Bahrain E-Visa for Canadians
As a Canada passport holder, if you wish to enter Bahrain, you will need to obtain the Bahrain eVisa, an official document permitting entry. For a hassle-free entry into the nation Bahrain eVisa for Canadian citizens is mandatory.
Bahrain is a small island nation tucked in between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, situated in the Persian gulf, recognised as the smallest country in the Middle-East.
Home to an archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands and known for its desert vegetation (its date palm plantations plays a major role in contributing to the economy), adventure activities in the water surrounding the island (the ‘Dive Bahrain’ is the largest underwater diving site in the world).
Also, Bahrain is believed to be the location of the ancient Dilmun civilization; its Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), now an archaeological site, is a testament to the Dilmun civilization.
Another fame that adds to the highlight of Bahrain is the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race, which is held every year in April and is the biggest event in the world, with throngs of tourists swarming in from around the world.
Planning a trip to Bahrain?
If you are a Canadian citizen and need to visit Bahrain, obtaining the Bahrain eVisa is an important step for legally entering the nation. The process is easy, you simply need to be eligible and have the documents with you before you start filling the form.
Knowing about the Bahrain eVisa and its process is important for a stress-free journey, especially if you are looking forward to visit this island destination in the Middle-East within the next few days/ months.
Do citizens of Canada need the Bahrain eVisa?
Canadian passport holders need to apply for the Bahrain eVisa, if they are visiting Bahrain, which is an electronic travel authority, allowing legal entry into the nation, for different purposes based on the eVisa type applied.
What is the Bahrain eVisa, why is it important?
Launched in 2014, a Bahrain eVisa is an electronic visa, meaning it is an online visa allowing travelers only from eVisa eligible countries to apply for it online, without the need to visit the embassy physically.
At present Bahrain eVisa is available for 200 countries around the world. Those countries which are not included in the eVisa eligible list, its citizens are not eligible to apply, they have to apply for a regular visa via the Bahrain embassy in their country of residence.
What are the different categories of Bahrain eVisa?
In regards to the requirement of the foreign travelers, the Bahrain eVisa is divided into different types, which includes the General Visit Visa, Tourist Visa, Business Meeting Visa, F1 Grand Prix Visa, Investment Visa and Self-Sponsorship Visa.:
General Visit Visa
Purpose: A short stay visa, solely for travelers wishing to visit family members, friends, or exploring Bahrain.
Validity and Stay Duration: Validity period offered is one (1) month and stay allowed is 30 days (in which extension is permitted).
Requirements:
- Valid Canadian Passport, which should have a minimum 6 months validity period, from the date of arrival to return.
- If visiting family members, proof that you are related.
- Return ticket.
- Evidence of accommodation (either you must show the invitation letter from the host or hotel reservations).
Tourist Visa
Purpose: A short stay visa, solely for travelers interested in leisure activities and sightseeing.
Validity and Stay Duration:
- Single Entry: 14-day stay allowed, validity of the visa is 30 days.
- Multiple Entry: 30-day stay allowed, validity of the visa is 3 months.
- 1-Year Multiple Entry: For each visit stay allowed is up to 90 days.
Requirements:
- Valid Canadian Passport, which should have a minimum 6 months validity period, from the date of arrival to return.
- Tour itinerary
- Return ticket.
- Evidence of accommodation, Hotel bookings or wherever you will be staying.
- Funds for stay in the nation for tourism activities.
READ MORE:
The electronic visa or online visa allows eligible international travellers to take leisure trips to Bahrain. The Bahrain e-visa has several advantages, one of which is the quick approval.
Learn more at Guide to Bahrain Tourist e-visa.
Business Meeting Visa
Purpose: A short stay visa, solely for business travelers interested in attending business meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
Validity & Stay Duration:
- Single Entry: 14-day stay allowed (extension allowed).
- Multiple Entry: 30-day stay allowed, validity of the visa is 3 months.
Requirements:
- Valid Canadian Passport, which should have a minimum 6 months validity period, from the date of arrival to return.
- Invitation letter in a letterhead from a company based in Bahrain.
- Proof that you are attending business meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
READ MORE:
The Bahrain business e-visa is designed for foreign business travellers who wish to engage in business activities or explore business opportunities in Bahrain. Learn more at Guide to Bahrain Business Visa.
F1 Grand Prix Visa
Purpose: A short stay visa, solely for sport enthusiasts interested in attending the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, held every year in April.
Validity and Stay Duration: Only valid till the duration of the event.
Requirements:
- Valid Passport, which should have a minimum 6 months validity period, from the date of arrival to return.
- Must have a F1 Bahrain Grand Prix ticket.
- Evidence of accommodation, Hotel bookings or wherever you will be staying.
Self-Sponsorship Visa
Purpose: A visa, solely for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, or retirees, who are interested in living in Bahrain, without any sponsor.
Validity and Stay Duration: Self-sponsor visa has a validity period of 2 years, with options of renewing it.
Requirements:
- Valid Passport.
- Background check clearance.
- Must-have proof of retirement funds, business ownership, or major investments.
- Needs to show proof of bank statement, at least with minimum bank balance.
- Must-have Health insurance.
