Bahrain eVisa fees range from BHD 4 (approximately $11) for a transit visa to BHD 25 (about $66) for a multiple-entry business visa, with tourist visas starting at BHD 9 for single entry. This guide provides a complete breakdown of all visa fees, payment methods, additional charges, and refund policies so you can budget accurately for your Bahrain trip.
Bahrain eVisa Fee Structure
The Bahrain government sets visa fees based on visa type, number of entries, and validity period. All fees are charged in Bahraini Dinar (BHD) and are non-refundable once payment is processed.
Complete Fee Table
| Visa Type | Entry Type | Validity | Fee (BHD) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Single entry | 2 weeks | 9 | ~$24 |
| Tourist | Multiple entry | 3 months | 16 | ~$42 |
| Business | Single entry | 3 months | 16 | ~$42 |
| Business | Multiple entry | 1 year | 25 | ~$66 |
| Transit | Single entry | 48 hours | 4 | ~$11 |
| Family Visit | Single entry | 1 month | 9 | ~$24 |
| Family Visit | Multiple entry | 3 months | 16 | ~$42 |
Note: USD amounts are approximate and vary with exchange rates. The official fee is always in BHD.
Express Processing Fees
For travelers who need faster processing, express options are available:
| Processing Type | Timeframe | Additional Fee (BHD) | Additional Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3-5 business days | Included | Included |
| Express | 24-48 hours | 5 | ~$13 |
| Super Express | Same day (limited) | 10 | ~$27 |
Express processing is subject to availability and may not be offered for all nationalities or visa types. The express fee is in addition to the base visa fee.
Fee Breakdown by Visa Type
Tourist Visa Fees
The tourist visa is the most popular eVisa type for leisure travelers visiting Bahrain.
Single Entry Tourist Visa (BHD 9 / ~$24)
- Valid for 2 weeks from the date of issue
- Allows one entry into Bahrain
- Maximum stay: up to 14 days
- Best for: Short vacations, weekend trips, single-visit tourism
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (BHD 16 / ~$42)
- Valid for 3 months from the date of issue
- Allows unlimited entries during the validity period
- Maximum stay per visit: up to 30 days
- Best for: Travelers planning multiple trips, visitors combining Bahrain with other Gulf countries
Business Visa Fees
Business visas are designed for travelers visiting Bahrain for professional purposes such as meetings, conferences, or trade events.
Single Entry Business Visa (BHD 16 / ~$42)
- Valid for 3 months
- One entry permitted
- Requires invitation letter from a Bahrain-based company
- Best for: Single business meetings or conferences
Multiple Entry Business Visa (BHD 25 / ~$66)
- Valid for 1 year
- Unlimited entries during validity period
- Requires invitation letter and company documentation
- Best for: Frequent business travelers, ongoing business relationships
Transit Visa Fees
The transit visa is the most affordable option, designed for travelers passing through Bahrain to another destination.
Transit Visa (BHD 4 / ~$11)
- Valid for 48 hours only
- Single entry
- Requires proof of onward travel to a third country
- Best for: Layovers, connecting flights, short stopovers
Important: You cannot use a transit visa for tourism or business purposes. If you plan to leave the airport and explore Bahrain, you need a tourist visa.
Family Visit Visa Fees
For visiting family members who are residents of Bahrain.
