Last updated: 7 September 2026. Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens is a mandatory online visa for British tourists. Applicants need a passport valid for six months, a digital photo, and proof of accommodation. Apply at evisa.gov.bh; processing takes 3-5 business days. EU citizens in the UK must apply using their EU passport, not their UK residency status.
Eligibility is determined by passport nationality. Irish citizens holding an Irish passport also require a Bahrain visa despite their special UK status. Bahraini authorities make final entry decisions upon arrival, and processing fees are non-refundable if an application is rejected (evisa.gov.bh).
This guide was verified against the evisa.gov.bh portal and UK Foreign Office travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain/entry-requirements) in September 2026.
Visa Requirement & Eligibility for UK and EU Citizens
British passport holders must obtain a Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens before travelling. The eVisa is available as a single-entry option permitting up to 14 days of stay, or a multiple-entry option allowing up to 30 days per visit, both valid for tourism and short-term business purposes only (gov.uk, apply.joinsherpa.com). A visa on arrival is also available at Bahrain International Airport for a 14-day stay, but local immigration officials may refuse entry for any reason; obtaining an eVisa prior to departure is recommended (cibtvisas.co.uk).
UK passport holders need a passport valid for six months from arrival (gov.uk). EU citizens in the UK apply based on their passport nationality (e.g., French, German, Polish) via evisa.gov.bh. A valid visit visa for UAE, UK, USA, KSA, Schengen, or a U.S. Green Card may be required as supporting documentation (visahq.co.uk); Hajj and Umrah visas are excluded.
The Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens is also available to Bahraini-UK dual nationals, who may be required to enter and exit Bahrain on a Bahraini travel document only; if the Bahraini passport is missing or invalid, seek advice from the nearest Bahraini Embassy before travel (gov.uk). Bahraini passport renewals whilst in Bahrain may take a long time. The NPRA handles dual national requirement queries.
Required Documents Checklist for the Bahrain eVisa
Applicants must provide a valid passport scan, digital photograph, proof of accommodation, and a return flight itinerary for the Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens.
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| UK passport biographical page | Clear scan; minimum 6 months validity from entry date; at least 1 blank visa page |
| Digital photograph | 600×600 px, JPEG format, white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter with dates matching the application |
| Return / onward flight ticket | Booking confirmation showing departure within permitted stay period |
| Bank statement | Last 3 months; minimum balance USD 1,000 or equivalent in applicant’s name |
| Supporting visa / permit | Valid visit visa for UAE, UK, USA, KSA, Schengen, or U.S. Green Card (excludes Hajj & Umrah visas) |
Children require a separate Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens application with their own passport meeting the 6-month validity rule; a birth certificate and parental consent documentation may be requested for one-parent or unaccompanied travel. Upload all documents via evisa.gov.bh.
How to Apply for a Bahrain eVisa Step-by-Step
UK citizens submit their Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens application online via the evisa.gov.bh portal by creating an account, uploading documents, and paying the fee by card.
Create an account
Register on evisa.gov.bh using a valid email address.
Select the visa type
Choose single-entry (14-day stay) or multiple-entry (30-day stay).
Provide personal details
Enter passport information and travel dates in the application form.
Upload a passport scan
Upload the biographical page and a digital photograph meeting portal specifications.
Review all entries
Check all entries for accuracy before submission.
Pay the visa fee
Pay by Visa or Mastercard; processing fees are non-refundable if the application is rejected.
Receive the approved eVisa
Get the approved eVisa by email after processing completes.
Third-party agencies like Sherpa charge $84 (single) and $103 (multiple), bundling government fees with service charges. Standard processing is 3-5 business days; apply at least 5 days before travel. CIBTvisas UK (0844 8004650; phone 09:00-17:00, office 08:00-17:00) offers embassy-stamped visa processing, recommended 1-2 months before travel. No third party operates on behalf of the Government of Bahrain (evisa.gov.bh).
eVisa Validity, Stay Limits & Entering Bahrain
A single-entry Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens permits a stay of up to 14 days, while the multiple-entry variant allows up to 30 days per visit. Both eVisa types carry a 90-day validity window from the date of issuance, meaning UK passport holders must enter Bahrain within that period or submit a new application.
UK travellers can request extensions via the NPRA portal (bahrain.bh), overseen by the Ministry of Interior. Overstaying incurs fines and can trigger a travel ban preventing departure from Bahrain until the issue is resolved (gov.uk). The Bahrain Immigration Department can confirm whether a traveller is subject to a travel ban due to civil disputes, criminal disputes, or immigration violations.
UK citizens entering overland from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway should carry the printed eVisa alongside their passport. Airside transit passengers at Bahrain International Airport who remain in the transit area without passing through immigration generally do not require an eVisa. The Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens does not guarantee entry; Bahraini authorities make final decisions upon arrival, and no fee portion is refunded if entry is denied (evisa.gov.bh).
FAQ: Bahrain eVisa for UK Citizens
How much is the Bahrain eVisa fee for UK citizens in 2026?
Single entry: $84.00; multiple entry: $103.00 (third-party prices including service fees). Official processing fee is non-refundable; payment does not guarantee approval.
Can I apply for a Bahrain eVisa if my UK passport expires in less than 6 months?
No. Passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival and have at least one blank visa page.
What happens if I overstay my Bahrain eVisa?
Overstay incurs fines and may lead to a travel ban until resolved. The Bahrain Immigration Department can confirm travel ban status (gov.uk).
Can I correct mistakes after submitting my eVisa application?
Contact NPRA at [email protected] to request correction of misspelled names or incorrect passport details.
Can I enter Bahrain by land from Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
eVisa is valid for King Fahd Causeway entry, but verify with Bahraini authorities beforehand. Visa on arrival is issued at Bahrain International Airport, not at land borders.
Do I need a visa if I’m only transiting through Bahrain International Airport?
Airside transit passengers at Bahrain International Airport generally do not need a visa. Confirm with your airline if changing terminals or collecting luggage.
Can I use a UK Emergency Travel Document for a Bahrain eVisa?
ETDs may not be accepted. Contact the nearest Bahraini Embassy or NPRA ([email protected]) for confirmation.
Are children required to have their own Bahrain eVisa application?
Yes. Each child requires a separate application with a passport meeting the six-month validity rule. A birth certificate and parental consent documentation may be requested for one-parent or unaccompanied travel.
Are there any vaccination requirements for entering Bahrain?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. Non-Bahraini passengers who visited Ebola-affected countries within the past 30 days are not accepted for entry (gov.uk). Consult TravelHealthPro’s Bahrain guide for medical entry guidance.
Can I work in Bahrain with an eVisa?
No. The Bahrain eVisa for UK citizens cannot be used to start employment. Work and residency applications are handled separately by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) (gov.uk, bahrain.bh).
Do UK residents returning from Bahrain need anything for the UK side?
The UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) is no longer available. It has been replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, currently available for UAE nationals (gov.uk).
