Last updated: 7 September 2026. Next planned review: January 2027. Prepared by the editorial team specialising in GCC visa systems.
A Bahrain eVisa is a digital travel authorization issued by the Kingdom of Bahrain, allowing eligible tourists to apply entirely online at evisa.gov.bh. UK citizens qualify for a 5-year multiple-entry option with stays up to 90 days per visit. Standard processing takes 3-5 business days, with non-refundable fees charged in Bahraini Dinar (BHD).
What Is a Bahrain eVisa?
A Bahrain eVisa is an NPRA-issued electronic travel authorization linked to the passport for tourism-only entry via a fully online process at evisa.gov.bh. The Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA) under the Ministry of Interior administers the system from Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, with contact available at [email protected].
The Bahrain eVisa is classified as an Electronic Travel Authorisation. The entire application is submitted through the government portal evisa.gov.bh, and approval is delivered electronically via email as a downloadable PDF linked to the traveller’s passport number. Over 200 countries and territories are eligible, with applications typically processed within 3 to 5 business days. GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman) are exempt and enter visa-free with valid identification.
Do UK Citizens Need a Bahrain eVisa in 2026?
UK citizens are eligible for a 5-year multiple-entry Bahrain eVisa permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit.
UK citizens are eligible at position 30 on evisa.gov.bh’s list of over 200 countries; they can obtain a 5-year multiple-entry Bahrain eVisa for 64 BHD (90 days/stay). Shorter options include a single-entry visa at 9 BHD (14-day stay) and a 3-month multiple-entry visa at 16 BHD. Disqualifying factors include previous visa overstays or immigration issues in Bahrain or other GCC countries. GCC nationals are exempt and require no Bahrain eVisa.
Types of Bahrain eVisa Available in 2026
The Bahrain eVisa is issued in four categories: tourist, business, transit, and family visit, each with distinct validity periods, stay durations, and document requirements.
| Type | Purpose | Validity | Stay Duration | Entry Type | Cost (BHD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Leisure travel | 30 days | 14 days | Single-entry | 9 |
| Tourist | Leisure travel | 3 months | 30 days | Multiple-entry | 16 |
| Tourist | Leisure travel | 1 year | 90 days | Multiple-entry | 44 |
| Tourist | Leisure travel | 5 years | 90 days | Multiple-entry | 64 |
| Business | Conferences, meetings, negotiations | ~90 days | Up to 30 days | Single or multiple-entry | Varies |
| Transit | Transit through BAH airport | Short-term | 24-72 hours | Single-entry | Varies |
| Family Visit | Visiting relatives in Bahrain | Varies | Varies | Single or multiple-entry | Varies |
The business Bahrain eVisa requires a letter of invitation from a sponsoring Bahraini company and prohibits employment. The family visit Bahrain eVisa requires proof of relationship and host sponsorship documents.
Bahrain eVisa Requirements for Tourists
To obtain a Bahrain eVisa, applicants must hold a passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry, provide confirmed hotel booking or host invitation, return ticket, and a bank statement (last 3 months, min. $1,000 USD ending balance, or approximately BHD 100-300 per week of stay).
- Passport: Clear colour scan of the bio-data page (JPG, PNG, or PDF), valid at least 6 months beyond entry.
- Digital photo: White background, taken within the last 6 months, colour, full face, front view, neutral expression.
- Proof of accommodation: Confirmed hotel booking for the entire stay, or host invitation letter with the host’s Bahrain ID copy.
- Return/onward ticket: Confirmed flight reservation showing departure from Bahrain.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statement covering the last 3 months with a minimum ending balance of $1,000 USD, or approximately BHD 100 to 300 per week of stay.
- Travel itinerary: Optional but recommended for tourist applications.
Travelling with Children Under 18
Each minor requires a separate Bahrain eVisa submission. A parental or guardian consent letter, the child’s birth certificate, and accompanying adult details must accompany the application.
How to Apply for a Bahrain eVisa Online
Applicants complete a seven-step online process at evisa.gov.bh, from form submission and document upload to payment and PDF download of the approved Bahrain eVisa.