Single Entry Family Visit (BHD 9 / ~$24)
- Valid for 1 month
- Requires invitation letter from family member in Bahrain
- Proof of relationship required
Multiple Entry Family Visit (BHD 16 / ~$42)
- Valid for 3 months
- Multiple entries permitted
- Same documentation requirements
Payment Methods
Accepted Payment Methods
The Bahrain eVisa portal accepts the following payment methods:
Credit and Debit Cards:
- Visa (all types including Electron)
- Mastercard (all types including Maestro)
- American Express (in some cases)
Online Banking:
- Selected regional banks may offer direct payment options
- Availability depends on your country of residence
What is NOT accepted:
- Cash payments
- Bank transfers
- PayPal or other digital wallets
- Cryptocurrency
Currency and Exchange Rates
All fees are charged in Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Your bank will convert the amount to your local currency at their prevailing exchange rate. Be aware that:
- Banks typically add a 1-3% foreign transaction fee on top of the exchange rate
- The exchange rate used may differ from the market rate
- Some cards charge additional fees for international transactions
- Using a card with no foreign transaction fees can save money
Payment Tips
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges
- Ensure your card is enabled for international payments before starting
- Have sufficient funds in your account to cover the fee plus any bank charges
- Save your payment receipt – download or screenshot the confirmation
- Do not use prepaid cards – they may not be accepted for international payments
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the visa fee, budget for these potential additional costs:
Document Preparation Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Passport photo (professional) | $5-$15 |
| Document scanning | $0-$5 (home scanner) |
| Bank statement (official copy) | $0-$10 |
| Document translation (if needed) | $20-$50 per document |
| Invitation letter notarization | $10-$30 |
Travel-Related Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Travel insurance (recommended) | $30-$100 for short trip |
| Flight booking | Varies |
| Hotel booking (required for application) | Varies |
| Airport transfer in Bahrain | BHD 5-$15 |
Extension Fees
If you need to extend your stay in Bahrain beyond your visa’s validity:
| Extension Type | Fee (BHD) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-week extension | 5 | ~$13 |
| 1-month extension | 10 | ~$27 |
| 3-month extension | 20 | ~$53 |
Extension must be applied for before your current visa expires. Overstaying without an extension incurs daily fines.
Fee Comparison: eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
| Factor | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | Same | Same |
| Processing time | 3-5 days (advance) | Immediate at airport |
| Express option | Available | N/A |
| Payment method | Online card payment | Card or cash at airport |
| Risk of denial | Low (approved before travel) | Higher (denied at border) |
| Queue time | None (pre-approved) | 15-45 minutes at immigration |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
The fees are identical for both options. The eVisa is recommended because it eliminates uncertainty and reduces time at the airport.
Refund Policy
When Refunds Are NOT Available
- Application rejected by immigration – fees are non-refundable
- Change of travel plans after payment
- Duplicate applications submitted in error (each application is charged separately)
- Visa expired unused
- Applicant decided not to travel
When Refunds ARE Available
- Duplicate payment: If the system charges you twice for the same application, the duplicate charge will be refunded
- System error: If a technical error results in an incorrect charge
- Portal malfunction: If the payment was processed but the application was not submitted due to a system issue
How to Request a Refund
If you believe you are entitled to a refund:
- Log in to your account at evisa.gov.bh
- Navigate to “Support” or “Contact Us”
- Submit a refund request with:
– Application reference number
– Payment receipt or transaction ID
– Reason for refund request
– Bank details for refund processing
Refund processing typically takes 10-15 business days once approved. The refund will be credited to the original payment method.
Fee Changes and Updates
Bahrain visa fees are set by the government and can change without prior notice. Fee changes typically occur:
- At the start of a new fiscal year
- When new visa categories are introduced
- During policy updates or regulatory changes
Always verify current fees on the official evisa.gov.bh portal before starting your application. The fees shown during the application process are the authoritative amounts.
Budget Summary for Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Short Tourist Trip (5 days)
| Item | Cost (BHD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry tourist visa | 9 | $24 |
| Express processing (optional) | 5 | $13 |
| Total | 9-14 | $24-$37 |
Scenario 2: Business Trip with Multiple Entries
| Item | Cost (BHD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry business visa | 25 | $66 |
| Standard processing | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 25 | $66 |
Scenario 3: Transit Stopover
| Item | Cost (BHD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transit visa | 4 | $11 |
| Total | 4 | $11 |
Scenario 4: Extended Family Visit (3 months)
| Item | Cost (BHD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry family visit visa | 16 | $42 |
| Standard processing | 0 | $0 |
| Total | 16 | $42 |
Saving Money on Your Bahrain eVisa
There are several strategies to minimize the cost of your Bahrain visa:
Choose the Right Visa Type
Selecting the most appropriate visa type for your trip can save money. For example, if you are only passing through Bahrain for a few hours, a transit visa (BHD 4) costs less than half of a tourist visa (BHD 9). Similarly, if you plan multiple visits within 3 months, a single multiple-entry visa (BHD 16) is cheaper than applying for two separate single-entry visas (BHD 9 x 2 = BHD 18).
Avoid Express Processing When Possible
Express processing adds BHD 5-10 to your total cost. If you apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date, standard processing (3-5 business days) is usually sufficient. Planning ahead saves you the express fee.
