Manama Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Bahrain offers one of the most accessible visa policies in the Gulf region, with options including visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, electronic visas, and visa-free entry for GCC residents. The type of authorization required depends on your nationality and passport type.
GCC nationals and residents with valid residency permits can enter Bahrain without a visa
GCC residents must hold valid residency in another GCC country and have a passport valid for at least 3 months. Entry is typically seamless at land borders with Saudi Arabia.
Citizens of approximately 68 countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport or King Fahd Causeway
Cost: 2-week visa: approximately 5 BHD (13 USD); 1-month multiple entry: 25 BHD (66 USD)
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Proof of accommodation and return ticket may be requested. Israeli passport stamps or entry stamps are generally accepted, unlike some neighboring countries.
Most nationalities not eligible for visa-on-arrival can apply for an electronic visa online before travel
Cost: Single entry 2-week visa: 9 BHD (24 USD); Single entry 1-month: 29 BHD (77 USD); Multiple entry visas: 80 BHD (212 USD) for 3 months
Ensure all details match your passport exactly. Payment by credit card only. Keep a printed copy of the eVisa approval. Some nationalities may require a sponsor or hotel booking confirmation.
Some nationalities must apply for a visa through a Bahraini embassy or consulate before travel
Required for certain nationalities or special circumstances. Business visas typically require a local sponsor. Work visas require employer sponsorship and additional documentation including medical clearance.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport or King Fahd Causeway, travelers will go through immigration and customs. The process is generally efficient, with clear signage in Arabic and English. Most visitors clear immigration within 30-45 minutes during normal hours.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Bahrain's customs regulations are relatively liberal compared to neighboring Gulf states, particularly regarding alcohol importation. However, strict penalties apply for prohibited items. All arriving passengers must pass through customs, and random baggage inspections are common. Declare all required items to avoid fines or prosecution.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - Extremely strict penalties including lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines
- Firearms, ammunition, and weapons - Unless with special permit from Ministry of Interior
- Items with religious content offensive to Islam - Including missionary materials, certain religious texts, or items deemed blasphemous
- Pornographic materials - Books, magazines, videos, or digital content of explicit nature
- Items from Israeli origin - Though Israeli passport stamps are generally accepted, products may be questioned
- Cultured pearls - Natural pearls only; cultured pearls require special permits
- Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations
- Counterfeit goods - Fake designer items, pirated media, or trademark violations
- Drones and radio-controlled devices - Without prior approval from Civil Aviation Affairs
- Certain medications - Particularly those containing controlled substances; carry prescriptions and original packaging
Restricted Items
- Medications containing controlled substances - Require prescription and medical documentation. Declare at customs. Limit to 3-month supply for personal use.
- Professional video/photography equipment - May require temporary import permit or carnet. Declare to avoid issues on departure.
- Large quantities of electronics - Multiple laptops, phones, or cameras may be questioned as commercial goods.
- Plants and seeds - Require phytosanitary certificate from Ministry of Agriculture. Many plants prohibited to protect local agriculture.
- Food products - Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products restricted. Packaged, commercially sealed items generally permitted in reasonable quantities.
- Pets - Require import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination records, and microchip. Some breeds restricted. See special situations section.
- Religious texts - Islamic texts permitted; other religious materials for personal use generally allowed but may be inspected.
- Prescription medications - Carry in original packaging with prescription. Declare at customs. Some medications banned even with prescription.
Health Requirements
Bahrain maintains relatively minimal health entry requirements for most travelers. However, requirements can change based on global health situations, so always check current regulations before travel. The country has modern healthcare facilities, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Certificate must be presented at immigration. Valid 10 days after vaccination and lasts lifetime.
