Bahrain Visa For Indians - Everything You Need To Know

Summary -

Visa types for Indians: tourist, business, transit and visit.
Step-by-step Bahrain visa application process.
Information on Bahrain visa fees and processing time.
Essential travel tips and entry requirements for Indians.

If you are planning to visit Bahrain then there are some rules, regulations and Bahrain visa requirements for Indians. If you get the proper guidance then it will become easy for you to apply for a Bahrain visa.

The country, with a population of over 1.7 million, attracts visitors for its bustling markets, historical sites, and warm hospitality. Indian tourists visiting Bahrain saw a significant rise, with numbers increasing by 87% to 5,04,173 in the first half of 2023, according to the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA).

This marks a substantial jump from 2022, when 2,69,302 Indians visited the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Indian market has increasingly favored Bahrain for weddings, vacations, and leisure.

Sometimes there might be specific requirements for a person depending on his travel history etc. If you cannot fulfill the specific requirement then there are high chances that your visa might get rejected.

Did you know? Known as the "Land of Pearls," Bahrain has a rich history of pearl diving. Tourists can experience diving trips to find their own pearls, a unique and thrilling activity for adventurous Indian travelers.

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Click here to check - How does visa rejection affect your future travels?

So it is highly recommended that you check your specific requirements by contacting the Embassies and consulates or, alternatively, (very simple) just contact our visa expert, who can tell you your specific requirements within 5 minutes.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Bahrain?

Yes, Indians do need a visa to visit Bahrain. However, there are a couple of ways for Indian citizens to obtain a visa:

eVisa: This is the fastest and easiest way for Indians to obtain a visa for Bahrain. You can apply for an eVisa online through the Bahraini government website. The processing time for an eVisa is typically 3-5 business days.

Visa on Arrival: Indian citizens can also obtain a visa upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. However, this option is only available for stays of up to 14 days and may be subject to change.

Bahrain On Arrival Visa for Indian Citizens

Visa on arrival for Bahrain is not available to all Indian citizens. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Reside in a GCC country: You must hold a valid residency permit in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc., with a minimum validity of 3 months from your intended arrival in Bahrain. You must also enter Bahrain from the GCC country where you reside.

Hold a specific visa: You hold a valid visit visa for UAE, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia (excluding Hajj and Umrah visa), Schengen area, or a USA Green Card.

Documents Required

Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date in Bahrain
Proof of onward or return ticket
Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of BHD 30,000 (approximately USD 80)
Depending on your eligibility criteria, additional documents like your GCC residency permit or a copy of your valid visa from another country may be required.

Validity and Fees

On-arrival visas for Bahrain typically allow a stay of up to 14 days and can be single or multiple entries.
Fees are usually paid at the port of entry and can vary depending on the visa type and duration of stay. It's advisable to check the latest information with the Bahraini authorities for the most up-to-date fee structure.

Bahrain Visa Types

Bahrain offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Common visa types include:

Tourist Visa: For individuals visiting Bahrain for leisure or sightseeing purposes. This visa typically allows for a short stay and is granted to tourists and travelers.

Business Visa: Intended for individuals traveling to Bahrain for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Business visas may require sponsorship from a Bahraini company or organization.

Work Visa: For individuals seeking employment opportunities in Bahrain. Work visas are typically sponsored by a Bahraini employer and require approval from the Ministry of Labor.

Family Visit Visa: Granted to individuals visiting family members who are residents or citizens of Bahrain. Family visit visas usually require sponsorship from the resident or citizen.

Student Visa: Issued to foreign students enrolled in educational institutions in Bahrain. Student visas are typically sponsored by the educational institution and may require proof of enrollment.

Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Bahrain en route to their final destination. Transit visas allow for a short stay in Bahrain and are granted based on proof of onward travel arrangements.

Diplomatic and Official Visa: Reserved for government officials, diplomats, and individuals traveling on official government business. These visas are issued based on diplomatic arrangements between Bahrain and other countries.

