Bahrain Tourist Visa

Bahrain Visit eVisa · For India citizens

85%
approval
3-5 working days
Processing
BD 9
Fee
View Requirements Check Your Chances
Verified Guide
· 4 official sources

Planning a trip to Bahrain as an Indian citizen? You have two main options: a visa on arrival for BD 5 (approximately ₹1,168) if you hold a qualifying visa from US, UK, or Schengen countries, or an e-visa starting from BD 9 (₹2,100). Processing takes 3-5 working days for e-visas. Bahrain offers one of the most accessible Gulf visa processes for Indian travelers.

Application Process

Indian citizens have two routes to visit Bahrain: the visa on arrival (with qualifying documents) or the e-visa.1

Option 1: Visa on Arrival

This option is available if you hold a qualifying visa.2

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Valid US visa, UK visa, or Schengen country visa
  • US Green Card
  • Valid GCC residence permit (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar)

At the Airport:

  1. Proceed to the visa on arrival counter at Bahrain International Airport
  2. Present your passport with qualifying visa
  3. Show confirmed return ticket and hotel booking
  4. Provide proof of funds (minimum USD 1,000 recommended)
  5. Pay the fee of BD 5 (~₹1,168)
  6. Receive your 2-week entry stamp

Option 2: E-Visa Application

If you do not have a qualifying visa, apply online through the Bahrain e-visa portal.1

1. Visit the E-Visa Portal

Go to evisa.gov.bh and create an account.1 You will need a valid email address.

2. Check Your Eligibility

Use the eligibility wizard to confirm you can apply for a tourist e-visa.1

3. Select Your Visa Type

Choose based on your travel needs:2

  • 2-week single entry: BD 9 + BD 4 application fee
  • 3-month multiple entry: BD 17
  • 1-year multiple entry: BD 45

4. Complete the Application Form

Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel dates.1 Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.

5. Upload Required Documents

Submit digital copies of:2

  • Passport bio-data page
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Confirmed return flight tickets
  • Hotel reservation
  • Bank statement (last 3 months)

6. Pay the Fee

Pay using a credit or debit card.1 Keep your Application Reference Number for tracking.

7. Receive Your E-Visa

Your application will be processed in 3-5 working days.2 You will receive approval notification via email. Print the e-visa for presentation at Bahrain immigration.

Fees

Visa TypeFeeINR EquivalentValidity
Visa on ArrivalBD 5~₹1,1682 weeks
E-Visa Single EntryBD 9 + BD 4~₹3,0002 weeks
E-Visa Multiple EntryBD 17~₹3,9703 months
E-Visa Multiple EntryBD 45~₹10,5151 year

Visa on arrival requires a qualifying visa from US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence.2

What You Need to Prove

Bahrain immigration assesses applications based on:2

  • Financial capacity: Bank statements showing BD 300-500 monthly income or BD 150 per day of stay
  • Tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings
  • Return intent: Confirmed return ticket demonstrating departure plans
  • Valid documentation: All documents meeting specifications and matching passport details

Processing Times

Visa TypeProcessing Time
Visa on ArrivalInstant
E-Visa Standard3-5 working days
E-Visa Rush (if available)1-2 working days

Apply for e-visa at least one week before travel to allow buffer time.1

Financial Requirements

Bahrain has specific financial requirements for tourist visa applicants:2

For E-Visa:

  • Bank statement showing BD 300-500 (~₹7,000-11,700) monthly income for last 3 months, OR
  • BD 150 (~₹3,500) per day of planned stay

For Visa on Arrival:

  • Carry proof of at least USD 1,000 (~₹84,000) in cash or traveler’s checks
  • May be asked to show bank statements at immigration

After Your Visa is Approved

Once your e-visa is approved:1

  • Print your e-visa or save it on your phone
  • Present passport and e-visa at Bahrain International Airport immigration
  • Immigration will stamp your passport with entry date
  • Respect the maximum stay allowed by your visa type
  • Overstaying incurs fines and potential ban

