Bahrain e-Visa Application Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

Most countries' residents can conveniently apply for a Bahrain e-Visa online for purposes such as tourism, business or visiting family. However, questions arise: Can GCC residents enter Bahrain without a visa? What are Bahrain e-visa rules? Is there a Bahrain e-visa for UAE residents?

In this article, we'll address these questions and more, offering insights into the Bahrain e-Visa process, along with tips to make it smoother, including guidance on getting the perfect visa photo.

Table of contents

• Types of Bahrain e-Visas
• Bahrain e-visa eligibility
• How to apply for Bahrain visa online: step-by-step process
• Documents required for Bahrain e-visa application
• Bahrain visa photo requirements
• Get a photo for a Bahrain visa application online!
• Visa Photo App
• Bahrain e-visa fees
• Bahrain e-visa approval time
• How long can you stay in Bahrain with an e-Visa?
• FAQ

Types of Bahrain e-Visas

Bahrain provides several e-Visa options:

• Tourist e-Visa: for leisure or family visits, available as a single-entry visa (valid for 14 or 30 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid for 3 or 12 months).
• Business e-Visa: for engaging in short-term business activities like meetings or investment trips, available in both single and multiple-entry options.
• Transit e-Visa: for travellers making brief layovers (typically up to 2–3 days) in Bahrain on their way to another destination.

Other e-Visa categories include:

• Single entry: permits one-time entry, generally valid for 14 to 30 days, depending on nationality and visa type.
• Multiple entry: allows for multiple entries within its validity period (30 days, 3 months, or up to 1 year), each stay having its own duration limits.

Bahrain e-visa eligibility

To qualify for a Bahrain e-Visa, you need to be a citizen of an eligible country, possess a passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of your arrival, provide a recent passport-sized photo, and demonstrate proof of sufficient funds.

Citizens from over 200 countries can apply online for a Bahrain e-Visa for tourism, business, or family visits. The complete list of eligible countries can be viewed on the official Bahrain e-Visa website. If your country isn’t listed, you will need to apply through a Bahrain embassy unless eligible for visa-on-arrival.

GCC nationals (from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar) do not need a visa to enter Bahrain.

How to apply for Bahrain visa online: step-by-step process

Here is how to get Bahrain visit visa online:

1. Visit the official Bahrain e-Visa portal. Create an account using a valid email address, set a password, and verify your email.
2. Choose the appropriate visa type and fill out the application form.
3. Upload the necessary documents.
4. Pay the application fee online.
5. Submit your application and keep the reference number for future reference. If your application is approved, the e-Visa will be emailed to you - print it out and take it with you on your trip.

Documents required for Bahrain e-visa application

When applying for a Bahrain e-Visa, you’ll need to prepare a set of essential documents:

• A copy of your passport that is valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date.
• A recent passport-sized photo with a plain white background.
• Your flight itinerary or a confirmed round-trip ticket.
• Proof of hotel booking or, if staying with relatives or friends, a copy of their Bahraini ID or national ID card.
• A bank statement from the last three months showing sufficient funds, typically a minimum of USD 1000 or a monthly income between BHD 300 and 500.
• If required, copies of any existing valid visas for the UAE, UK, USA, KSA, or EU Schengen area.
• For family visits: If applicable, official documents verifying family relationships, such as a birth or marriage certificate.
• For minors: For children, include a parental consent letter, copies of the parents' passports, and proof of accommodation and support.
• For Business visa: A letter of invitation from the company, meeting details, or confirmation from the host company in Bahrain.

Ensure your scanned documents are high-resolution and within the typical file size limit of 1-2 MB.

Bahrain visa photo requirements

Photos for your Bahrain e-visa online application need to meet these criteria:

• The photo must be in colour.
• The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
• It should measure 40 mm in width by 60 mm in height.
• The digital photo must be 944 × 1417 pixels and in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format, with a file size under 120 KB.
• The background must be a plain white background.
• The head should occupy 70-80% of the photo height, with a distance of about 38 mm from chin to hair top.
• Maintain a neutral facial expression while looking directly at the camera.
• Glasses are allowed if medically necessary, but the frames must not obscure your eyes, and there should be no glare. Dark glasses are not permitted.
• Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, but your full face must be visible. Avoid headgear worn for other purposes.
• The photo should be in focus, with well-balanced lighting and colour. Avoid shadows and 'red eye' effects.

