Qatar grants UK passport holders 30-day visa-free entry at no cost, while Bahrain requires a visa-on-arrival (BD 5 for 14 days) or an eVisa starting at BD 9. Both countries operate fully online platforms: Bahrain uses the NPRA portal at evisa.gov.bh, Qatar uses the Hayya platform. Processing ranges from 3 to 8 business days depending on country and service tier. Neither government fee is refundable if your application is rejected.
Published: 7 September 2026. Visa policies may change; verify with official government portals before applying.
Bahrain eVisa vs Qatar eVisa at a Glance
| Criteria | Bahrain | Qatar |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | eVisa or Visa on Arrival (eligible for 200+ countries) | Hayya A3 visa or visa-free entry |
| Fee | BD 5 to BD 44 depending on type | QAR 100 (or visa-free for UK) |
| Processing time | 3 to 8 business days | 5 to 7 business days |
| Max stay | 14 days to 90 days | 30 days |
| Key documents | Passport (6 months), hotel booking, return ticket, bank statement (USD 1,000) | Passport (3 to 6 months), hotel booking, return ticket |
| Platform | NPRA via evisa.gov.bh | Hayya platform |
For UK Passport Holders: Qatar eVisa is not needed: 30-day visa-free entry suffices. Bahrain eVisa starts at BD 9 online, or visa-on-arrival at BD 5 for 14 days at the airport.
GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days in both countries using a valid national ID or passport. Bahrain accepts a valid US, UK, UAE, KSA, or Schengen visa or US Green Card (Hajj/Umrah excluded) as supporting documentation for visa-on-arrival eligibility, granting up to 1 month stay.
How to Apply: Documents, Process & Processing Times
Application portals differ: Bahrain eVisa applications go through evisa.gov.bh (NPRA, Ministry of Interior); Qatar eVisa applications go through the Hayya platform. Both require account creation and online payment.
Bahrain eVisa Steps
Visit evisa.gov.bh
NPRA, Ministry of Interior; contact: [email protected].
Create an account and fill the application form
Upload required documents
Passport scan (6+ months validity), hotel booking confirmation, return ticket, bank statement (last 3 months, USD 1,000 minimum balance), passport photo.
Pay the fee online
Receive the eVisa by email
Print and carry to Bahrain.
Qatar eVisa Steps
Visit the Hayya platform
Create an account and complete the application form
Upload required documents
Passport scan (3 months minimum for visa-free, 6 months recommended), hotel booking via Discover Qatar, return ticket.
Pay QAR 100 (if Hayya A3 visa required)
Receive approval by email
Bahrain processing: 6-8 business days standard, 5-7 rush, 4-6 super-rush; Qatar takes 5-7 business days with no expedited tier. Apply 7-10 business days before departure. Rejections stem from mismatched names, expired passport scans, or insufficient funds. The Bahrain eVisa vs Qatar eVisa comparison also notes that Bahrain business eVisas require a host invitation letter on company letterhead, and the LMRA Office at Bahrain International Airport provides visa issuance services. Bahrain Transit E-Visa allows 1 to 2 days stay in Manama for layovers exceeding 8 hours.
Visa Fees, Cost Breakdown & eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Bahrain eVisa fees range from BD 9 (2-week single-entry) to BD 44 (1-year multiple-entry). Qatar eVisa via Hayya totals 212 AED (170 AED government + 40 AED service + 2 AED VAT). Neither fee is refundable on rejection.
The Bahrain eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bh) states the visa fee is non-refundable on rejection and upon denied entry. For visa on arrival, Bahrain charges BD 5 (2-week single-entry) or BD 12 (3-month multiple-entry) at the airport, processed in 15-20 minutes; Qatar’s VoA costs QAR 100 at the airport.
| Cost Component | Bahrain eVisa | Bahrain VoA | Qatar Hayya eVisa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | BD 9 / BD 16 / BD 44 | BD 5 / BD 12 | 170 AED |
| Service charge | Included | N/A | 40 AED |
| VAT (5%) | Included | N/A | 2 AED |
| Total payable | BD 9-44 | BD 5-12 | 212 AED |
| Refundable on rejection? | No | N/A | No |
UK passport holders qualify for Bahrain VoA alongside EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore nationals. Bahrain Tourist E-Visa permits stays between 14 days and up to 6 months for Canadian citizens. Qatar eVisa holders face overstay penalties of QAR 200/day after a grace period; Bahrain charges BD 10/day capped at BD 500.
