How to apply for a Bahrain eVisa in 2026: visit the evisa.gov.bh platform, create an account, complete the online form, and pay the fee. The process takes 3 to 5 business days, and UK travellers should prepare documents like a valid passport and bank statement beforehand.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before starting. To successfully obtain your Bahrain eVisa, follow five chronological steps:
Account registration
Create an account on the evisa.gov.bh portal.
Form completion
Complete the online application form.
Document upload
Upload your supporting documents.
Online payment
Pay the visa fee online.
Email receipt of the approved PDF
Receive your eVisa by email.
This guide provides a complete walkthrough of the Bahrain eVisa application process directly on the government portal operated by Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior, helping you avoid third-party intermediaries and unnecessary fees. For additional confirmation, UK travellers can cross-reference requirements on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain. This article is reviewed every 90 days; last reviewed in September 2026.
Why You Need a Bahrain eVisa and Who Can Apply
A Bahrain eVisa is a mandatory electronic travel authorisation for UK tourists planning a visit. The Bahrain eVisa application process provides an online route for citizens of over 200 countries to obtain entry clearance without visiting an embassy.
Travellers holding one of 67 eligible passports can alternatively obtain a Visa on Arrival directly at Bahrain International Airport. However, securing your Bahrain eVisa online before departure guarantees smoother processing at the border and satisfies airline check-in requirements.
Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. The system offers two primary options: a single-entry visa valid for 30 days and a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year. Choosing the correct category depends on the planned duration and frequency of the visit.
Use the Correct Bahrain eVisa Portal
Use only the government portal at evisa.gov.bh, operated by Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior from Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The Bahrain eVisa portal states explicitly: no website or company operates on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
- ✅ Correct domain: evisa.gov.bh, the only government-operated platform for submitting your application.
- ❌ Red flag: any domain ending in .com, .org, or .net that charges extra service fees or claims to be a “government-approved” intermediary.
- ❌ Red flag: sites offering to submit applications on your behalf for an additional charge, which the Bahrain eVisa system does not authorise.
For portal issues, contact the Ministry of Interior support team directly at [email protected].
What Documents Do You Need?
The Bahrain eVisa application process requires you to upload a passport valid for at least six months, a recent digital photograph, and confirmed proof of accommodation before the fee can be paid.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months; clear scan of information pages |
| Passport photograph | Recent passport-size colour photograph |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel reservation in Bahrain or ID printout of host if staying with friends or relatives |
| Return/onward ticket | Confirmed onward ticket |
| Bank statement | Last 3 months, minimum balance equivalent to USD 1,000, in applicant’s name |
| UK residents (additional) | BRP copy and valid qualifying visa copy |
Technical Requirements for Document Upload
The Bahrain eVisa portal accepts files in PDF, JPG, and PNG formats, max 2 MB per file. Avoid special characters in file names. Files exceeding limits must be re-exported before payment.
How to Apply for a Bahrain eVisa: Steps 1 to 3
Step 1: Create an Account on the Bahrain eVisa Portal
Register at evisa.gov.bh with your email, password, and security question, then verify your account via email. Save your login credentials securely. You may need to disable Google Translate for the human verification puzzle to function correctly during Bahrain eVisa registration.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Enter personal details matching your passport exactly: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue date, expiry date, and issuing country. Add travel details including intended arrival date, purpose of visit, and accommodation address in Bahrain. UK residents should enter their BRP number and UK visa reference where applicable.
Step 3: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Attach your passport scan, recent colour photograph, confirmed onward ticket, bank statement, and accommodation proof for your Bahrain eVisa. Accepted formats are PDF, JPG, or PNG with a maximum of 2 MB per file. The process is 100% online.
How to Apply for a Bahrain eVisa: Steps 4 to 5
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee Online
- After uploading documents, proceed to the payment gateway on the Bahrain eVisa portal.
- According to the fee schedule on evisa.gov.bh (accessed September 2026), the visa fee is approximately USD 19, processed in BHD or USD; UK banks may apply foreign transaction fees of 1-3%.
- Accepted payment methods are credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard).
- Submit payment and retain the confirmation reference. The fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee approval (evisa.gov.bh).
Step 5: Receive Your eVisa by Email
- The Bahrain eVisa is delivered to your email inbox as a PDF document containing a QR code after review by Bahraini authorities.
- If the approval email is lost or filtered to spam, retrieve your eVisa by logging into the portal at evisa.gov.bh and entering your reference number to download the PDF again.
- A visa does not guarantee entry – you must meet all arrival conditions.
How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?
