.
Applications can be rejected for various reasons including incomplete documentation, invalid passport, or previous immigration violations. Learn about common rejection reasons.
Once approved, print your eVisa and carry it with your passport. Present both documents at Bahrain immigration upon arrival. Read about steps after eVisa approval.
American passport holders can apply for single or multiple-entry eVisas. Special processing available for US citizens.
US Citizen GuideBritish passport holders have streamlined access to Bahrain eVisas with simplified documentation requirements.
UK Citizen GuideIndian travelers can obtain Bahrain eVisa or visa on arrival. Multiple visa types available for Indian passport holders.
Indian Citizen GuideA single-entry eVisa allows you to enter Bahrain only once during the validity period. After you leave the country, the visa cannot be reused. A multiple-entry eVisa permits multiple entries into Bahrain during the visa's validity, with each visit limited to the specified duration of stay (usually 30 days per visit).
No, once you've submitted your eVisa application, you cannot change the visa type. If you need a different visa category, you must submit a new application with the correct visa type and pay the associated fees. Make sure to choose the appropriate visa type before submitting your application.
If your trip combines tourism with informal business activities like attending meetings or networking events (without formal employment), a multiple-entry tourist eVisa is usually sufficient. However, if you're attending official conferences or require an invitation from a Bahraini company, apply for a business eVisa to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
Yes, residents of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) have access to special GCC resident eVisas with extended validity periods and simplified documentation requirements. While GCC residents can also apply for standard tourist eVisas, the GCC resident visa offers more flexibility and benefits. You'll need to provide proof of GCC residency when applying.
No, you cannot work or engage in employment activities in Bahrain with a tourist or business eVisa. These visas are strictly for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. If you intend to work in Bahrain, you must obtain a work visa and residence permit, which requires sponsorship from a Bahraini employer and separate application procedures through the Labor Market Regulatory Authority.
Eligibility varies by visa type and nationality. Generally, citizens from over 100 countries can apply for tourist eVisas. Business eVisas require invitation letters, while GCC resident visas need proof of residency. Check the complete list of eligible countries and specific requirements for each visa type to confirm your eligibility before applying.
Now that you understand the different types of Bahrain eVisas available, select the appropriate category for your travel needs and start your application today. Our streamlined process makes it easy to obtain your eVisa quickly and efficiently.
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