- Polio - Travelers from polio-endemic countries (currently Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some African nations) must show proof of polio vaccination within the past 12 months.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and seasonal influenza
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers due to potential exposure through food or water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with local population or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major restaurants and hotels
- COVID-19 - Current vaccination recommendations vary; check official sources for latest requirements
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for tourist entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical care in Bahrain is of high quality but expensive for non-residents. Insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Some visa types (work, residence) require mandatory health insurance. Ensure your policy covers the Gulf region and includes COVID-19-related medical care. Keep insurance documents accessible during your trip.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports no longer accepted). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized parental consent letter signed by absent parent(s), including contact details and copy of parent's passport. Letter should authorize travel and specify guardian's details. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate and, if applicable, custody documents. Children follow same visa requirements as adults. For divorced parents, custody documentation may be requested. GCC resident children need valid residence permit. Unaccompanied minors require airline-specific arrangements and documentation.
Pets (dogs and cats) require: 1) Import permit from Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (apply 2-4 weeks before travel); 2) Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant); 3) Valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but within 1 year); 4) Health certificate from licensed veterinarian (issued within 10 days of travel); 5) Original country export permit. Pets must arrive as manifest cargo or in-cabin (small pets, airline permitting). Quarantine is not typically required if documentation is complete. Certain breeds may be restricted (check current list with authorities). Birds and exotic animals have additional requirements. Pet relocation services recommended for complex situations. Contact: Ministry of Municipalities Affairs +973 17293333.
Tourist visas can typically be extended once for an additional period (usually matching original visa duration) by visiting NPRA office before current visa expires. Extension requires passport, current visa, application form, fee payment (approximately 25-40 BHD), accommodation proof, and valid reason. Apply at least one week before expiry. For stays beyond tourist visa limits, consider: 1) Visit visa sponsored by Bahraini resident/company; 2) Business visa for commercial activities; 3) Work visa (requires employer sponsorship, medical examination, and CPR card); 4) Residence visa for family reunification or property owners. Overstaying results in fines (10 BHD per day) and potential entry bans. Exit and re-entry (visa run) is possible but not recommended as frequent pattern may cause immigration issues.
Business visitors can typically enter on tourist visa for short business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations). For extended business or work activities, business visa required. This needs local sponsor (Bahraini company), invitation letter on company letterhead detailing purpose and duration, commercial registration documents of sponsoring company, and sometimes chamber of commerce certification. Business visa allows multiple entries and longer stays. Working on tourist visa is illegal. For actual employment, work visa mandatory - requires employer sponsorship, labor market regulatory authority approval, medical fitness certificate, and criminal background check. Business travelers should carry business cards, invitation letters, and meeting schedules.
Travelers holding multiple citizenships should use the same passport for entry and exit. If one nationality is Bahraini, you must enter and exit using Bahraini passport (Bahraini law). Dual nationals from visa-free countries should use that passport for easier entry. Some nationalities prohibit dual citizenship - check both countries' laws. If you have Israeli citizenship or stamps, this is generally accepted in Bahrain (unlike some Gulf neighbors), but use discretion. Always declare both nationalities if asked. Carry both passports but present only one to immigration unless specifically requested.
Professional journalists, photographers, and film crews require special media permits from Bahrain Information Affairs Authority before arrival. Tourist visa is insufficient for professional media work. Application requires: letter from media organization, detailed project description, crew list, equipment list, and proposed filming locations. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Filming in certain areas (government buildings, military sites, private property) requires additional permissions. Drone filming strictly regulated - separate permit from Civil Aviation Affairs required. Amateur photography for personal use is permitted on tourist visa. Contact: Information Affairs Authority +973 17871871 or www.iaa.gov.bh.
Students enrolled in Bahraini educational institutions require student visa. University typically sponsors visa application. Requirements include: admission letter from recognized institution, passport valid for visa duration, medical fitness certificate, police clearance certificate, passport photographs, and proof of financial support. Student visa allows part-time work with university permission. Must maintain enrollment status. Can be extended annually. Family members may obtain dependent visas. Contact educational institution's international student office for specific procedures. Short-term course participants (under 3 months) may use tourist visa - verify with institution.