Select visa type and nationality
Visit evisa.gov.bh and select your visa type and nationality.
Fill in personal and passport details
Fill in personal details, travel information, and passport data.
Upload passport scan and photo
Upload a clear passport scan and digital photo.
Enter accommodation and flight details
Enter accommodation and flight details.
Review, submit, and pay
Review, submit, and pay the processing fee.
Receive confirmation email
Receive a confirmation email with your reference number.
Download approved eVisa PDF
Download the approved Bahrain eVisa as a PDF for printing.
In our testing of the Bahrain eVisa portal, the passport scan was initially rejected due to shadows on the bio-data page. A flatbed scanner produced a clearer image than a phone camera, and approval arrived within 4 business days. UK travellers should apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Payment Methods & Surcharges
The Bahrain eVisa portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards, with fees charged in Bahraini Dinar (BHD). UK bank international transaction surcharges may apply separately.
Bahrain eVisa Cost, Processing Time & Validity
Bahrain eVisa fees start at 9 BHD for a single-entry visa, with standard processing taking 3 to 5 business days and non-refundable processing fees.
| Visa Type | Cost (BHD) | Processing Time | Validity from Approval | Max Stay per Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | 9 | 3 to 5 business days | 30 days | 14 days |
| Multiple-entry (3 months) | 16 | 3 to 5 business days | 3 months | 30 days |
| Multiple-entry (1 year) | 44 | 3 to 5 business days | 1 year | 90 days |
| Multiple-entry (5 years) | 64 | 3 to 5 business days | 5 years | 90 days |
Processing fee is non-refundable; visa fee refundable only on applicant request under specific conditions (e.g., duplicate payment). Delays can occur during peak seasons including Ramadan, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and summer months. A single-entry Bahrain eVisa expires immediately upon exiting Bahrain, whereas multiple-entry versions permit re-entry within the validity window. Track your Bahrain eVisa status using the reference number on the evisa.gov.bh portal; if no notification arrives within 5 business days, contact [email protected].
Health, Insurance & Vaccination Requirements
Bahrain eVisa holders should note: health insurance is recommended (not mandatory). Yellow Fever certificate mandatory for arrivals from WHO-listed endemic countries; Polio certificate required for certain states per Bahraini health regulations.
| Departure Region / Country | Vaccination Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever endemic countries (WHO list) | Yellow Fever certificate required | Mandatory for arrivals from listed endemic zones |
| Polio-affected countries | Polio vaccination certificate | Required for certain departure countries per Bahraini health regulations |
| All other countries | No mandatory vaccinations | COVID-19 vaccination no longer mandatory as of 2026; verify before departure |
Bahrain eVisa holders should consult the NHS Fit for Travel page for Bahrain-specific health guidance before departure.
Entering Bahrain: Ports of Entry & Overstay Penalties
Entry via Bahrain International Airport (BAH), King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia), or designated seaports. All accept the Bahrain eVisa PDF printout or digital copy. Border control: passport, eVisa, biometrics, onward travel proof.
Overstay Penalties & Sanctions
Overstaying a Bahrain eVisa incurs escalating daily fines in BHD structured by duration: 1 to 7 days, 7 to 30 days, and 30+ days, with each tier increasing the per-day penalty. Current rates are published on evisa.gov.bh. Prolonged overstays risk deportation and future entry bans to Bahrain and other GCC countries.
Extending Your Bahrain eVisa
Travellers can extend a Bahrain eVisa through the Bahrain.bh portal or in person at NPRA offices. Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires, with required documents and applicable service fees.
Golden Residency Visa
For long-term stays, Bahrain offers a Golden Residency Visa via goldenresidency.gov.bh or the Bahrain.bh portal. This permanent residency permit allows employment in the Kingdom and multiple entries without restrictions. The NPRA hotline is +973 17484000. The Bahrain eVisa is separate from this residency programme.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Should UK Tourists Choose?
