Bahrain Visa For GCC Residents: Your Ultimate Guide

Bahrain, a vibrant island nation in the Persian Gulf, has always been a popular destination for travelers. Whether you are traveling to Bahrain for tourism or business, you can quickly check your eligibility for a Bahrain visa through the GVC website. Our website also enables you to complete the visa application, check your visa status, and make payments. The entry visa requirements for Bahrain differ depending on your nationality, so it is advisable to check the requirements before your trip. 

Currently, all nationalities require an entry visa to enter Bahrain, except for nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar). In this travel guide, we will provide you with all the essential information regarding Bahrain visas for GCC residents, as well as eligible nationals.

Bahrain visa for GCC residents

Do GCC Residents Require a Bahrain Visa?

No. GCC residents generally do not need a visa to travel to Bahrain. Instead, they can enter using their valid national ID card. However, it is crucial to ensure that their passport meets the usual validity requirement, which is typically six months from the date of arrival. This makes travel to Bahrain convenient for residents of GCC countries.

Types of Bahrain E-Visa for Non-GCC Citizens

In October 2014, the Bahrain Government introduced an online visa system called the Bahrain eVisa. The new visa system allows citizens of 205 countries to apply for and obtain a Bahrain visa online ahead of their trip, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to a Bahraini embassy or consulate. This eVisa permits travelers to enter Bahrain for both tourism and business purposes.

Bahrain offers several types of e-visas to accommodate different travel purposes and durations of stay for non-GCC residents:

1. Tourist eVisa: This is the most common type of e-visa and is ideal for those visiting Bahrain for leisure, tourism, or to visit family and friends. The Bahrain tourist e-visa is divided into three categories:

• Single entry for 2 weeks
• Multiple entries for 03 months
• Multiple entries for 1 year

2. Business eVisa: If you are traveling to Bahrain for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or trade shows, a business visa is the appropriate choice. Like the Tourist eVisa, the Bahrain business e-visa also comprises three categories:

• Single entry for 2 weeks
• Multiple entries for 03 months
• Multiple entries for 1 year

Additionally, visitors can apply for various types of Bahrain visas based on their travel purposes. However, these types of visas must be applied for at the Embassy/consulate.

• Bahrain Work Visa: This visa is granted to individuals who have obtained a job in Bahrain, usually with sponsorship from their employer. 
• Bahrain Family Visa: This visa permits spouses, children, parents, and other close family members to join a primary visa holder in Bahrain. 
• Bahrain Student Visa: This visa is for international students who have been admitted to a Bahraini educational institution.
• Bahrain Transit Visa: Travelers passing through Bahrain on their way to another destination can apply for a Transit Visa.

Types of Bahrain visa online

Documents Required To Apply for a Bahrain Visa

The necessary documents for GCC residents to enter Bahrain:

GCC residents planning to enter Bahrain need to present a few essential documents upon arrival at the entry point:

• Primarily, a valid national ID card from their home country is the most important document and serves as their entry permit.
• Additionally, a valid passport is required. The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival to meet Bahrain’s entry requirements.

Essential documents for online Bahrain visa for Non-GCC residents:

To apply for a Bahrain e-visa, GCC residents must provide the following documents:

1. A scan of the passport’s biographical page: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Bahrain.
2. Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph meeting the specified requirements.

How to Apply for a Bahrain Visa Online for Non-GCC Residents?

Applying for a Bahrain e-visa is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Here are the steps to apply for a Bahrain visa online for non-GCC residents:

1. Visit the GVC Portal: Go to the official GVC website to start your application.
2. Select the Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa type based on your purpose of visit and duration of stay.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary (date of arrival and departure). Ensure that all information is accurate and matches the documents you will be submitting.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the visa processing fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time.
5. Upload Required Documents: Upload the necessary documents, including your passport’s scan, photograph, and any additional supporting documents required by the GVC team.
6. Submit the Application: Review your application to ensure all information is correct, then submit it for processing.
7. Receive Your e-Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your e-visa via email. Lastly, remember to print a copy of the e-visa to carry with you when traveling to Bahrain.

Apply for a Bahrain visa online

The Processing Time and Fees of Bahrain Visa Online

The processing time for a Bahrain e-visa typically ranges from 01 to 03 business days, provided that you submit accurate information and efficient documents. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any last-minute complications.

The fees for a Bahrain e-visa comprise two categories: the Government fee and the Service fee.

• The Government fee is non-refundable regardless of the result of your visa application.
• The Service fee is charged depending on the processing time of your visa application. The normal service, which guarantees 03 days of processing, is the cheapest service available. If you want to get your visa sooner (within 01 business day), the super urgent service is an alternative at a higher cost.

It's important to check the latest fee structure on the official GVC website, as fees are subject to change.

The Bahrain e-visa system has significantly streamlined the visa application process for non-GCC residents, making it more convenient to visit this beautiful island nation. By following the outlined steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can obtain a visa and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience to Bahrain. With the ease of obtaining an e-visa, there's never been a better time to explore all that Bahrain has to offer.