The Bahrain eVisa costs approximately USD 19 (billed in BHD or USD), and the Bahrain eVisa application process typically delivers approved documents within 3-5 business days.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | ~USD 19 | Processed in BHD or USD; UK banks may apply foreign transaction fees of 1-3% |
| Refund policy | Non-refundable | Processing fee is not refunded if the application is not approved |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | Bahraini weekends fall on Friday and Saturday |
Submit your application at least 10 working days before your intended departure date. To track your submission, use the NPRA (Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs) online status-check tool on the government portal at evisa.gov.bh by entering your passport number and application reference number.
What to Do After Approval and Common Mistakes
The Bahrain eVisa application process concludes with a confirmation email containing your approved eVisa as a PDF.
Presenting Your eVisa at the Airport
Present the eVisa PDF (printed or digital) with your passport. Officials may scan the QR code. Entry is not guaranteed – you must meet all conditions on arrival. If the email is lost, download the PDF again via the portal using your reference number. The Bahrain eVisa can be extended by up to 2 weeks via the Bahrain.bh platform. UK, Ireland, Canada, and USA nationals can also apply for a Multi-entry Return Visa Extension valid for 5 years via the same platform.
Common Application Mistakes
- Name spelling mismatch between the form and passport; every field must match exactly.
- Uploading the wrong file format or files exceeding 2 MB per document.
- Incorrect arrival date or failure to check spam for the approval email.
- For correction requests, contact [email protected]; in most cases a new paid application is required.
Applying for a Bahrain eVisa as a UK Resident
Yes, you can visit Bahrain with a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you also hold a qualifying visa. The Bahrain eVisa application process accepts the following supporting documents for UK residents: a valid visit visa for the United Kingdom, a valid Schengen visa, a valid visit visa for the United States, a valid visit visa for the UAE, a valid visit visa for Saudi Arabia (excluding Hajj and Umrah visa types), or a valid U.S. Green Card.
When completing the Bahrain eVisa application, enter your BRP number in the designated field and attach a clear scan of your qualifying visa document. The application fee of approximately USD 19 is processed in BHD or USD, so UK cardholders may incur foreign transaction fees of 1-3% from their bank.
Bahrain eVisa Application FAQ
How do I create an account on the Bahrain eVisa portal?
Visit evisa.gov.bh, enter your email, password, and security question, then verify via email. Disable Google Translate if the CAPTCHA puzzle fails to load.
What are the required documents for a Bahrain eVisa application?
You need a passport valid for 6+ months, a recent colour photo, accommodation proof, a confirmed onward ticket, and a bank statement showing USD 1,000 minimum over the last 3 months. See the document checklist table above.
How do I upload documents for my Bahrain eVisa application?
Log in, navigate to the upload section, and attach files in PDF, JPG, or PNG format (max 2 MB each). Avoid special characters in file names and ensure scans are not blurry.
How much does a Bahrain eVisa cost in GBP?
The fee is approximately USD 19 (roughly 15 GBP), processed in BHD or USD via Visa or Mastercard. UK banks may apply 1-3% foreign transaction fees. The fee is non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a Bahrain eVisa?
Processing takes 3-5 business days. Bahraini weekends are Friday-Saturday. Apply at least 10 working days before departure.
How do I track my Bahrain eVisa application status?
Use the NPRA online status-check tool on evisa.gov.bh. Enter your passport number and application reference number.
Can I visit Bahrain with a UK BRP?
Yes, if you hold a qualifying visa (UK, Schengen, US, UAE, Saudi excluding Hajj/Umrah, or US Green Card). Enter your BRP number in the form and upload the visa copy.
Do I need a visa for a direct transit through Bahrain?
Transit passengers remaining in the international zone at Bahrain International Airport may not require a Bahrain eVisa. Confirm with your airline before travelling.
Can I apply for a Bahrain eVisa for my child?
Each traveller, including children, requires a separate Bahrain eVisa application with an individual form and supporting documents.
What happens if I make a mistake after submitting my application?
Contact [email protected] for correction requests. In most cases, a new paid application is required. The fee is not refunded for rejected applications.
Can I extend my Bahrain eVisa after arrival?
Yes, the Bahrain eVisa can be extended by up to 2 weeks via the Bahrain.bh platform, processed by NPRA. UK, Ireland, Canada, and USA nationals can apply for a 5-year Multi-entry Return Visa Extension.
What is the difference between a Bahrain eVisa and visa on arrival?
The Bahrain eVisa is obtained online before departure for 200+ nationalities. Visa on Arrival is issued at Bahrain International Airport for 67 eligible passports.
