Published: 7 September 2026. Last verified: 7 September 2026. This independent guide is not affiliated with any government agency. Always verify current requirements on official portals before applying.
The key differences between the Bahrain eVisa and Saudi eVisa for UK travellers in 2026 centre on cost, validity, and entry rules. Bahrain offers a single-entry 14-day visa for ~£45 (USD $56.65, per Flynas), while Saudi Arabia provides a 1-year multiple-entry visa for ~£63 (SAR 300, per visitsaudi.com), including medical insurance with a 90-day max stay per entry.
Do UK Passport Holders Need an eVisa for Bahrain or Saudi Arabia?
The Bahrain eVisa vs Saudi eVisa comparison reveals that British passport holders face different entry requirements in 2026. A Bahrain eVisa is mandatory for UK nationals via evisa.gov.bh. Saudi Arabia offers two pathways: the tourist Saudi eVisa (multiple-entry, 1-year validity, 90-day max stay) via visa.visitsaudi.com, and the single-entry Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) allowing stays up to 6 months via visa.mofa.gov.sa. The UK EVW scheme was announced by the Home Office on 11 May 2022, effective 1 June 2022.
For direct Riyadh flights: Saudi eVisa. Via King Fahd Causeway: Saudi eVisa or EVW plus Bahrain eVisa for the Bahraini side. Each country requires a separate application; no GCC unified visa exists in 2026.
Bahrain eVisa at a Glance
The Bahrain eVisa is single-entry, valid for 14 days, costs USD $56.65 (~£45), and is applied for via evisa.gov.bh. Unlike the Saudi eVisa which offers 1-year multiple-entry validity, the Bahrain eVisa limits UK travellers to a single 14-day entry. The portal requires the field “Nationality as shown in your passport” and a GCC residency question: “Do you have a current valid Residence Permit or Visit Visa for a GCC country? (YES/NO)”.
Application Process and Required Documents
Check eligibility
Verify on evisa.gov.bh
Fill form
Passport number, nationality, travel dates
Pay fee
USD $56.65
Receive approval
Confirmation via email
Documents: passport copy (minimum 3 months remaining validity), digital photograph, hotel bookings (recommended). Insurance status unclear; check with NPRA at [email protected].
Eligibility for UK Citizens
UK citizens are eligible. GCC residents qualify for a separate tier with different rules and must select their country of residence during application. Medical insurance bundling is unconfirmed; verify with NPRA before departure.
Saudi eVisa at a Glance
The Saudi eVisa offers 1-year multiple-entry validity, up to 90 days per visit, costs SAR 300 (~£63), and includes medical insurance. Unlike the Bahrain eVisa which covers a single 14-day entry, the Saudi eVisa permits repeated visits over 12 months. The portal is available in Turkish, English, and Arabic. Saudi Arabia’s eVisa covers 66 eligible countries across all continents; non-eligible nationalities must contact the nearest Saudi Arabia Embassy.
Application Process and Required Documents
Visit portal
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com
Fill application
Complete required fields
Pay fee
SAR 300 (includes health insurance)
Receive eVisa
Delivered via email
Passport must have minimum 6 months remaining validity from date of entry.
Eligibility for UK Citizens
UK citizens qualify for both the Saudi tourist eVisa (multiple entry, 1 year, 90-day max stay) and the Saudi EVW (single entry, up to 6-month stay, different portal: visa.mofa.gov.sa). Umrah pilgrimage is permitted on the tourist eVisa; studying is explicitly excluded.
Bahrain eVisa vs Saudi eVisa: Application Process and Fees
When comparing the Bahrain eVisa vs Saudi eVisa, the headline cost difference is ~£18, but insurance bundling changes the real value proposition. The Bahrain eVisa costs USD $56.65 (~£45) with unclear insurance bundling, while the Saudi eVisa costs SAR 300 (~£63) with confirmed medical insurance included.
| Feature | Bahrain eVisa | Saudi eVisa | UAE eVisa (reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Tourist eVisa | Tourist eVisa | Tourist eVisa |
| Validity | 14 days | 1 year | 30 or 60 days |
| Max stay | 14 days (single entry) | 90 days per entry | 30 or 60 days |
| Entry type | Single-entry | Multiple-entry | Single or multiple |
| Fee | USD $56.65 (~£45) | SAR 300 (~£63) | Varies via ICP/GDRFA |
| Medical insurance | Unclear; check NPRA | Yes, bundled | Check separately |
| Processing time | ~3 to 5 days (no official SLA) | ~5 business days (official) | Varies |
| Portal | evisa.gov.bh | visitsaudi.com | ICP/GDRFA portals |
Total Cost Breakdown in GBP
The Bahrain eVisa vs Saudi eVisa cost comparison shows that while Bahrain is ~£18 cheaper upfront, the Saudi eVisa bundles medical insurance, potentially offering better value for longer stays.