GCC eVisa Comparison: Kuwait, Oman & Unified Visa 2026
Among GCC states, Qatar eVisa entry is cheapest for UK travellers at £0 visa-free, followed by Kuwait (KWD 3 / ≈£8), Bahrain eVisa (BD 5 / ≈£10), and Oman (OMR 5 / ≈£10 for a 10-day eVisa). The GCC Unified Tourist Visa remains in pilot and legislative phase as of September 2026, with no member state having launched a fully operational single-visa system for tourists.
| Country | Visa type | Fee | Processing time | Max stay | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | eVisa | BD 9-44 | 3-8 business days | 14-90 days | evisa.gov.bh |
| Qatar | Hayya eVisa / visa-free | 212 AED or £0 | 5-7 business days | 30 days | hayya.qatar.qa |
| Kuwait | eVisa | KWD ~3 | 1-2 weeks | 30 days | evisa.moi.gov.kw |
| Oman | eVisa | OMR 5-20 | 3-5 business days | 10-30 days | evisa.rop.gov.om |
For GCC residents, Bahrain eVisa and Qatar eVisa eligibility depends on minimum salary thresholds, approved profession lists, and a valid residence permit (QID) with at least 6 months remaining validity. GCC citizens travel visa-free for up to 90 days across all member states. Qatar entry for Bahrain passport holders requires a minimum passport validity of 6 months beyond the date of entry, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and a printed travel itinerary. The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 22nd edition in 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center is a key event requiring advance visa planning.
FAQ: Bahrain eVisa vs Qatar eVisa
Do I need a visa for Bahrain as a UK citizen in 2026?
Yes. Bahrain eVisa or VoA required: BD 5 (14-day single) or BD 12 (3-month multiple) at airport. eVisa from BD 9 online via evisa.gov.bh. See Visa Fees section.
Is Qatar visa-free for UK passport holders?
Yes. Qatar eVisa is not needed: 30-day visa-free entry at no cost for UK passport holders. See Bahrain eVisa vs Qatar eVisa at a Glance.
How long does it take to get a Bahrain eVisa from the UK?
Standard: 6-8 business days. Rush: 5-7 days. Super-rush: 4-6 days. Apply at least 10 days before travel. See How to Apply section.
Can I apply for a Bahrain eVisa while I’m already in Qatar?
Yes. The Bahrain eVisa application is fully online through evisa.gov.bh. You need a passport (6+ months), hotel reservation, return ticket, and bank statement (USD 1,000 minimum). See How to Apply section.
What are the most common reasons for Bahrain eVisa rejection?
Mismatched names, expired or unclear passport scans, insufficient bank balance (below USD 1,000), and missing hotel or return ticket documentation. The fee is non-refundable on rejection. See How to Apply section.
Which GCC country has the cheapest eVisa for UK travellers?
Qatar is cheapest: visa-free for 30 days with no fee. Kuwait charges KWD 3, Bahrain BD 5 (VoA), Oman OMR 5 (10-day eVisa). See GCC eVisa Comparison section.
Is it better to apply for an eVisa or get a visa on arrival?
For short single-entry trips, Bahrain VoA (BD 5, 15-20 minutes at airport) is simpler and cheaper than eVisa (from BD 9). For longer stays or multiple entries, choose eVisa. See Visa Fees section.
When will the GCC Unified Tourist Visa be available?
As of September 2026, the GCC Unified Tourist Visa remains in pilot and legislative phase. No member state has launched a fully operational single-visa system. See GCC eVisa Comparison section.
What is the overstay fine in Bahrain vs Qatar?
Bahrain: BD 10/day capped at BD 500. Qatar: QAR 200/day after a grace period. Overstaying risks future visa refusals. See Visa Fees section.
Can I get a Qatar eVisa if I already have a Bahrain visa?
Yes. Holding a Bahrain visa does not affect Qatar eVisa eligibility. However, UK passport holders do not need a Qatar eVisa due to 30-day visa-free entry. See Bahrain eVisa vs Qatar eVisa at a Glance.
