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Can I get a Bahrain visa on arrival?
Bahrain's official eVisa service publishes a list of countries whose citizens can get a visa on arrival, and a separate list for online visas. According to that service, citizens of all countries except a few, currently Belarus, Iran, Kosovo and North Korea, can use the arrival route. Airline travel-document systems can list a narrower set of nationalities, so an airline may still ask you to hold a visa before it lets you board.
| Feature | Visa on arrival |
|---|---|
| Where | At Bahrain's ports of entry, such as Bahrain International Airport |
| Single entry | BHD 5 for a 2-week stay |
| Multiple entry | BHD 12 for 3 months, with up to 1 month per stay |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months from arrival |
| Travel evidence | Return or onward ticket |
| GCC residents | Eligible under residence-permit conditions |
Check your own passport on the official Bahrain eVisa service and with your airline before you fly. Do not rely on a general country list.
Visa on arrival or online eVisa?
| Factor | Visa on arrival | Online eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost, single entry | BHD 5 | BHD 9, including a non-refundable processing fee |
| Timing | Handled when you arrive | About 3 to 5 working days; apply in advance |
| Certainty before you fly | Confirmed at the border | Approval known before departure |
| Airline check-in | May be questioned if your airline system does not show you as eligible | You can show the approved visa |
| Longer options | 3-month multiple entry | 3-month, 1-year and longer options for some nationalities |
The arrival visa costs less, but the eVisa gives certainty before you travel. If your airline or nationality creates any doubt, apply online.
Visa on arrival for GCC residents
Legal residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, irrespective of nationality and except Iranian citizens, may obtain a visa online or on arrival at any port of entry if they meet these conditions:
- Their residence permit was issued more than 3 months ago.
- The residence permit is valid for at least another 3 months at the time of the visa application.
- Their occupation as shown on the residence permit is not labourer.
What to carry for arrival
- A passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
- A return or onward ticket.
- Hotel booking, or details of the relative or friend you will stay with.
- Evidence of funds and any invitation letter for business or family visits.
- A GCC residence permit, if you are using the resident route.
Risks and limits of arrival processing
- A visa on arrival is not a guarantee of boarding or entry. Border officers decide admission.
- An airline can refuse boarding if its system does not show your nationality as eligible, even where the official list does.
- The stay is limited to two weeks on the single-entry visa and one month per stay on the 3-month visa.
- A visit visa does not allow work or residence. Working in Bahrain needs a work permit through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Bahrain visa on arrival FAQs
Is a Bahrain visa on arrival guaranteed?
No. Availability and admission depend on your nationality, the route and the checks at arrival. Officers decide admission at the border.
How much is the Bahrain visa on arrival?
BHD 5 for a single entry with a 2-week stay, and BHD 12 for a 3-month multiple-entry visa with up to one month per stay.
Should I apply online instead?
Use the online route when it is available and suits your trip. It costs more but gives you approval before you fly, and it avoids airline check-in problems.
What evidence should I carry?
Keep your passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details and any purpose documents ready. Your passport must be valid for six months.
Can GCC residents use the arrival route?
Yes, if their residence permit was issued more than 3 months ago, has at least 3 months of validity left and is not a labourer occupation. Iranian citizens are excluded.
Continue planning
- Bahrain visa homepage
- Bahrain visa guides and blog
- Bahrain visa and eVisa overview
- Bahrain eVisa eligibility by nationality and purpose
- Bahrain eVisa requirements and document checklist
- Bahrain eVisa application process
- Bahrain tourist eVisa
- Bahrain single-entry visa
- Bahrain multiple-entry visa
- Bahrain business visa
Information and update notice. This page was last updated on 13 October 2026. Bahrain's visa categories, eligibility lists, fees, validity, processing times and entry conditions can change at short notice. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. VistoRoute is a private information and application-assistance service and is not the visa authority of Bahrain or connected to the Government of Bahrain. Always confirm the current rules on the official Bahrain eVisa service, with a Bahraini embassy or consulate, or with your airline before you book or travel.