For visa on arrival:2

  • Proceed to the VOA counter with qualifying visa
  • Present all required documents
  • Pay the fee and receive entry stamp

If Your Visa is Refused

If your e-visa application is rejected:

  1. Review the rejection email: Note any specific reasons mentioned
  2. Contact NPRA: You may be instructed to contact Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs for clarification
  3. Common fixes: Improve financial documentation, ensure all scans are clear, correct any errors
  4. Reapply: Address all issues before submitting a new application

Most rejections are due to documentation or financial proof issues that can be resolved.1

Common Rejection Reasons

Based on official refusal data for this corridor

30%

Insufficient Financial Proof

Bank statements not meeting the minimum income requirement of BD 300-500 per month or BD 150 per day of stay.

How to avoid: Ensure bank statements show the required minimum balance for at least 3 months. Show regular income and avoid large unexplained deposits close to application.

25%

Incomplete Documentation

Missing documents, unclear scans, or incomplete application forms. Common issues include missing return tickets or hotel bookings.

How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure all scans are clear and readable, and all required fields are completed accurately.

20%

Invalid or Expiring Passport

Passport with less than 6 months validity or insufficient blank pages for entry stamps.

How to avoid: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of travel. Ensure at least two blank pages are available.

15%

Previous Immigration Violations

History of overstaying visas in Bahrain or other GCC countries, or unresolved immigration issues.

How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding immigration matters before applying. GCC countries share immigration records.

10%

Unclear Travel Purpose

Vague or inconsistent travel plans, missing hotel bookings, or unclear purpose of visit.

How to avoid: Provide a detailed travel itinerary with confirmed bookings. If visiting family, include an invitation letter with host's CPR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Bahrain?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for Bahrain. You can either apply for an e-visa online or get a visa on arrival if you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen visa, US Green Card, or GCC residence permit.

Can Indians get visa on arrival in Bahrain?

Yes, but only if you hold a valid visa from the US, UK, or a Schengen country, a US Green Card, or a valid GCC residence permit. Without these, you must apply for an e-visa before travel.

What is the Bahrain visa fee for Indian citizens?

Fees vary by visa type: BD 5 (~₹1,168) for visa on arrival, BD 9 (~₹2,100) for 2-week e-visa, BD 17 (~₹3,970) for 3-month multiple entry, and BD 45 (~₹10,515) for 1-year multiple entry.

How long can Indians stay in Bahrain on a tourist visa?

Stay duration depends on visa type: 14 days for 2-week visa, up to 30 days for 3-month multiple entry per visit, and up to 90 days for 1-year multiple entry. Extensions are possible.

How long does Bahrain visa processing take for Indians?

E-visa processing typically takes 3-5 working days. Visa on arrival is processed immediately at Bahrain International Airport.

What documents do I need for Bahrain e-visa?

Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity), passport photo, confirmed return flight tickets, hotel reservation, and bank statement showing minimum BD 300-500 monthly income or BD 150 per day of stay.

What is the minimum bank balance required for Bahrain visa?

You need to show either a minimum monthly income of BD 300-500 (₹7,000-11,700) for the past 3 months, OR BD 150 (₹3,500) per day of your planned stay. For visa on arrival, carry at least USD 1,000.

Can I extend my Bahrain tourist visa?

Yes, tourist visas can be extended through the Bahrain e-visa portal or by visiting the NPRA office before your visa expires. Extension fees apply.

What is the approval rate for Bahrain visas from India?

The approval rate is approximately 85% for Indian applicants with complete documentation. Proper financial evidence and clear travel plans significantly improve approval chances.

Is travel insurance required for Bahrain visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for Bahrain visa but is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies as healthcare can be expensive for visitors.

What happens if my Bahrain visa is rejected?

Review the rejection reason and address the issues. Common fixes include providing better financial proof, clearer documents, or correcting application errors. You can reapply after resolving the problems.

Sources