Bahrain eVisa for GCC residents

Updated on Mar 20, 2025 | Bahrain e-Visa

To visit Bahrain the GCC residents can apply for the Bahrain eVisa for short term stay in the country for purposes related to tourism, business, investment, etc. With this eVisa residents wishing to visit Bahrain can enjoy a smooth entry into the nation.

But which are the countries which form the GCC?

The GCC, primarily means the Gulf Cooperation Council, and is a regional union which includes the Gulf countries of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The main purpose of this union is to strengthen the social, political, economic and cultural relationship between its member states, maintaining the stability and unity among all the Gulf countries.

Are residents of GCC granted permission to apply for the Bahrain eVisa?

As a resident of the GCC regional union, you are eligible to apply for the Bahrain eVisa, letting travelers to enjoy stay in the country for a period of one-year depending on the type of Bahrain eVisa applied. The GCC residents are allowed to stay in Bahrain for activities related to tourism, visiting family, business, etc. Now, the GCC residents can make quick travel plans and receive their online visa on-time.

What is the Bahrain eVisa for GCC residents? What are the benefits they can enjoy?

The Bahrain eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that grants permission to travelers from eligible countries to apply online without the stress of taking appointments and visiting the embassy. This electronic travel authorization was issued by the government of Bahrain in 2014 and currently 200+ countries are privileged to enjoy its benefits.

GCC residents as part of the citizens of GCC regional union can easily apply for the online visa and visit the country for exploring its beauty, family visits or for business purposes. The initiative was taken so that the ties among the GCC members remain strong, related to culture, economy, social and political.

Benefits that the GCC residents can enjoy by applying for Bahrain eVisa

The GCC residents who have applied for the Bahrain eVisa to visit the country can enjoy the following benefits like:

Accessibility: As you need to apply online, it means you can apply from anywhere in the world, at any time, but make sure to have an internet connection.

Convenience: Since the applicants need to apply for the visa online, it gets rid of the need to take appointments to visit the embassy.

Extended Validity and Stay: The GCC residents with the Bahrain eVisa will be able to enjoy more extended validity and stay as compared to citizens of other countries.

Easy Documentation: The document requirements for GCC residents are a bit relaxed as compared to citizens from other countries, thus making it easier for the GCC residents to proceed with document requirements.

Flexibility: According to the requirement of the Bahrain eVisa, the processing time offered varies, which includes standard, rush and super rush.

Tourism and Business Travel: The Bahrain eVisa can be applied for tourism, business and other reasons, meeting the different needs of the GCC residents to enter the country.

So, Bahrain eVisa provides GCC residents the quickest and flexible solution to obtain the travel authorization to enter Bahrain, with limited documentation, but extended validity and stays offered.

What are the various types of Bahrain eVisa that GCC residents can use?

Due to the rising demands of the travelers, different types of Bahrain eVisa have been introduced by the government, making it easier for the GCC residents to choose the type of eVisa they want according to their purpose of visit to Bahrain.

General Visit eVisa

This eVisa is designed for travelers who want to visit Bahrain for tourism, family visits, meeting friends, etc, for short stays.

Family Visit eVisa

This eVisa is entirely for travelers who want to visit Bahrain for visiting family members, simplifying the process and offering an easier option to enter the nation.

Tourist eVisa

Allows travelers to apply for Bahrain eVisa for tourism related activities like exploring the historical places, engaging in adventure activities, knowing about the culture of the region, and savoring delicious traditional food. Find out more at Bahrain Tourist Visa.

Business Meeting eVisa

Businss e-Visa is ideal for those who have to enter the country to attend business meetings, conferences, events, seminars, and trade fairs.

F1 Grand Prix eVisa

Those who are motorsports enthusiasts and would love to enter the country to attend F1 races, then Bahrain Grand Prix eVisa should be opted and to apply for this eVisa you should have the F1 race ticket.

Self-Sponsor (Residence Permit) eVisa

This eVisa allows you to opt for long term stays maximum up to one-year, the reason could be for work or staying with your family members.

Investment eVisa

If you want to  explore the different business opportunities and invest in businesses in Bahrain, then you are allowed to apply for this eVisa, making your entry for investment purposes easier.

