How Long Can You Stay in Bahrain On a Tourist Visa? Bahrain, a beautiful island country located in the Arabian Gulf, is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, and expats alike. With its modern skyline, rich culture, and world-class attractions, it offers visitors a unique blend of history and contemporary living. Whether you’re planning to visit Bahrain for leisure or a short business trip, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how long you can stay on a Bahrain tourist visa. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the details of Bahrain tourist visas, including types of visas, how to apply, and the duration of stay allowed.
Types of Tourist Visas for Bahrain
There are two main types of tourist visas for Bahrain: single-entry tourist visas and multiple-entry tourist visas. The visa you choose will depend on the purpose of your visit, how often you plan to enter and exit the country, and your nationality. Both visa types can be obtained through the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival at the airport, though certain requirements may apply based on your specific case.
Single-Entry Tourist Visa
A single-entry tourist visa allows travelers to enter Bahrain only once during the visa’s validity period. The most common option, this visa is suitable for those planning a one-time visit to Bahrain, whether for tourism or a short business trip.
Duration of Stay
- The single-entry tourist visa typically grants a stay of up to 14 days.
- The visa itself is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival, meaning that you must enter the country within this 90-day window. Once you enter, your 14-day stay begins, and after 14 days, you will need to leave the country unless you extend or apply for a new visa.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
For travelers who plan to visit Bahrain multiple times within a short period, a multiple-entry tourist visa is the best option. This visa allows the holder to enter Bahrain several times, making it ideal for those who may need to leave and re-enter the country frequently during their trip.
Duration of Stay
- A multiple-entry tourist visa allows each visit to last up to 30 days.
- Like the single-entry visa, the multiple-entry tourist visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of arrival. This means that you can stay up to 30 days for each entry, but you may re-enter Bahrain multiple times within the 90-day period.
Some nationalities may even be allowed to stay for up to 90 days in total within the validity period of the multiple-entry visa, depending on the terms specified on their visa.
Long-Term Stays (Up to 90 Days)
While most tourists can stay for a shorter duration, some may be eligible for a longer stay, especially those with specific types of visas, such as the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. This long-term visa is available to some nationalities, and it allows holders to stay in Bahrain for up to 90 days per visit.
However, it’s important to note that this visa type may only be available to certain travelers, and the approval depends on various factors, including the applicant’s nationality, travel history, and purpose of stay.
Read also: Bahrain Tourist Visa – Visit Visas
How to Apply for a Bahrain Tourist Visa
The process of applying for a Bahrain tourist visa is relatively straightforward, and travelers can apply for their visa online through the Bahrain eVisa website or apply in person at a Bahrain embassy or consulate, depending on their nationality.
Applying Through the Bahrain eVisa Website
The Bahrain eVisa system is the easiest and fastest way for travelers from eligible countries to obtain a visa. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the Bahrain eVisa Website: Start by visiting the official Bahrain eVisa website.
- Choose Your Visa Type: Select the type of visa you wish to apply for (single-entry or multiple-entry).
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
- Upload Required Documents: Depending on your nationality and visa type, you may need to upload a scanned copy of your passport, a recent passport-size photo, and possibly other documents like hotel bookings or flight itineraries.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The visa application fee must be paid online using a credit or debit card.
- Submit the Application: After completing the form and making the payment, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email, and you can track the status of your application through the eVisa website.
Read also: Bahrain Visa Apply – e-visa
Applying Through a Bahrain Embassy or Consulate
If you’re not eligible to apply for an eVisa, or if you prefer to apply in person, you can submit your application through a Bahrain embassy or consulate in your home country. The process will involve filling out a paper application form, submitting your documents, and paying the visa fee at the embassy. The processing time can take a few days to a week, depending on the embassy’s workload.
Visa Fees and Payment Methods
The fees for Bahrain tourist visas vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 to $60 USD for a single-entry visa and $40 to $100 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
For those applying via the Bahrain eVisa system, the payment is made online via credit or debit card. If applying at an embassy, you will be asked to pay the visa fee through the payment methods available at the embassy, which may include bank transfers, credit card payments, or cash payments.
Read also: How To Pay Bahrain Visa Fee?
Extending Your Stay in Bahrain
If you wish to stay longer than your visa allows, you may be eligible to extend your tourist visa for an additional period. The extension process involves submitting an application to the Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA) in Bahrain, and the decision will depend on the type of visa you hold and your specific situation.
Extension Process
- Single-entry tourist visa: Extensions for single-entry tourist visas are typically not allowed. Once your 14-day stay is over, you will need to leave Bahrain and reapply for a new visa if you wish to return.
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: If you have a multiple-entry visa, you may be eligible to extend your stay for an additional 30 days. However, the extension is not guaranteed and must be approved by the NPRA.
Read also: Bahrain Golden Residency Visa – Golden Visa Bahrain
Important Considerations for Staying in Bahrain
Before traveling to Bahrain, there are a few important things to consider regarding your tourist visa and the country’s regulations:
Visa Validity vs. Duration of Stay
- Remember that the validity of the visa is separate from the duration of stay. For example, if you are granted a multiple-entry tourist visa with a 90-day validity period, each entry will allow you to stay for up to 30 days, but you must leave the country within the validity period of the visa.
Overstaying Your Visa
- If you overstay your visa, you may face fines or other penalties. It’s crucial to ensure that you leave Bahrain before your visa expires to avoid any legal issues. If you overstay by a few days, you may be required to pay a fine, and if you overstay for a longer period, you may be barred from entering Bahrain in the future.
Health and Travel Insurance
- While Bahrain offers excellent healthcare services, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay. In addition, check whether your health insurance provider offers coverage in Bahrain before traveling.
Read also: Bahrain International Airport
Conclusion
In conclusion, the duration of your stay in Bahrain on a tourist visa largely depends on the type of visa you obtain. A single-entry tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 14 days, while a multiple-entry tourist visa provides greater flexibility, allowing for stays of up to 30 days per visit. Some travelers with five-year multiple-entry visas may be allowed to stay for up to 90 days in total.