Understand the difference between visa validity and permitted stay to plan your visit effectively
Apply for Bahrain eVisaWhen you receive your Bahrain eVisa, it's crucial to understand two important concepts that often confuse travelers: validity period and duration of stay. These are two distinct aspects of your visa that determine when you can enter Bahrain and how long you can remain in the country.
Many travelers mistakenly believe that if their visa is valid for 90 days, they can stay in Bahrain for the entire 90 days. However, this is not the case. The validity period and duration of stay serve different purposes and have different implications for your travel plans.
The validity period of your Bahrain eVisa refers to the timeframe during which you are allowed to enter the country. This period starts from the date of issuance and determines the window of opportunity for your arrival.
For example, if your eVisa is issued on May 1st with a validity period of 90 days, you must enter Bahrain on or before July 30th. The validity period is about entry permission, not about how long you can stay.
It's essential to check the status of your Bahrain eVisa and note the validity dates carefully to ensure you enter before expiration.
The duration of stay indicates the maximum number of days you can remain in Bahrain after your entry. This period typically ranges from 14 to 30 days depending on the type of Bahrain eVisa you hold.
For instance, if your eVisa allows a 14-day stay and you enter Bahrain on June 15th, you must depart on or before June 29th. The countdown for your permitted stay begins on the day you arrive in Bahrain.
Remember that overstaying your permitted duration can result in serious penalties, including fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Always plan your departure to comply with the duration specified on your eVisa.
Different types of eVisas have different validity periods and stay durations
The Tourist eVisa is one of the most common visa types for travelers visiting Bahrain for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. Understanding its validity and stay duration is crucial for planning your trip.
For more information about different visa categories, visit our Bahrain eVisa Types page.
| eVisa Type | Validity Period | Duration of Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry - 2 Weeks | 90 days from approval | 14 days maximum | Single Entry |
| Tourist Multiple Entry - 90 Days | 90 days from approval | 30 days per visit | Multiple Entries |
| Tourist Multiple Entry - 1 Year | 1 year from approval | 30 days per visit | Multiple Entries |
| GCC Resident Single Entry - 2 Weeks | 90 days from approval | 14 days maximum | Single Entry |
| GCC Resident Multiple Entry - 90 Days | 90 days from approval | 30 days per visit | Multiple Entries |
| GCC Resident Multiple Entry - 30 Days | 30 days from approval | 30 days maximum | Multiple Entries |
| Business eVisa | 90 days from approval | 14 days maximum | Single Entry |
For specific requirements for GCC residents, visit our Bahrain eVisa for GCC Residents page.
Overstaying your permitted duration of stay in Bahrain is a serious immigration violation that can result in severe consequences. It's essential to monitor your allowed stay period and plan your departure accordingly.
Penalties for overstaying include:
If you realize you may need to stay longer than your permitted duration, contact the immigration authorities immediately to inquire about extending your Bahrain eVisa before it expires. Never overstay intentionally, as the consequences far outweigh any temporary convenience.
To make the most of your Bahrain eVisa, keep these important points in mind:
For detailed information about the application process and ensuring correct dates, visit our comprehensive guide.
Apply for your eVisa with enough time before your trip. Since the validity period starts from the approval date, applying too early might mean your validity expires before you're ready to travel. Apply 2-4 weeks before your intended departure date for optimal timing.
When you receive your approved eVisa, immediately check the validity period and permitted duration of stay. Compare these with your travel plans to ensure they align. If there are discrepancies, contact support immediately.
Print multiple copies of your eVisa and keep digital copies accessible on your phone. Make note of your entry date and departure deadline. This helps you stay compliant and provides proof if questioned by immigration officials.
If you do not enter Bahrain within the validity period of your eVisa (typically 90 days from approval), the visa will expire and become invalid. You will not be able to use it for entry and will need to apply for a new eVisa and pay the fees again. There are no refunds for expired, unused visas.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Bahrain, but you must apply for an extension before your current eVisa expires. Contact the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence in Bahrain to request an extension. The extension is subject to approval and additional fees. Learn more on our eVisa extension page.
No. Even though the multiple-entry eVisa may be valid for 1 year, each individual stay is limited to the maximum duration of stay specified on your visa (typically 30 days). You can exit and re-enter Bahrain multiple times during the year, but each visit is still subject to the 30-day maximum stay limit.
A single-entry eVisa allows you to enter Bahrain only once during the validity period. Once you exit, the visa cannot be reused. A multiple-entry eVisa permits you to enter and exit Bahrain multiple times during the validity period, with each stay subject to the maximum duration limit. For frequent travelers, a multiple-entry visa offers more flexibility.
Your permitted stay begins counting from the day you enter Bahrain. If your eVisa allows a 14-day stay and you arrive on June 1st, your stay expires on June 15th. The immigration stamp in your passport upon entry will typically show your permitted departure date. Always keep track of this date and plan your departure accordingly to avoid overstaying penalties.
No, the validity period of an eVisa cannot be extended once it has been issued. If your eVisa expires before you can travel, you will need to apply for a new eVisa and pay the application fees again. To avoid this situation, carefully plan your application timing to ensure the validity period aligns with your travel dates.
If your travel date changes but still falls within the validity period of your eVisa (90 days from approval), you do not need to update anything. Simply use your eVisa when you travel. However, if your new travel dates fall outside the validity period, you will need to apply for a new eVisa. For guidance, check our page on processing times to plan accordingly.
Now that you understand the validity period and duration of stay for Bahrain eVisas, you're ready to start your application. Apply today and receive your approved eVisa within 24-72 hours.
Start Your eVisa Application NowFor more information, visit our pages on eVisa fees, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
