Tourist Guide to Bahrain Visa on Arrival
The variety of visa options made travel more accessible for international travellers. Tourists can enjoy an exquisite beach vacation in Bahrain. The modern infrastructure, varied business environment and opportunities are major reasons for the increasing number of business travellers to Bahrain. Entering Bahrain requires a suitable visa, e-visa, or travel entry document. Acquiring a visa for Bahrain becomes unnecessary for the citizens of Bahrain visa-exempt countries.
Travellers who need a visa for Bahrain can choose a suitable visa or entry permit from the available options. One of the convenient options is the Bahrain visa on arrival option because it permits travellers to get their visa after reaching Bahrain. However, travellers who decide to choose the visa on arrival must meet the specific criteria. Knowing the whole Bahrain visa on arrival process in advance aids in having a trouble-free visa application process.
Bahrain Visa on Arrival
Bahrain visa on arrival is one of the Bahrain visa types or entry permit options that permits international travellers to acquire a visa after arriving at Bahrain airport or border crossing. Over 60 countries can apply for the Bahrain visa on arrival option, which makes it accessible for foreign travellers from various countries. The visa on arrival option makes the Bahrain entry process much easier for all eligible travellers. However, travellers must be aware of its requirements and specific criteria.
Please note that the Bahrain visa on arrival process requires the completion of an application form after the traveller’s arrival at Bahrain airport or border crossing.
Who Can Apply for a Bahrain Visa on Arrival?
To apply for a Bahrain visa on arrival, travellers must meet the specific eligibility criteria, which might change based on the travel purpose and nationality of the visitor. The following eligibility criteria mention the standard requirements for applying for a Bahrain visa upon arrival.
- The travellers must be citizens of Bahrain visa on arrival eligible countries. Check the exact list of eligible countries.
- The purpose of a visit to Bahrain is important because the Bahrain visa on arrival is valid only for business or tourism purposes.
- The Bahrain visa on arrival is designed to permit short-term visits only. The stay duration ranges from one week to two months with single or multiple entries.
- The important requirements for applying for a Bahrain visa on arrival include a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds.
Check the latest requirements regarding Bahrain visas on arrival before arriving because the criteria might change. Sometimes travellers need to meet specific requirements based on their nationality, so check them in advance.
Difference Between Bahrain e-visa and Visa on Arrival
Bahrain online visa, also known as the e-visa, mandates the submission of an online application form with essential documents prior to the traveller’s entry into Bahrain. It is an electronic visa system that is issued only online to eligible travellers. Travellers can acquire the Bahrain e-visa online without visiting or booking appointments at the Bahrain consulate or embassy. Having a Bahrain e-visa before departing to Bahrain is a mandatory requirement for all eligible travellers.
Bahrain visa on arrival is a visa that is issued at Bahrain airports or border crossings. Travellers can apply for a Bahrain visa on arrival only after arriving at the country’s airport or entry points. Bahrain visa upon arrival is accessible only to certain travellers. It permits short-term stays for business and tourism travel purposes only. The visa on arrival option does not require an application process prior to the travel date, which makes it a flexible choice for last-minute travel plans.
Countries Eligible for Bahrain Visa on Arrival
Travellers from over 60 countries are eligible for a Bahrain visa on arrival. The residents of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) can get a Bahrain visa after their arrival at the entry port upon meeting the specific conditions. Nationals of the countries below can get a Bahrain visa after arriving at Bahrain airport.
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Austria
- Denmark
- Bulgaria
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Croatia
- Finland
- Falkland Islands
- French Guiana
- France
- Greece
- Germany
- Iceland
- Hungary
- Italy
- Ireland
- Liechtenstein
- Latvia
- Monaco
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Malta
- Portugal
- Russia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Spain
- San Marino
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Ukraine
- Sweden
- Vatican City
- Brunei
- Cyprus
- United Kingdom
- China
- Hong Kong
- Georgia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Singapore
- India (conditions apply)
- Argentina
- Macao
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Bolivia
- Thailand
- Canada
- America
- Columbia
- Ecuador
- Brazil
- Guyana
- Chile
- Peru
- Suriname
- Mexico
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- United States
- Paraguay
- New Zealand
- Australia
Travellers who do not qualify or cannot apply for a Bahrain visa on arrival must get a suitable Bahrain entry permit or visa to enter Bahrain. The list may change, so travellers are advised to check the eligibility requirements near their Bahrain trip dates.
Documents Required for Bahrain Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival does not require the travellers to submit a visa application prior to the trip, but it mandates pre-requirements such as travelling with all the needed documents. Documents are the key components of a smooth visa on arrival application process. Before booking the tickets to Bahrain, ensure to gather the below documents and do not forget to carry them.