| Cost Component | Bahrain eVisa | Saudi eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | USD $56.65 (~£45) | SAR 300 (~£63) |
| Medical insurance | Unclear; verify with NPRA | Included (no extra charge) |
| Processing charges | Not detailed | None additional |
| Total estimated cost | ~£45 (insurance TBD) | ~£63 (all-in) |
Bahrain eVisa fees are non-refundable and paid through the evisa.gov.bh portal. Saudi eVisa fees include comprehensive medical insurance covering UK travellers for the duration of their 90-day maximum stay per visit, confirmed on visitsaudi.com (accessed September 2026).
Processing Times, Validity and Extension Rules
Saudi eVisa processing takes ~5 business days officially (source: Flynas), while the Bahrain eVisa has no published SLA but typically takes 3 to 5 days based on user reports. UK travellers should apply for a Bahrain eVisa at least 2 weeks before departure given the absence of an official processing SLA, while the Saudi eVisa’s ~5-day SLA offers more predictability.
| Feature | Bahrain eVisa | Saudi eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | No official SLA; ~3 to 5 days reported | ~5 business days (official) |
| Validity period | 14 days, single entry | 1 year, multiple entry |
| Max stay per entry | 14 days | 90 days per entry |
| Passport validity | Minimum 3 months remaining | Minimum 6 months from entry date |
| Extension | Potentially extensible via NPRA ([email protected]) | Strictly non-extendable; must exit and reapply |
Saudi eVisa: 90-day cap, non-extendable. Bahrain eVisa: potentially renewable via NPRA; confirm at [email protected]. At the King Fahd Causeway, immigration processing includes biometrics (handprints, thumbprints, photo) and takes under 4 minutes per user reports.
Gulf Region Extras: UAE eVisa, Allowed Activities and GCC Visa
The UAE offers UK citizens 30-day single-entry or 60-day multiple-entry eVisa options via ICP or GDRFA portals. Unlike the Bahrain eVisa (14 days) or Saudi eVisa (90 days per entry), the UAE requires a separate, third application for multi-country Gulf itineraries.
Saudi eVisa allows Umrah pilgrimage but excludes study and work. Bahrain eVisa covers standard tourism; verify work and study restrictions with NPRA.
No unified GCC tourist visa exists in 2026. The proposed GCC Unified Tourist Visa remains in the planning phase. UK passport holders must secure individual entry permits for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
FAQ
Do UK citizens need an eVisa for Bahrain?
Yes. Eligibility requires: passport with at least 3 months remaining validity, answer to GCC residency question (YES/NO), and nationality selection. Fee: USD $56.65 (~£45). Apply via evisa.gov.bh.
Do UK citizens need an eVisa for Saudi Arabia?
Choose the visa.visitsaudi.com route for multiple entries, 1-year validity, 90-day max stay (~£63); choose visa.mofa.gov.sa for single entry, up to 6-month stay (EVW).
How much does a Bahrain eVisa cost for UK travellers?
Cost: USD $56.65 (~£45). Insurance status unclear; check NPRA ([email protected]) to confirm whether medical coverage is bundled or required separately.
How much does a Saudi eVisa cost for UK travellers?
Cost: SAR 300 (~£63). Includes bundled medical insurance with no extra charges, covering UK travellers for the 90-day maximum stay per visit.
How long does it take to get a Bahrain eVisa?
No published SLA; anecdotal reports suggest 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to ensure timely approval.
How long does it take to get a Saudi eVisa?
Officially ~5 business days (source: Flynas); real-world 2 to 3 days per user reports. More predictable than Bahrain eVisa which has no published SLA.
Can I extend my Bahrain eVisa or Saudi eVisa?
Bahrain eVisa: potentially extensible via NPRA; check current rules. Saudi eVisa: strict non-extendable 90-day cap per annual cycle; must exit and reapply.
Is there a unified GCC visa for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and UAE?
No unified GCC visa exists in 2026. Each country operates its own separate eVisa system. UK citizens must apply for individual digital visas through respective portals.