READ MORE:
Bahrain Golden Visa was introduced in 2022 for the long-term residency scheme. Its key purpose is to bring in the international rich individuals, investors, and expertise towards the Kingdom of Bahrain. Learn more at Discover Bahrain Golden Visa.

What are the crucial documents that GCC residents must-have to apply for a Bahrain eVisa?

In order to be qualified to apply for the Bahrain eVisa, the GCC residents should have the below mentioned documents to be granted permission to apply:

Certificate of GCC Residency: The applicant must have an official document that proves that you are a resident of any one of the GCC member states.

Valid Passport: In order to be granted permission to apply for the Bahrain eVisa, the most important document is the passport which authorizes them to visit other nations.

Flight Ticket for Returning: The GCC resident entering Bahrain must show proof of return ticket that he is returning back to his resident country within the provided time.

Confirmed accommodation: Show proof that you have already booked your hotel for a stay during your visit to the country or provide an invitation letter from the resident in Bahrain with whom you will be staying during your visit to the country.

As a GCC resident, what are the steps to follow to apply for a Bahrain eVisa?

As a GCC country resident planning to visit Bahrain, you need to apply for the Bahrain eVisa and for the application process you need to follow the below mentioned steps:

Step 1: Essential documents should be gathered

The first and foremost step for applying for the Bahrain eVisa is that you should gather the essential documents that make you eligible to apply.

Step 2: Visit the Bahrain eVisa site and apply

The next step is visit the Bahrain eVisa site, click on the application button, and start filling the form, which asks you to fill personal information, passport details and important documents to be uploaded like passport, photo and the documents based on the visa type applied for.

Step 3: Pay the final eVisa fee charged

When you complete filling the form, pay the Bahrain eVisa fee charged, which varies depending on your nationality, the eVisa type you have selected, and the processing time.

Step 4: Will have to Wait for the status of your application

Depending on the processing speed chosen you will receive the final status of your application. If approved you will receive it via your registered email address.

GCC residents who are planning to apply for Bahrain eVisa, how much time is needed to process the application?

The processing speed differs, it depends on the processing option chosen by you which includes:

Super Rush Processing: Time offered to process varies from 4 - 6 Working Days, if you have instant urgent travel plans,  then apply for this option, but be ready to pay the high-extra fee charge.

Rush Processing: Time offered to process varies from 5 - 7 Working Days, if you are short on time, need the visa urgently, then apply for this option, but be ready to pay the extra fee charge.

Standard Processing: Time offered to process varies from 6 - 8 Working Days, it is okay to opt for if you have time..

What is the validity period offered in the Bahrain eVisa?

Depending on the type of Bahrain eVisa and the type of entry chosen by the GCC residents, the validity of Bahrain eVisa varies.

Single entry eVisa

Maximum stay allowed is 14 days and the validity is for 30 days.

Multiple entry eVisa 1

For each visit the stay granted is 30 days and the eVisa is valid for 3-months.

Multiple entry eVisa 2

For each visit the stay granted is 90 days and the eVisa is valid for one-year.

Which are the countries which are offered visa-free for GCC citizens?

If you are a citizen of any of the GCC member countries, which includes Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, they are eligible to travel without a visa to any one of the member countries.

However, do check the visa requirements which may vary according to the Bahrain eVisa you have applied for, your current residency status and specific professional categories.

This facility is not available to non-GCC nationals in GCC countries.

Can GCC residents work with the Bahrain eVisa?

With the Bahrain eVisa you are not granted permission to work, even if you are a GCC national in one of the GCC countries. For working in Bahrain, you will need to opt for a separate work visa, even if you are a GCC citizen.

Applied for the Bahrain eVisa? What if the application is denied?

GCC residents who have applied for a Bahrain eVisa but its application has been denied, then they need to check in the email mailed by the visa department, what went wrong. If there is something that they think, they can fix it, then they should contact the Bahrain authorities, they will clarify the reason and guide you to re-apply if there is a chance.


Check your eligibility for Bahrain e-Visa and apply e-Visa 7 (seven) days before your scheduled trip.