- Valid passport (valid for the next six months from the arrival date)
- Return ticket
- Accommodation proof (hotel arrangements and booking details)
- Financial proof (bank or credit card statements for the past 3-4 months)
- A photo (if required)
- Travel itinerary
- Business documents (relevant documents like invitation letters only when the travel purpose is related to business).
Travellers must check the latest health guidelines and prepare the related documents. While checking the requirements, go for the latest updates and information. Do not overlook the need for additional documents, if any, get them ready prior to the travel date.
Bahrain Visa on Arrival Processing Time
The processing time of a Bahrain visa on arrival application is usually brief (within a few minutes). However, the processing time differs based on numerous factors. The number of visitors might increase during peak seasons, and this can affect the visa processing time. Arriving during peak business hours might lead to long lines or delays in the visa application process.
Having all the documents and submitting an error-free visa application form help to have a hassle-free process and quick approval. Allocate sufficient time (or even extra time for unexpected situations) for the visa on arrival process.
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Bahrain Visa on Arrival Application Process
Before arrival, prepare all the documents because they are necessary to apply for a Bahrain visa on arrival. Failing to provide the essential documents for the visa on arrival process can result in a Bahrain visa application rejection. After arriving at Bahrain airport, follow the steps below to get a Bahrain visa.
- Reach the visa on arrival counter which will be situated inside the airport.
- Get a Bahrain visa application form and fill it out.
- After completing the application form, crosscheck the details with the supporting documents for accuracy and errors.
- Submit or present the application form and all the necessary documents (passport, accommodation proof, travel itinerary, financial proof and other documents) to the immigration officer.
- Use a credit card or cash to pay the visa application fee.
The visa processing time at the airport is only a few minutes. However, various factors like application volume might delay the process. Once approved, the respective Bahrain visa will be stamped to the applicant’s passport and travellers can proceed through immigration.
Bahrain Visa on Arrival Rejection
Travellers who face Bahrain visa on arrival application rejection at the entry port cannot enter Bahrain. Upon rejection, find out the reason for rejection or get clarification from the immigration officials. Remember that after a rejection travellers cannot reapply for a Bahrain visa at the airport. Seek assistance from the officers. The common reasons for rejection include insufficient or invalid documents, errors in the application form or providing incorrect information and security concerns.
Key Points to Know About Bahrain Visa on Arrival
- Travellers cannot overstay their duration of stay, doing so might result in fines and deportation. Be aware of the exact stay duration and if it does not align with the travel requirements, consider applying for other Bahrain visa types before the departure.
- Do not start the trip without checking the latest Bahrain visa on arrival eligibility criteria. The visa on arrival can be availed only by a few citizens.
- The Bahrain visa on arrival has a limit on travel purposes. Only tourism and business trips are permitted. Bahrain visa on arrival holder is not permitted to work and travellers seeking work in Bahrain must have the appropriate visa or permit.
- A crucial aspect is that the approval of the Bahrain visa on arrival application is not guaranteed. Sometimes, the visa application might get rejected at the entry port. Having all the required documents and meeting the requirements are necessary for a successful application.
- One significant benefit is that travellers do not need to apply for a Bahrain visa before their arrival. They can obtain a Bahrain visa at the airport or entry port. It is a suitable visa choice for travellers who decide to travel to Bahrain within a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a Bahrain visa on arrival, how long can I stay in Bahrain?
Travellers can select their preferred stay duration from the visa types. The stay duration of a Bahrain visa on arrival ranges from one week (7 days) to two months. The visa application cost also differs according to the chosen visa type.
Can I extend my Bahrain visa on arrival?
Extending a Bahrain visa on arrival mandates travellers to fulfil specific requirements. However, the extension process must be started before the expiration date of the current Bahrain visa. Travellers can contact the Bahrain consulate or embassy to get detailed information about the visa extension process.
Can I overstay my Bahrain visa on arrival stay duration?
Overstaying the Bahrain visa on arrival authorized days can cause serious legal consequences, such as fines and future travel restrictions. Travellers must adhere to the Bahrain visa requirements. They must plan their return within the provided stay duration.
Can I convert my Bahrain visa issued at the airport into any other Bahrain visa type?
Converting a Bahrain visa on arrival into another Bahrain visa type is not possible. Travellers must leave Bahrain and apply for the appropriate visa types if they wish to change their Bahrain visa status. Check the visa regulations regarding the visa type before applying.
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Check your eligibility for Bahrain e-Visa and apply e-Visa 7 (seven) days before your scheduled trip.