Bahrain Expands Visa on Arrival Access to Travellers from the US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan and 60 More Countries: Who Can Stay Now for 14, 30 or 90 Days?

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Bahrain is making travel to the Gulf easier than ever by offering Visa on Arrival (VoA) facilities to nationals from 69 countries spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania and South America. The initiative allows eligible travellers to obtain their visas directly upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport without applying in advance, making the island nation an increasingly accessible destination for tourism, business and family visits.

Depending on nationality, travellers may receive a 14-day single-entry visa, a 30-day single-entry visa, a one-month multiple-entry visa, or even long-term multiple-entry visas valid for five or ten years for certain nationalities.

The policy reflects Bahrain’s continued efforts to strengthen tourism, international business and regional connectivity while maintaining efficient immigration procedures.

Bahrain’s Visa on Arrival Programme Explained

Eligible travellers simply arrive in Bahrain, proceed to immigration, pay the applicable visa fee and receive their visa at the border.

Most visitors are issued either:

• A 14-day single-entry visa, or
• A 30-day single-entry visa.

Both categories are generally available for a BHD 9 fee and may be extended within Bahrain, subject to immigration approval.

Some nationalities also qualify for multiple-entry visas offering greater flexibility for frequent travellers.

Complete List of Eligible Countries

Europe & North America

Asia & Oceania

South & Central America

Visa Types and Stay Duration

Special Entry Benefits for GCC Citizens

Bahrain also maintains one of the Gulf’s most seamless regional entry systems.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar do not require a visa to enter Bahrain.

Instead, they may travel using only their national identity cards, making cross-border movement quick and convenient.

This exemption supports economic integration and tourism throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Visa on Arrival for GCC Residents

The Visa on Arrival programme also benefits expatriates residing in GCC countries.

Residents of GCC nations who are not GCC nationals—such as an Indian professional living in Dubai or a Filipino employee working in Qatar—may qualify for a Bahrain Visa on Arrival if they satisfy residency requirements.

Applicants must:

• Hold a GCC residence permit valid for at least three months, and
• Have at least three months of remaining validity before the permit expires.

This provision significantly simplifies travel for the Gulf’s large expatriate population.

Additional Eligibility for US, UK and Schengen Visa Holders

Bahrain also extends Visa on Arrival eligibility to certain travellers who do not appear on the standard nationality list.

For example, nationals from countries such as India may qualify if they possess:

• A valid and previously used multiple-entry US visa,
• A UK visa,
• A Schengen visa,
• A Saudi Arabian visa, or
• A valid US Green Card.

This flexibility expands Bahrain’s accessibility while maintaining immigration security standards.

Boosting Tourism and Business Travel

The expanded Visa on Arrival programme strengthens Bahrain’s position as an attractive destination for international visitors.

Tourists benefit from easier access to attractions including the Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain), Al Fateh Grand Mosque and the Bahrain International Circuit.

Business travellers also enjoy simplified entry procedures for conferences, exhibitions, financial services and investment opportunities in Manama, one of the Gulf’s leading commercial centres.

The programme complements Bahrain’s wider tourism strategy by reducing administrative barriers and encouraging repeat visits.

Location and Visitor Information

Country: Kingdom of Bahrain

Capital: Manama

Main International Airport:

• Bahrain International Airport (approximately 7 km from central Manama)

Major Tourist Attractions:

• Bahrain National Museum
• Bahrain Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Al Fateh Grand Mosque
• Bahrain International Circuit
• Tree of Life
• Bab Al Bahrain
• The Avenues Bahrain

Shopping Areas:

• City Centre Bahrain
• Seef Mall
• The Avenues Bahrain
• Bahrain Mall

Where to Stay:
Manama City Centre, Seef District, Juffair, Diplomatic Area and Amwaj Islands.

Key Stats

• Bahrain offers Visa on Arrival to travellers from 69 eligible countries.
• Standard visas provide 14-day or 30-day stays.
• Multiple-entry visas allow one-month stays per visit.
• UK, Canada and Ireland nationals may obtain five-year multiple-entry visas with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• US nationals may receive ten-year multiple-entry visas permitting 90-day stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do travellers need to apply before travelling?
No. Eligible travellers can obtain their visa directly upon arrival at Bahrain’s immigration counters.

How much does the standard Visa on Arrival cost?
Most standard single-entry visas cost BHD 9, although fees vary for certain long-term visa categories.

Can Indian passport holders obtain a Bahrain Visa on Arrival?
Yes, in certain cases. Indian nationals may qualify if they hold an eligible valid and previously used multiple-entry visa or residency document from countries such as the US, UK, Saudi Arabia or a Schengen member state.

Timeline and Events

• Bahrain continues expanding its Visa on Arrival programme for international visitors.
• Nationals from 69 countries remain eligible for airport-issued visas.
• GCC citizens continue enjoying visa-free entry using national identity cards.
• GCC residents and qualifying holders of US, UK and Schengen visas benefit from additional arrival options.
• Bahrain strengthens its position as a regional tourism and business hub through simplified entry procedures.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s Visa on Arrival programme is among the most traveller-friendly entry systems in the Gulf, offering streamlined access to visitors from 69 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania and South America. Combined with long-term multiple-entry options for citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland, special provisions for GCC residents and eligibility pathways for holders of US, UK and Schengen visas, the policy significantly broadens access to the Kingdom. As Bahrain continues investing in tourism, aviation and international business, these simplified immigration measures are expected to strengthen its appeal as both a regional gateway and a global destination for leisure and commerce.