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Most visitors to Bahrain need a visa. The visa requirements and fees depend on the visitor's nationality, length of stay, and even the time of year. For example, almost all visitors are able to get a visa on arrival at the airport during the Bahrain Formula-1 Grand Prix.
In general, visas are required by all visitors* to Bahrain except:
- Passport holders of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) States, (i.e. nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates).
- Citizens of the UK for a maximum of 4 weeks(providing they hold a passport with at least 6 months validity).
Those continuing their onward journey within 72 hours, hold confirmed tickets, and appropriate travel documents and on condition they remain within the transit area. (a fee of BD 0.500 will be charged).
Entry Visas: Foreign nationals may enter Bahrain with a tourist visa (for individuals or groups), 72-hour visa, 7-day visa, visit visa, business visa, family visa, dependent visa, or an employment visa. Generally all types of visas (except certain categories of tourist visas which can be obtained from consulates abroad) are to be applied for by local sponsor in Bahrain.
1. Tourist Visa: Tourist visas can be obtained at the Bahrain International Airport or at the Bahrain-Saudi King Fahad Causeway for:
- Citizens of the European Community, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Hong Kong.
- Visitors who have been resident in the GCC for a minimum of six months, and who possess a return visa for the country of GCC residency.
All the above must have a valid passport and return ticket, they must have no criminal record or involvememt in activities that could threaten public order or national security. Visitors must not seek employment while in Bahrain.
Fee: For a stay of 2 weeks, BD5 each.
Groups who wish to visit Bahrain are advised to contact a travel agency to make the necessary visa arrangements.
Groups may obtain visa to Bahrain for a duration of up to 2 weeks which is renewable once a for a similar period.
Entry visas are obtained through hotels, travel and tourist agencies and other firms, licensed to carry out tourist activities in Bahrain.
Fees: Groups of upto 30 tourists are charged a fee of BD3 per person. Groups comprising more than 30 tourists are charged BD2 per person.
2. 72-Hour Visa / 7-Day visa: Can be obtained on arrival at the Bahrain International Airport or at the King Fahad Causeway. These visas are mainly intended for business visits, trade delegations, attending exhibitions and seminars. Apart from the passport, the passenger must possess a confirmed return or onward journey ticket for his/her visa application to be processed.
Foreign nationals who have lived for six months in a GCC State are automatically granted a 72-hour visa on arrival.
Fees: 72-hour Visa - BD10, 7-day visa BD15.
3. Visit Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit Bahrain to meet their relatives or friends. The application for a visit visa must be made by a local sponsor to the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports (GDIP).
The visit visa is normally valid for one month's stay in Bahrain, but can sometimes be extended up to a maximum of three months. A person on a visit visa cannot work or engage in business activities during his/her stay in Bahrain.
Fee: BD22.
4. Business Visa: This type of visa is a similar to that of a visit visa, except that the purpose of the visit is business.
Fee: BD42 (multiple entry, valid for 6 months).
5. Family Visa: Granted to a wife and children joining the husband/father.The family visa holder may not take up gainful employement in Bahrain but can stay in Bahrain as long her husband stays.
Fee: BD22.
6. Dependent Visa: Granted to dependants of a Bahrain resident. The visa holder cannot take up gainful employement in Bahrain but can stay as long as the head of the household stays.
7. Employment Visa: Required to work legally in Bahrain and become a resident of Bahrain. A work permit is required from the Ministry of Labour and a No objection Certificate from Directorate of Immigration before this visa is granted.
Fee: BD15.
NOTE:
*Entry regulations and fees are subject to change without notice. Please contact the nearest Bahrain mission to confirm current entry rules.
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