The application process for a Bahrain visa varies depending on the visa type. You can generally apply online through the eVisa portal or visit the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate in your home country.

Bahrain Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens planning to visit Bahrain, the visa requirements typically include:

Passport: A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended duration of stay in Bahrain.

Visa Application Form: Completed visa application form, which can usually be obtained online or from the Bahraini embassy or consulate.

Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specifications set by the Bahraini authorities.

Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation arrangements during the stay in Bahrain, such as hotel reservations or an invitation from a host.

Proof of Sufficient Funds: Documentation demonstrating the ability to financially support the stay in Bahrain, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters.

Travel Itinerary: Details of travel plans, including round-trip flight reservations.

Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa.

Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose of travel, additional documents may be required. For example:

For tourist visits: Proof of travel insurance, travel itinerary, and evidence of ties to India.

For business visits: Letter of invitation from the sponsoring company in Bahrain, proof of business activities, and a letter from the applicant's employer in India.

Requirement	eVisa	Visa on Arrival
Application Process	Online	At Bahrain International Airport
Processing Time	3-5 business days	On arrival (potentially subject to delays)
Eligibility	All Indian Citizens	Only under specific conditions (GCC residency or specific valid visa)
Additional Documents	Photo, Accommodation Proof, Bank Statement (might be requested)	Proof of Eligibility (GCC residency permit/valid visa copy)

Do You Need an E-visa for Bahrain?

Whether you need an eVisa for Bahrain depends on your nationality.

In the case of Indian citizens, yes, an eVisa is the most recommended and convenient option. However, there is a visa-on-arrival option with some limitations.

Bahrain Visa Fees For Indian Citizens

The cost of a Bahrain visa for Indian citizens can vary depending on the type of visa and the agent or service you use to apply. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs:

eVisa (Electronic Visa):

Visa Fee: This is the official charge levied by the Bahraini government. It's approximately Rs. 5,200 (subject to change). You can find the exact fee during the eVisa application process on the Bahraini government website.
Additional Service Fees: Some agencies or services may charge additional processing or convenience fees on top of the visa fee. These can vary depending on the provider.

Total Estimated Cost for eVisa:

Expect a range of approximately Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 6,000 (including the visa fee and potential service charges).

Bahrain Visa Processing Time For Indian Citizens

The processing time for a Bahrain visa for Indian citizens depends on the type of visa applied for. Here's a breakdown of each option:

eVisa: This is the most popular and recommended option due to its faster processing time. Applications are typically reviewed and processed within 3-5 business days after submission.

Visa on Arrival: While available under specific conditions for Indian citizens, a visa on arrival is not recommended due to its limitations and uncertainty. Even if you meet the eligibility criteria (residency permit in a GCC country or holding a specific valid visa), approval is not guaranteed upon arrival at the port of entry. Additionally, processing at the airport can lead to delays.

Here are some additional factors that might affect processing time:

Completeness of application: Ensure all required documents are submitted correctly and clearly to avoid delays due to missing information.

Peak Season: During busy travel periods, processing times may increase slightly.

Do You Need To Renew Your Bahrain Visa?

Whether you need to renew your Bahrain visa depends on the type of visa you currently hold and your reason for staying in Bahrain. Here's a breakdown:

Visas Requiring Renewal:

Short-Term Visas: These include tourist visas (visit visas) and business visas. They are typically valid for a limited period (e.g., 14 days, 30 days, 3 months) and require renewal if you wish to stay longer in Bahrain.

Work Visas: These are typically sponsored by your employer and may have a specific validity period. Renewal is necessary if you continue your employment beyond the visa's expiry date.

Visas Potentially Not Requiring Renewal:

Resident Visas: Issued for extended stays, often for family reunification purposes. These may have longer validity periods (e.g., 1 year or 2 years) and might be renewable depending on your situation and the specific visa type.

Long-Term Visas (other): This category includes student visas, which might have a validity period linked to your academic program. Renewal might be required depending on the visa type and your continued studies.

Bahrain Visa Renewal Process For Indian Passport Holders

The renewal process involves the following steps:

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