Use a No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Card
Many banks charge 1-3% for international card transactions. Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you BHD 0.27-0.81 per transaction. While the savings per transaction are small, they add up if you are applying for multiple family members.
Group Family Applications
If traveling with family, each person needs their own eVisa and fee payment. Budget BHD 9 per person for single-entry tourist visas. For a family of four, the total visa cost would be BHD 36 (~$95) for single-entry tourist visas.
Check for Fee Waivers
Certain categories of travelers may qualify for fee waivers or reductions:
- Diplomatic passport holders (diplomatic visa – typically free)
- Children under certain ages (varies by nationality)
- Government-sponsored travelers
- Participants in official events or conferences (may have sponsored visas)
What Happens if Fees Change After I Apply?
Visa fees are locked in at the time of payment. If the Bahrain government changes fees after you have paid, your application will be processed at the original fee you paid. You will not be asked to pay the difference if fees increase, nor will you receive a refund if fees decrease.
However, if you need to reapply (due to rejection or changes in travel plans), the new application will be charged at the current fee rate at the time of the new payment.
Understanding the Total Cost of Your Trip
The visa fee is just one component of your travel budget. When planning your Bahrain trip, consider these additional costs alongside the visa:
- Flights: Vary significantly by origin and season
- Accommodation: BHD 30-200+ per night depending on category
- Food: BHD 5-30 per meal depending on restaurant type
- Transportation: BHD 2-15 per taxi ride
- Activities: BHD 5-50+ for attractions and tours
- Travel insurance: BHD 10-40 for a short trip
Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy Bahrain on approximately BHD 50-100 per day including accommodation, food, and transportation.
For a complete overview of all visa aspects, visit our Bahrain eVisa guide. For processing time information, see our Bahrain eVisa processing time page.
Fees are set by the Bahrain government and may change without notice. Always verify current fees on the official evisa.gov.bh portal. Information current as of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bahrain eVisa fee differ based on nationality?
Yes, the Bahrain eVisa fee can vary depending on your nationality and the bilateral agreements between Bahrain and your country. Some nationalities benefit from reduced fees or visa-on-arrival arrangements, while others may need to pay the standard or a higher fee. It is recommended to check the official eVisa portal for the exact fee applicable to your passport before starting the application.
What payment methods are accepted for the Bahrain eVisa fee?
The Bahrain eVisa portal accepts major international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. Some payment gateways may also support regional payment methods depending on your country. All transactions are processed securely through encrypted payment systems. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions before attempting to pay for your eVisa.
Can the eVisa fee be transferred to another person’s application?
No, eVisa fees are non-transferable. Each application is linked to a specific applicant’s passport and personal details, so the payment cannot be moved to a different application or person. If you need to apply for someone else, a separate application with its own payment must be submitted. Keep your payment receipt for your records in case of any discrepancies.
Does the processing speed affect the Bahrain eVisa fee?
Standard processing times are included in the base eVisa fee at no additional cost. However, if expedited or express processing options are available, they may incur an additional fee on top of the standard charge. The exact premium for faster processing depends on the current service offerings on the eVisa portal at the time of your application.
Do children need to pay the same Bahrain eVisa fee as adults?
Children are generally required to have their own eVisa regardless of age, and the fee structure for minors may differ from that of adults. In some cases, infants and very young children traveling on a parent’s passport may not need a separate eVisa. Check the specific requirements for your nationality and the age of the child on the official eVisa portal before applying.
Is the Bahrain eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the eVisa fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your application, regardless of the outcome. To minimize the risk of rejection, ensure all your documents are accurate, complete, and meet the stated requirements before submitting your application.
Can the Bahrain eVisa fees change after I have already applied?
The fee you paid at the time of application submission is the final amount, and any subsequent fee changes will not affect your existing application. However, fee structures are subject to periodic review by the Bahraini government, so future applications may be priced differently. Always confirm the current fee on the official portal before submitting a new application.
Is there a different fee for a multiple-entry Bahrain eVisa?
Yes, multiple-entry eVisas typically cost more than single-entry visas due to the added convenience and flexibility they offer. The exact price difference depends on the visa type and your nationality. If you plan to enter and leave Bahrain multiple times during the validity period of your visa, applying for a multiple-entry eVisa can be more cost-effective than obtaining separate single-entry visas.