Here is a photo example:

Get a photo for a Bahrain visa application online!

Wondering how to get the perfect Bahrain visa photo? The most reliable option is using dedicated online tools. Visafoto has been a trusted service since 2013, offering guidance for passport, visa, driving licence, and other ID photos globally.

You can easily take a photo for your Bahrain visa application from anywhere in the world by just snapping a picture and uploading it to Visafoto. The service automatically adjusts the background, size, and format, according to the Bahrain online visa requirements.

Example of a photo you can upload to Visafoto:

You'll receive both a digital file for online submission and a print-ready version. If you're unhappy with the results, we'll replace your photo for free, and offer a full refund if your photo is not accepted by authorities.

Visa Photo App

Prefer using your smartphone? Try the 7ID App from Visafoto.com, a professional tool for editing document photos, compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

Using 7ID is simple: upload your photo, select Bahrain as your country and visa as your document type, and the app adapts your picture to meet official standards, managing size, format, and background colour while centring your face and eyes perfectly. You’ll receive a digital file and a print-ready template suitable for standard paper sizes such as 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you have questions during the process, our 24/7 technical support team is ready to assist you.

How much is a visa for Bahrain?

The Bahrain e-visa charges are as follows:

• Two-week single entry visa: starts at BHD 5 (approximately USD 13).
• Three-month multiple entry visa: starts at BHD 12 (approximately USD 32).
• One-year multiple entry visa: starts at BHD 40 (approximately USD 106).

Here is how to pay Bahrain visa fee online:

1. Once you have completed the online form, proceed to the payment section.
2. Choose your payment method (usually credit or debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, AmEx).
3. Enter your card details and submit the payment.
4. Receive an email confirmation with a receipt for your payment.

Bahrain e-visa approval time

How many days does the Bahrain e-visa take? The waiting time varies based on the processing speed you choose and the visa type:

• Standard processing takes about 6 to 8 business days, suitable for travellers with planned itineraries.
• Rush processing completed in 5 to 7 business days, ideal if you need a faster process for an additional fee.
• Super rush processing takes around 4 to 6 business days, designed for urgent travel requirements at a higher fee.

How long can you stay in Bahrain with an e-Visa?

As of 2025, the standard Bahrain e-Visa duration is generally limited to 14 days per visit for most categories, including tourist and single-entry business visas.

FAQ

Can I apply for a Bahrain e-Visa if I already have a valid visa from another Gulf country?

Yes, you can apply for a Bahrain e-Visa if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from a GCC nation like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar. You'll typically need to provide proof of this valid GCC residency or visa as part of your application.

Do I need to print my Bahrain e-Visa, or is a digital copy enough?

While a digital copy of the Bahrain e-Visa, linked electronically to your passport, is generally adequate for entry, it is highly advisable to print a physical copy of your e-Visa approval to carry with you. This can help avoid complications at immigration.

How to cancel my Bahrain e-visa application?

For a Bahrain e-visa cancellation, submit a request through the official Bahrain government website. You'll need your visa reference number and registered email. Follow the given instructions for confirmation. Be aware that a cancellation fee might apply, and you'll receive a confirmation once the cancellation is processed.

What should I do if there is an error on my approved e-Visa?

If you notice an error on your approved Bahrain e-Visa, use the “Visa Data Correction” service on the official Bahrain e-Visa website promptly. Provide your application details, specify the needed correction, and submit any required supporting documents. The Bahrain e-visa data correction service is usually free if completed within 7 days of receiving your e-Visa. If a correction isn't possible on an already approved visa, you may be required to apply for a new e-Visa.

How do I check the status of my Bahrain e-Visa application? Or, how can I check my Bahrain work visa online?

To find out the status of your Bahrain e-Visa application, visit the official Bahrain e-Visa website. Go to the “Visa Services” section and click on “Check Application Status”. Enter your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and application reference number or a work permit number, then submit the form to see if your application is approved, in progress, or rejected.

Can I enter Bahrain through any airport or only through specific entry points with an e-Visa?

A Bahrain e-Visa allows you to enter through any authorized entry point. However, Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is the major hub for international arrivals. Your e-Visa will be accepted at BIA and other valid entry points, including border crossings.

Is there a refund if my Bahrain e-Visa application is rejected?

No, the fee for the visa application is non-refundable. This fee covers administrative processing expenses, even if your application is not approved.