eVisa Bahrain

The Bahrain eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (GPRA), enabling citizens of over 200 countries to apply for entry to the Kingdom of Bahrain online. This guide covers every aspect of the eVisa – from requirements and fees to application steps and common rejection reasons.

What is the Bahrain eVisa?

The Bahrain eVisa is a digital visa system launched by the Kingdom of Bahrain to streamline the entry process for international travelers. Instead of visiting an embassy or consulate, applicants can submit their request entirely online through the official portal at evisa.gov.bh.

The system is managed by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) department, which falls under Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior. The eVisa covers multiple travel purposes, including tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit.

Types of eVisa Available

Bahrain offers several eVisa categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay:

• Tourist eVisa – For leisure travel and sightseeing
• Business eVisa – For conferences, meetings, and commercial activities (B1/B2 category)
• Transit eVisa – For travelers passing through Bahrain en route to another destination
• Family Visit eVisa – For visiting relatives residing in Bahrain

Each type comes in different validity periods: 2-week single entry, 1-month single or multiple entry, 3-month multiple entry, and 1-year multiple entry.

eVisa vs Visa on Arrival

While the eVisa allows you to secure your visa before traveling, Bahrain also offers a visa on arrival (VOA) for citizens of over 60 countries. The key differences are:

• eVisa: Applied online before travel; guaranteed entry approval; no airport queues
• Visa on Arrival: Obtained at Bahrain International Airport; subject to on-the-spot approval; potential waiting times

For travelers who prefer certainty, the eVisa is the recommended option. You can learn more about the differences in our detailed guide on Bahrain visa types.

Bahrain eVisa Requirements

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

Passport Validity Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Bahrain. Damaged passports or those with fewer than 2 blank pages may result in rejection.

Photo Specifications

Applicants need a recent passport-style photograph meeting these criteria:

• Size: 35x45mm (biometric format)
• Background: White or light colored
• Taken within the last 6 months
• No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)

Supporting Documents by Visa Type

Additional requirements vary by visa category:

• Tourist: Hotel booking confirmation, return flight ticket
• Business: Invitation letter from Bahraini company, company registration
• Transit: Confirmed onward flight ticket
• Family Visit: Sponsor letter from Bahrain resident, relationship proof

For a complete checklist, see our Bahrain visa requirements page.

How to Apply for a Bahrain eVisa

The application process takes approximately 10-15 minutes and can be completed from anywhere with internet access.

Step 1: Create an Account on evisa.gov.bh

Visit evisa.gov.bh and click “Register.” You will need:

• Valid email address
• Phone number
• Password creation

After registration, verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

Log in and select “New Application.” Complete all required fields:

• Personal information (name, date of nationality, nationality)
• Passport details (number, expiry date)
• Travel details (arrival date, accommodation address)
• Purpose of visit

Ensure all information matches your passport exactly – discrepancies are a common cause of rejection.

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload clear scans or photos of:

• Passport bio-data page
• Passport-style photograph
• Supporting documents (hotel booking, flight ticket, invitation letter)

Files must be in JPEG or PDF format and under 2MB each.

Step 4: Pay and Submit

Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. After payment, submit your application.

Step 5: Track Application Status

You will receive an application reference number. Use this to check your status on the NPRA portal or through our guide on checking Bahrain visa status.

Bahrain eVisa Fees and Costs

Visa fees depend on the type and duration of the eVisa:

All fees are denominated in Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Note that transit visas are free of charge for eligible travelers with confirmed onward flights.

For the most current pricing, always verify on the official portal or check our Bahrain visa cost page.

Processing Time and Validity

Standard vs Express Processing

• Standard processing: 3-5 business days
• Express processing: Available for urgent applications (additional fee applies)

Processing times may extend during peak travel seasons such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Validity Periods

The eVisa validity starts from the date of approval, not the date of entry:

• 2-week visa: Valid for 14 days from approval
• 1-month visa: Valid for 30 days from approval
• 3-month visa: Valid for 90 days from approval
• 1-year visa: Valid for 365 days from approval

Overstaying your visa validity results in fines and potential future visa bans.

Bahrain Visa on Arrival

Citizens of over 60 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. This includes nationals from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, and several Asian countries.

Eligible Nationalities

The VOA is available to passport holders from:

• All EU member states
• United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore
• GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar)

On-Arrival Process

At the airport, proceed to the visa counter before immigration:

1. Present your passport (valid 6+ months)
2. Provide accommodation details
3. Pay the visa fee (same as eVisa rates)
4. Receive your visa stamp

eVisa vs Visa on Arrival Comparison

For travelers preferring guaranteed entry, the eVisa remains the better option.

Visa Requirements by Nationality

Requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality:

US and UK Citizens

US and UK passport holders enjoy the most straightforward process:

• Visa on arrival available
• eVisa approval typically within 24-48 hours
• No additional documentation beyond passport and hotel booking
• 1-year multiple entry available

Indian and Pakistani Citizens

South Asian nationals face additional requirements:

• Must apply for eVisa (no visa on arrival for most)
• Bank statement showing minimum balance required
• Employment letter or sponsorship required
• Processing may take 5-7 business days

GCC Residents

Expatriates residing in GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) benefit from:

• Simplified application process
• Faster processing (24-48 hours)
• Eligibility for visa on arrival with valid GCC residency
• Lower documentation requirements

For detailed nationality-specific information, visit our guides for Indian citizens, Pakistani citizens, and GCC residents.

Common Rejection Reasons

Understanding why applications get rejected helps you avoid common pitfalls:

Top 5 Rejection Reasons

1. Incomplete documentation – Missing or unclear passport scans
2. Insufficient funds – Bank balance below required threshold
3. Previous immigration violations – Overstay history in Bahrain or GCC
4. Passport validity – Less than 6 months remaining
5. Information mismatch – Details don’t match passport

How to Reapply After Rejection

If your application is rejected:

1. Review the rejection reason in your NPRA portal
2. Address the specific issue (gather missing documents, etc.)
3. Wait at least 30 days before reapplying
4. Submit a new application with corrected information

For comprehensive guidance, see our Bahrain visa rejection guide.

Checking Your Visa Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress through the NPRA portal:

How to Check via NPRA Website

1. Visit the NPRA online services portal
2. Enter your passport number and application reference
3. View current status: Submitted, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected

Status Meanings

• Submitted: Application received, awaiting review
• Under Review: Being processed by immigration authorities
• Approved: Visa issued, ready for download
• Rejected: Application denied (reason provided)

For step-by-step instructions, visit our Bahrain visa status check page.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article was last updated in July 2026. For the most current information, always verify on the official Bahrain eVisa portal at evisa.gov.bh.

Published by the Visum Bahrain editorial team. For questions or corrections, visit our contact page.