How to Apply for Bahrain eVisa

Applying for a Bahrain eVisa takes about 15-20 minutes on the official portal at evisa.gov.bh, and the entire process from application to approval typically takes 3-5 business days. This step-by-step guide walks you through every stage of the application – from creating your account to receiving your approved visa – so you can complete the process without errors or delays.

Before You Start: Preparation Checklist

Before opening the application portal, gather all required documents and information. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and help you avoid timeouts or incomplete submissions.

Documents to Prepare

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Clear color scan of your passport bio-data page (JPEG or PDF, under 2MB)
Recent passport-sized photo (35mm x 45mm, white background, JPEG/PNG)
Hotel booking confirmation in Bahrain
Return flight ticket or onward travel booking
Bank statement (last 3 months) for financial proof
Additional documents based on visa type (invitation letter for business, family proof for family visit)

Information to Have Ready

Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
Nationality and date of birth
Planned entry and exit dates for Bahrain
Accommodation address in Bahrain
Email address you check regularly
Credit or debit card for fee payment

Technical Requirements

Stable internet connection
Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
PDF reader if uploading PDF documents
Ability to resize images if they exceed the file size limit

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the Official Portal

Navigate to evisa.gov.bh – the official Bahrain eVisa portal operated by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) department. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge additional fees or collect your personal data without authorization.

Register a New Account

Click the “Register” or “Create Account” button on the portal homepage. You will need to provide:

Email address – Use an email you check regularly. All correspondence including your visa decision will be sent here.
Password – Create a strong password with at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
Security question – Select and answer a security question for account recovery.

Verify Your Email

After registration, check your email inbox for a verification message from the eVisa portal. Click the verification link to activate your account. If you do not see the email within 5 minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

The verification link typically expires within 24 hours. If it expires, you can request a new one from the login page.

Log In to Your Account

Once verified, return to evisa.gov.bh and log in with your email and password. You will be taken to your account dashboard where you can start a new application, track existing applications, and manage your profile.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Start a New Application

From your dashboard, click “New Application” or “Apply for eVisa.” The system will present a series of forms to complete. Take your time and ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

Personal Information Section

Fill in your personal details precisely as they appear on your passport:

Full name: First name, middle name (if any), and surname – exactly as printed on your passport
Date of birth: In the format requested (typically DD/MM/YYYY)
Place of birth: City and country as shown on passport
Gender: As indicated on your passport
Nationality: Your current citizenship
Marital status: Single, married, divorced, or widowed

Passport Details Section

Enter your passport information:

Passport number: Including any prefix letters
Date of issue: When your passport was issued
Date of expiry: When your passport expires
Issuing country: Country that issued your passport
Type of passport: Regular, diplomatic, or official

Double-check every character of your passport number. A single wrong digit or letter will result in rejection or problems at immigration.

Travel Details Section

Provide your planned travel information:

Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, family visit, transit, or other
Visa type requested: Single entry or multiple entry (options depend on your nationality)
Planned entry date: When you intend to arrive in Bahrain
Planned exit date: When you plan to leave Bahrain
Port of entry: Bahrain International Airport, King Fahd Causeway, or seaport

Accommodation Section

Enter where you will stay in Bahrain:

Hotel name and address: From your booking confirmation
Contact number: Hotel phone number
Booking reference: Your hotel reservation number

If staying with family or friends, provide their address and contact details instead.

Employment Section

Provide your current employment information:

Occupation: Your job title
Employer name: Company or organization name
Employer address: Work address
Monthly income: Approximate monthly salary (helps demonstrate financial capability)

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

After completing the form, you will be prompted to upload your supporting documents.

Passport Bio-data Page Upload

Click “Upload” next to the passport scan field
Select your color scan of the passport bio-data page
Ensure the file is JPEG or PDF format, under 2MB
Verify the preview shows all text clearly, including the MRZ line at the bottom
If the scan is unclear, cancel and upload a better quality scan

Passport Photo Upload

Click “Upload” next to the photo field
Select your passport-style photo (JPEG or PNG, under 2MB)
Verify the preview shows your face clearly with a white background
The photo should be recent (within 6 months) and meet all specifications

Additional Documents

Depending on your visa type, upload:

Hotel booking confirmation: PDF or image of your reservation
Return flight ticket: PDF or image of your booking confirmation
Invitation letter: For business or family visit visas
Bank statement: Recent 3-month statement (some applications may require this)

Tips for successful uploads:

Rename files clearly (e.g., “passport_scan.pdf” not “IMG_20240101_001.jpg”)
Ensure each file is within the size limit
Use a scanner rather than a phone camera for documents
If an upload fails, try reducing the file size or changing the format

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Review Your Application

Before proceeding to payment, review all entered information one final time. Check for:

Spelling errors in names
Correct passport number
Accurate dates
Proper document uploads

You cannot edit most fields after payment, so this is your last chance to make corrections.

Select Payment Method

The portal accepts:

Visa credit/debit cards
Mastercard credit/debit cards
Some regional payment methods (varies by country)

Complete Payment

Enter your card details (card number, expiry date, CVV)
Verify the amount matches the expected fee for your visa type
Confirm the payment
Wait for the payment confirmation screen – do not click back or refresh

You will receive a payment receipt via email. Save this for your records.

Fee Amounts by Visa Type

Visa Type	Fee (BHD)	Fee (USD approx.)
Tourist (single, 2 weeks)	9	$24
Tourist (multiple, 3 months)	16	$42
Business (single)	16	$42
Business (multiple, 1 year)	25	$66
Transit (48 hours)	4	$11
Express processing surcharge	5-10	$13-$27

For detailed fee information, see our Bahrain eVisa fees guide.

