Bahrain

Bahrain visas: every entry option explained

7 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Bahrain work

Visas for Bahrain are issued by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the authority that manages the kingdom's borders. Since 2004 its eVisa portal, evisa.gov.bh, has been the only official website for visa applications; NPRA warns that no website or company operates on behalf of the government. The same portal links to the Bahrain.bh government portal for visa extensions, cancellations and Golden Residency applications.

Which route you use depends on your nationality. NPRA keeps two lists: countries whose nationals can obtain a visa online, and countries whose nationals can be granted a visa on arrival; many nationalities appear on both. Nationals not on the online list cannot obtain a visa directly and need a guarantor in Bahrain, such as their airline, hotel, a Bahraini travel agent, a company or a citizen.

The eligibility form sorts applicants by GCC residence (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), purpose and nationality. The purposes are "General Visit" (tourism, family visit, business meeting or other), "Investment" and "Self-Sponsor (Residence Permit)". NPRA aims to decide online applications in about 3 to 5 working days. Fees are shown during the application and are not refunded after a refusal, and a visa never guarantees entry: the immigration officer decides at the border.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday: the eVisa under General Visit – Tourism, or a visa on arrival if your nationality is on that list. Visiting relatives: General Visit – Family Visit, applied for yourself or by your relative's registered employer or a Bahraini citizen. Meetings with Bahraini companies: General Visit – Business Meeting.

Setting up a company: the Investment visa, which needs a commercial registration pre-approval from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce first. Changing planes: no visa for up to 8 hours inside the airport; longer layovers need a visit visa. Journalists apply through the Information Affairs Authority, and NGO or charity visitors through the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.

Visa types for Bahrain

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa General visit visa – tourism (eVisa or visa on arrival)
Holiday travellers apply under "General Visit – Tourism" on the NPRA eVisa portal, take a visa on arrival if their nationality is on the on-arrival list, or have a guarantor in Bahrain such as a hotel, airline or travel agent apply for them.
Processing time: About 3 to 5 working days according to NPRA; some cases take longer. The decision is sent by email.
Family and friends visit visa General visit visa – family visit
To visit relatives living in Bahrain you either apply yourself on the NPRA eVisa portal under "General Visit – Family Visit", if your nationality is on the online list, or a guarantor in Bahrain applies for you.
Processing time: About 3 to 5 working days according to NPRA; some cases take longer. The decision is sent by email.
Transit visa Airport transit and transit stays (NPRA 8-hour rule)
According to NPRA, passengers who stay inside Bahrain International Airport for no more than 8 hours do not need a visa, provided they do not leave the airport.
Maximum stay: Up to 8 hours airside without a visa; longer stays need a visa

Business and self-employment

Business visa General visit visa – business meeting
Short business trips to Bahrain use the general visit visa with the purpose "Business Meeting" on the NPRA eVisa portal.
Processing time: About 3 to 5 working days according to NPRA; some cases take longer. The decision is sent by email.
Investor visa Investment visa (eVisa purpose "Investment")
The NPRA eVisa portal has a separate visit purpose called "Investment" for people coming to Bahrain to establish a business.
Processing time: About 3 to 5 working days according to NPRA; some cases take longer. The decision is sent by email.

Online travel permits

e-Visa Bahrain eVisa (electronic visit visa issued by NPRA)
The Bahrain eVisa is the online visit visa run by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at evisa.gov.bh, the only official visa website.
Processing time: About 3 to 5 working days according to NPRA; some cases take longer. The decision is sent by email.
Visa on arrival Visa on arrival (NPRA, for nationalities on the on-arrival list)
NPRA publishes a separate list of nationalities that can be granted a visa on arrival in Bahrain.
Processing time: Decided at the border by the immigration officer.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Bahrain?

How you get one depends on your nationality. If it is on NPRA's online list you apply on evisa.gov.bh yourself; if it is on the on-arrival list you can also request the visa at the border, subject to the conditions. Nationals on neither list need a guarantor in Bahrain.

Which website is the official one for a Bahrain visa?

evisa.gov.bh, run by NPRA. Extensions, cancellations and Golden Residency applications are handled through the Bahrain.bh government portal linked from it.

How long does a Bahrain visa application take?

NPRA gives about 3 to 5 working days and says exceptional cases can take longer. You are told by email when a decision is made.

Is the Bahrain visa fee refunded if I am refused?

No. NPRA keeps the processing fee when an application is not approved, and nothing is refunded if you hold a visa but are refused entry at the border.

Can I extend my visit visa without leaving Bahrain?

Yes. Apply at the NPRA main office on Exhibitions Avenue in Manama, at the Ministry of Interior service centre in Muharraq, or online through Bahrain.bh, and pay the extension fee.

How do I contact NPRA about an eVisa?

Email evisa@npra.gov.bh or call +973 17399756 or +973 17399626, Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 to 14:00. Messages are answered during working hours.