Everything You Need To Know About Bahrain E-visa

Foreign nationals who intend to visit Bahrain can apply for an electronic authorization, and can enter the country legally. This electronic authorization system also known as e-visa allows the traveler to procure documents needed to visit the country without appearing directly on the Bahrain embassies in their respective countries. The foreign national who plans to visit Bahrain can either visit the e-visa website of Bahrain directly, or they can avail the service of professional agencies like Visa Genie. If you are the one who want to visit Bahrain without losing the comfort element, it is always recommended to opt for the service of Visa Genie. Once you submit the necessary documents, the professional team of Visa Genie will submit the application on your behalf, and you will receive the electronic visa in your mail box soon.

What is Bahrain e-visa?

As a part of modernizing the entire visa application procedure, Bahrain authorities introduced the e-visa application procedure in November 2016. A Bahrain e-visa is basically an official document in electronic form that allows the foreign national to travel to and from the country. This travel authorization form will be also electronically connected to your passport. While entering Bahrain, you should show the printout of the e-visa to immigration authorities, and they will imprint a visa stamp in your passport.

How long does it take to get a sanctioned e-visa?

Foreign nationals can submit the application for e-visa from the comfort of their home, and all they need to do is spending a maximum of thirty minutes to upload the necessary documents and completing the visa application form. The payment can be also made online. After you submit your application, Visa Genie will approach Bahrain authorities on your behalf, and you can expect the e-visa on your inbox within 10 business days.

Special note: In some cases, Bahrain authorities may thoroughly check the application for security reasons, and in these times, the visa processing time may take more than 10 business days. Foreign travelers can also apply for urgent visas by paying an extra fee.

After analyzing the nature and purpose of the visit, Bahrain authorities will issue different types of visas. Please find below the two most common Bahrain e-visa types.

Bahrain tourist e-visas

Bahrain tourist visas also known as Bahrain visit visas allow foreign nationals to visit the country for tourism-related activities. As the name indicates, these visas are only for tourism purposes, and using these travel documents, the foreign national is not allowed to engage in any works during his stay in the country. If you want to work in Bahrain, the foreign national should try to get a sponsor visa from a Bahrain entity.

Special note: It should be noted that Bahrain is a country that imposes strict law against people who engage in illegal activities. If the authorities nab a foreign national for staying the country or engaging in work in the country without sufficient documents, he or she will be compelled to face strict legal consequences.

Documents required to obtain a Bahrain e-tourist visa

To obtain a Bahrain tourist e-visa, the foreign national should send the below mentioned documents to Visa Genie via mail.

• The applicant should submit the copy of his or her passport. The passport should have a minimum of six months validity, and it should also have two blank pages required for visa stamping.
• The foreign national should submit proofs of onward travel ticket to leave to Bahrain.
• The traveler should submit proofs of his or her financial state, and it should be sufficient enough for supporting the foreign national and dependents (if traveling) during the trip to Bahrain.
• A copy of hotel booking confirmation status should be submitted.
• The visa application form should be completed properly without any errors. There are several previous instances where e-visa applications were denied due to minute errors in the visa application form. While filling the e-visa application form, always make sure that the details you furnish in the application is matching with the details mentioned in the travel arrangement documents.

Is it possible to get a Bahrain visa on arrival?

All European Union citizens, and nationals of countries like United States, South Korea, Russia, Australia, Argentina, Chile, China, etc can obtain a visa on arrival from Bahrain entry ports. Even though the easiest method to visit Bahrain, travel experts always recommend foreign nationals to obtain an e-visa before booking your tickets as authorities in Bahrain may phase out this privilege of visa on arrival before any prior notice.

Bahrain business e-visas

Bahrain business e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for business activities. These visas also prohibit the foreign national to do any kinds of work after entering the country.

Please find below the documents that should be submitted to get a Bahrain business e-visa.

• The applicant should hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. The passport should also have two blank pages for visa stamping.
• The applicant should also have proofs of onward and return flight confirmation.
• The foreign national should also hold proof of sufficient funds to support himself during his or her stay in the country.
• The traveler should submit a business introduction letter from the employer in homeland. The business introduction letter should cover all the details regarding the foreign traveler, including the purpose and nature of the visit.
• The foreign national should fill and submit the visa application form without any errors.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the validity of a Bahrain e-visa?

The validity of a Bahrain e-visa is 90 days. However, the foreign national should enter the country should be made within thirty dates of its approval. The maximum duration of the stay per entry offered by a Bahrain e-visa is 30 days.

Is it possible for me to extend the validity of a Bahrain e-visa?

Yes. Once you enter Bahrain, you can extend the validity of a Bahrain e-visa by visiting the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs Office (NPRA) in Bahrain. In order to obtain this extension, the applicant will be asked to pay an extra fee.

Special note: It is not possible to guarantee the sanction of e-visa extension, as it comes under the sole discretion of immigration officials. There are several previous cases where authorities have denied requests for visa extensions citing various reasons.

Will I get my money back if Bahrain authorities reject my e-visa application?

Bahrain government is charging the fee as a processing charge. As a result, you will not get a refund even if your visa application gets denied, as authorities consider all the requests processed, irrespective of the sanction status.

I am an Oman citizen. Should I need to apply for an e-visa to enter Bahrain?

Foreign nationals including citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates do not need a visa to enter Bahrain. They can visit the country using their national ID cards. However, citizens of Qatar should obtain an e-visa before traveling to Oman.

I am an Indian citizen. What will be the validity of my e-visa?

Even though most of the countries enjoy e-visa validity of three months, citizens of countries like India, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jamaica, South Africa, Taiwan etc can get e-visas that offer a validity of 14 days.

Can I enter Bahrain multiple times using an e-visa?

Using a Bahrain e-visa, foreign nationals can visit the country multiple times, and the maximum stay duration per entry is 30 days.

Can I apply for a new e-visa without canceling my current valid visa?

In order to obtain for a fresh visa, applicants should initially cancel their already valid visa.

How can I enter Bahrain if my e-visa application gets denied?

Sometimes, due to various reasons, Bahrain authorities may deny your e-visa application. If it happens, the foreign national can directly visit the Bahrain embassy in their respective country and can apply for a regular visa.

Can I obtain for a fresh e-visa for my future visits while staying inside Bahrain?

No, you are not supposed to apply for a fresh e-visa if you are currently staying inside Bahrain with a valid visa. If you wish to extend the validity of your current visa, you should visit the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs Office (NPRA) in Bahrain. To get an extension, the foreign national will be also asked to pay a certain fee.

Do I need to enter Bahrain within seven days after my visa is sanctioned?

Foreign nationals should enter Bahrain within 30 days of the visa’s approval. After entering Bahrain, the foreign national can visit the country multiple times as per the needs of the traveler. Always make sure that the maximum days of entry per visit is 30 days, and extending the stay without proper documents may result in serious legal consequences.

I am a citizen of China. Am I eligible to get an e-visa for Bahrain?

Yes. Chinese citizens can apply for an e-visa, both tourist and business. If Bahrain authorities deny the application of e-visa, he or she should visit the embassy in China to get a regular visa.