The Bahrain eVisa is strongly recommended over a visa on arrival for UK tourists because it guarantees pre-approval and eliminates airport queuing.
| Feature | Bahrain eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible countries | Over 200 | 60+ |
| Single-entry cost | 9 BHD | 5 BHD |
| Multiple-entry (3 months) cost | 16 BHD | 12 BHD |
| Application method | Online before travel | Airport counter on arrival |
| Documentation | Uploaded in advance | Originals presented at counter |
| Entry decision | Pre-approved | Discretionary at immigration officer’s judgment |
The Bahrain eVisa provides certainty of entry before departure, making it the practical choice for UK travellers who prefer faster border processing.
Avoiding Scams & Protecting Your Application
The only authorized platform for a Bahrain eVisa is evisa.gov.bh; no third party operates on behalf of the government. Red flags: .com domains mimicking the portal, fees marked up to 3x the published BHD amount, and phishing emails impersonating NPRA.
Protect your Bahrain eVisa application by verifying the URL displays a HTTPS lock icon and ends in .gov.bh, then compare the charged fee against published BHD prices (9 BHD single-entry, 16 BHD multiple-entry 3-month). If you suspect fraud, contact NPRA at [email protected], report the incident to Action Fraud UK, and initiate a chargeback through your card issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Bahrain eVisa
What is the difference between a Bahrain eVisa and a regular visa?
A Bahrain eVisa is a digital authorization obtained online and linked to your passport, unlike a physical visa issued at an embassy. The Bahrain eVisa is obtained 100% online via evisa.gov.bh, with approval delivered by email as a PDF.
Do I need a visa for Bahrain as a UK citizen in 2026?
Yes. The United Kingdom is listed at position 30 on the eligibility list at evisa.gov.bh. UK passport holders qualify for a 5-year multiple-entry Bahrain eVisa costing 64 BHD, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit.
How much does a Bahrain eVisa cost for UK tourists?
Bahrain eVisa fees in BHD: single-entry 2-week visa 9 BHD; multiple-entry 3 months 16 BHD; multiple-entry 1 year 44 BHD; multiple-entry 5 years 64 BHD. The processing fee is non-refundable even if rejected.
How long does it take to get a Bahrain eVisa?
Standard processing time is 3 to 5 business days. Delays may occur during peak seasons such as Ramadan and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
How long can I stay in Bahrain with an eVisa?
Single-entry Bahrain eVisa: up to 14 days. Multiple-entry 3-month: up to 30 days per visit. Multiple-entry 1-year and 5-year: up to 90 days per visit. Single-entry expires upon exit; multiple-entry permits re-entry within validity.
Can I apply if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. A Bahrain eVisa requires a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date. A clear colour scan of the bio-data page is required. Renew your passport before applying.
What happens if my Bahrain eVisa application is rejected?
The processing fee is non-refundable. You may reapply after addressing rejection reasons: incomplete documentation, insufficient funds, or previous immigration issues. There is no formal appeal process.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Bahrain eVisa?
Travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required for arrivals from endemic countries; Polio certificates may apply for certain regions. Consult the NHS Fit for Travel page.
Can I enter through King Fahd Causeway with a Bahrain eVisa?
Yes. The Bahrain eVisa is accepted at Bahrain International Airport (BAH), the King Fahd Causeway land border, and designated seaports. Carry a printed PDF and digital copy.
What is the penalty for overstaying a Bahrain eVisa?
Overstaying incurs escalating daily fines in BHD across tiers: 1-7 days, 7-30 days, and 30+ days. Current rates are on evisa.gov.bh. Prolonged overstays risk deportation and future entry bans to Bahrain and other GCC countries.
Can I work in Bahrain on a tourist eVisa?
No. A tourist Bahrain eVisa is strictly for tourism. Employment is prohibited and would void the visa. Business eVisas permit conferences and meetings but do not authorise employment. A separate work permit is required.
What if my passport details change after Bahrain eVisa approval?
You must submit a new application. The Bahrain eVisa is electronically linked to the specific passport used during application and is non-transferable. A fresh application and fee payment will be required.
Sources and Methodology
Data in this guide was compiled from: evisa.gov.bh (accessed September 2026), NPRA official email correspondence at [email protected], the Bahrain.bh national portal, and the NHS Fit for Travel resource. All fees, processing times, and requirements reflect information published on the official government portal as of September 2026.