Step 5: Submit and Track Your Application

Final Submission

After payment, review the summary page showing all your application details and uploaded documents. If everything is correct, click “Submit Application.” You will receive:

An on-screen confirmation with your application reference number
A confirmation email with the same reference number
An initial status of “Submitted” in your dashboard

Important: Save your application reference number. You need it to track your application and for any correspondence with the NPRA.

Track Your Application Status

Submitted: Your application has been received and is queued for review
Under Review: An officer is reviewing your application and documents
Additional Information Required: You need to provide more documents or clarification
Approved: Your eVisa has been granted
Rejected: Your application was not approved (reasons provided)

Email Notifications

You will receive email notifications when:

Your application status changes
Additional information is required
A decision has been made (approved or rejected)

Check your spam folder if you are not receiving expected emails.

Processing Timeframes

Standard processing: 3-5 business days
Express processing: 24-48 hours (if express option was selected and paid)

Processing begins from the date of submission, not from the date you created your account or started the form. Business days exclude Fridays, Saturdays, and Bahraini public holidays.

For more details on processing timelines, see our Bahrain eVisa processing time guide.

After Approval: What to Do Next

Download Your eVisa

Once approved, log in to your account and download your eVisa approval document. It will be available as a PDF in your application dashboard.

Print a Copy (Recommended)

While the eVisa is electronic and linked to your passport number, carrying a printed copy is recommended as a backup. Some airlines may ask to see it during check-in, and having a printout provides peace of mind.

Verify Details

Check that all details on your eVisa are correct:

Name matches your passport
Passport number is correct
Visa type and validity dates are as expected
Entry dates cover your travel plans

If you spot any errors, contact the NPRA immediately through the portal’s support system.

Before You Travel

Ensure your passport is the same one used for the application
Print your eVisa approval
Have your return flight ticket accessible
Keep your hotel booking confirmation handy
Know the address where you will be staying in Bahrain

What If Your Application Is Rejected?

Understanding the Rejection

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason. Common reasons include:

Passport validity less than 6 months
Name mismatch between application and passport
Incomplete or unclear documents
Incorrect visa type selection
Insufficient financial proof
Previous immigration violations

How to Reapply

Review the rejection reason carefully
Correct the identified issue
Prepare updated or improved documents if needed
Submit a new application through the portal
Pay the full visa fee again (fees are non-refundable)

There is no mandatory waiting period between rejection and reapplication. However, ensure you have genuinely addressed the rejection reason before reapplying – submitting the same application without changes will result in another rejection.

For a detailed breakdown of rejection reasons and how to avoid them, see our Bahrain eVisa FAQ.

Tips for a Successful Application

Apply early: Submit at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing time and any unexpected delays
Use the same passport: You must travel on the same passport used for the application
Match everything: Ensure names, dates, and numbers match exactly across all documents
Quality scans: Use a proper scanner, not a phone camera, for document uploads
Check email regularly: Including spam folder, for status updates
Save your reference number: Keep it accessible for tracking and support inquiries
Use a stable connection: Avoid submitting on unreliable Wi-Fi to prevent data loss
Keep documents ready: Have all supporting documents prepared before starting

For general information about Bahrain travel, visit our Bahrain travel guide. For a complete overview of all visa aspects, see our Bahrain eVisa guide.

Application process and portal interface may change over time. Always refer to the official evisa.gov.bh portal for the most current instructions. Information current as of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Bahrain eVisa application online?

Filling out the online Bahrain eVisa application form typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on how prepared you are with the required documents. Having your passport details, digital photograph, accommodation information, and payment method ready before you start will speed up the process significantly. You can save your progress and return to complete the application if needed.

Can someone else apply for a Bahrain eVisa on my behalf?

Yes, another person can submit the eVisa application on your behalf, provided they have all your required documents and accurate personal information. This is common for family members, travel agents, and corporate travel departments handling group applications. However, the applicant whose name is on the visa remains responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted.

What if I make a mistake on my Bahrain eVisa application?

If you notice an error after submitting your application, you should contact the eVisa support team or the relevant Bahraini immigration authority as soon as possible. Minor typographical errors may be correctable, but significant mistakes such as wrong passport numbers or dates of birth could result in visa denial. In such cases, you may need to submit a new application with the correct details and pay the fee again.

Do I need to visit an embassy to get a Bahrain visa?

No, the Bahrain eVisa system allows eligible travelers to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy or consulate. The eVisa is processed electronically and delivered to your email address. However, if you are not eligible for the eVisa program, or if you require a specific visa type not available online, you may need to apply through the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate.

What is the difference between applying for a Bahrain visa online versus at an embassy?

The online eVisa application is faster, more convenient, and can be completed from anywhere with internet access. Embassy applications may require in-person appointments, longer processing times, and additional paperwork. The eVisa is suitable for tourism, short business trips, and family visits, while embassy applications may be necessary for work visas, long-term stays, or applicants from non-eligible countries.

What happens after my Bahrain eVisa application is approved?

Once your eVisa is approved, you will receive an email notification with a link to download your eVisa document. You should print a copy and keep it with your travel documents. Upon arrival in Bahrain, present your passport and the printed eVisa at the immigration counter. The officer will verify your details and stamp your passport with the authorized period of stay.

Can I track the status of my Bahrain eVisa application?

Yes, you can track the status of your eVisa application through the official Bahrain eVisa portal. After submission, you will receive a reference number that can be used to check the progress of your application. Status updates typically include Under Review, Approved, or Rejected. You will also receive email notifications when there are changes to your application status.

Can I apply for a Bahrain eVisa using my mobile phone?

Yes, the Bahrain eVisa portal is mobile-friendly and can be accessed through any modern smartphone browser. You can complete the entire application process on your mobile device, including uploading documents and making payments. For the best experience, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that your documents are saved as clear digital files on your device.