Investment Visa
Purpose: This visa is solely for foreign investors who want to expand or set up their business in Bahrain.
Validity & Stay Duration: It has a validity period of 10 years, a long-term visa with options of renewing it.
Requirements:
- Proof that you are investing in Bahrain, with plans of expanding your business in Bahrain.
- Financial statements, that the investor has enough money to invest.
- Business registration documents.
- Must have Health insurance
- Must pass Background check clearance.
What are the requirements that Canadian citizens must fulfill to apply for the Bahrain eVisa?
To be eligible to apply for the Bahrain E-Visa there are certain requirements that the applicant must possess, why not find out:
Bahrain eVisa Eligible Nationals:
Citizens applying for the Bahrain E-Visa, must know that they should be in the list of the Bahrain eVisa eligible countries, which is offered to 200 countries around the world, you can first check out if your country is on the list or not.
General Requirements:
- Valid Passport
- Return ticket.
- Evidence of accommodation, Hotel bookings or wherever you will be staying.
- Funds for stay in the nation depending on duration and type of work involved.
Specific Visa Type Requirements:
- Family Visit eVisa: If visiting family members, proof that you are related (such as a marriage or birth certificate).
- Tourist eVisa: Tour itinerary, evidence of accommodation, Hotel bookings or wherever you will be staying.
- Business eVisa: Invitation letter in a letterhead from a company based in Bahrain.
What documents are required to apply for Bahrain eVisa?
Canadian citizens applying for the the Bahrain eVisa, make sure you have the mentioned documents to be eligible to apply:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photo for identification.
- Travel itinerary details
- Based on the Bahrain e-visa type applied, specific documents related to it, for example if you are applying for F1 Grand Prix Visa, you are required to show documents related to it.
- Credit/ debit card to pay the Bahrain e-visa application fee.
- An active email address to receive notifications
- Return ticket, which is necessary.
- Evidence of accommodation, Hotel bookings or wherever you will be staying.
- Enough funds to support one’s stay in the nation.
What are the Application Steps to follow to obtain the Bahrain eVisa?
Application steps to follow for successfully applying and submitting the Bahrain e-visa form, check it out:
- Visit the Bahrain e-Visa site, select the button ‘Apply Bahrain eVisa’.
- You will be directed to the form, fill here your personal, passport, and travel details, and select the type of Bahrain eVisa required.
- Upload the scanned documents like your photo, passport biodata page and other documents related to eVisa-type applied, all must be in size and format criteria.
- When you have completed filling the form, pay the Bahrain eVisa fee, your application is finally submitted.
- If approved, Bahrain eVisa will be emailed to your email address.
How much to pay for the Bahrain eVisa application fees?
The application fees of the Bahrain eVisa varies, depending entirely on the nationality of the applicant, the processing speed chosen and the type of Bahrain eVisa applied. After including all the mentioned factors, the Bahrain eVisa fees is calculated.
What is the time-required for the Bahrain eVisa Application to be processed?
The time-required to process the Bahrain eVisa application varies, depending on the processing speed chosen by the applicant.
Standard Processing: If you select this option, it takes 6 - 8 Working Days to be processed.
Faster Processing: If you select this option, it takes 5 - 7 Working Days to be processed and you will be charged extra for availing this service.
Important Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Bahrain eVisa on arrival facility available?
Citizens of some countries can take the privilege of Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Bahrain International Airport, however it is recommended you apply for Bahrain eVisa in advance to avoid the rush in the airport.
With Bahrain eVisa, are you allowed to enter multiple entries?
- If you have applied for Multiple Entry eVisa, then you are permitted to enter Bahrain multiple times during the validity period offered.
- If you have applied for Single Entry eVisa, then you are allowed to enter Bahrain only once.
Planning to stay longer, can Bahrain eVisa be extended?
There is an option for extension of Bahrain eVisa for an extra 30 days, but it would depend on the type of approved eVisa with which you have entered Bahrain permits extension or not. Also, for requesting extension, you will have to pay extra fees.
With the Bahrain eVisa, are you permitted to take any work?
Travelers entering Bahrain with the Bahrain eVisa are not permitted to work. If you want to work in Bahrain you will have to apply for the work visa, so you are legally authorised to work in the country.
If your Bahrain eVisa application is rejected, what can you do next?
- In case the Bahrain eVisa application is rejected, the applicant will have to apply again with the correct details and whatever documents requested.
- Also, cross-check, if you are eligible for Visa on Arrival, which you can opt for in case your Bahrain eVisa application is rejected.
- Get in touch with the Bahrain embassy, if any assistance is required.
Did not use the Bahrain eVisa? Is a refund available?
Even if you don't use the Bahrain eVisa, a refund option is not available, once the eVisa is issued.
Applied for the Bahrain eVisa? How to check the status?
Applicants can visit the Bahrain eVisa portal through which they have applied to check the status.
READ MORE:
Travellers need a set of travel documents to apply for Bahrain e-visa. They are essential to complete the Bahrain e-visa process. It is mandatory that all the documents for the Bahrain e-visa process must be submitted in English only. Learn more at Documents Required for Bahrain e-visa.
Check your eligibility for Bahrain e-Visa and apply e-Visa 7 (seven) days before your scheduled trip.