Bahrain Visa for Indians

If an Indian citizen wants to visit Bahrain, then he/she will have to seek permission from the Bahraini authorities for the same. If the country approves the request, it provides a document allowing you to enter and stay in Bahrain for a specified period and purpose. This document is the Bahrain Visa.

There are different options in Bahrain Visa that you can opt for based on your purpose and duration of travel. Further, until a few years ago, you had to visit the Bahrain Embassy Office in India to apply for a visa.

However, the Bahraini government has started offering a Bahrain e-Visa via a dedicated portal. By logging into this portal, you can get your visa approved and delivered via email in no time.

While you are looking at the information on Bahrain Visa for Indians, make sure that you also think about the travel insurance plan that you would want to protect yourself from unexpected costs while on the trip.

Features Of Bahrain Visa for Indians

• You can apply for a visa based on your purpose of travelling to Bahrain. This offers flexibility and a range of options to travellers.

• With its e-visa initiative, the Bahraini Government has made the application process quick and hassle-free

• There are some options for multiple-entry visas to Bahrain from India too. This allows you to enter and exit the country multiple times during a year.

• The processing time can vary based on the number of applications and the type of visa you have applied for. Hence, it is prudent to submit your application well in advance of your travel date.

Here are the different types of Bahrain Visas available to Indians. Before we look at the list, let’s look at the factors that help classify the visas:

• Why are you visiting the country?

The answer to this question can help determine the type of visa you need to apply for. So, if you are travelling for business, the visa will be different compared to a tourist visa.

• How long do you intend to stay?

Bahrain Visas can also be classified into short-term and long-term visas. There are residency visas available too.

• Do you want to keep visiting Bahrain whenever you want?

If the answer to this question is affirmative, then you can opt for a multi-entry visa as opposed to a single-entry visa.

Remember, this is just an overview of the classification parameters. Before applying for a Bahrain visa, it is important to check with the embassy to understand the latest rules, eligibility, and documents.

Here are some common Bahrain visas:

• Tourist or Visit Visa: So, the purpose is tourism, tenure is short-term, and intent is single-entry. Hence, the visa offers access to the entire country, has a validity of around 14 days, and allows a single-entry option.

• Business Visa: If your purpose for visiting Bahrain is business, then this is a good option for you. It is short-term and needs a No Objection Certificate from a Bahraini sponsor.

• Work Visa: This is specifically for people taking up employment in Bahrain.

• Visiting the Family Visa: If you have a family member in Bahrain and want to visit them, then this is the perfect visa for you. It has a validity of around 90 days with a possibility of an extension.

• Student Visa: If you are planning to pursue education in Bahrain and have received the confirmation letter, then you can apply for a Student Visa.

• Transit Visa: If you are passing through Bahrain and want to take a quick look at this incredible country, then you can opt for a Bahrain transit visa

• Residence Visa: This is a long-term visa for people who want to live for a longer duration in Bahrain

Does Bahrain offer a Visa on Arrival to Indian Passport Holders?

There are two things to understand here:

1. Citizenship

2. Residence Country

If you have an Indian passport, then you are an Indian citizen. If you are a resident of any of the GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, etc., then you are an Indian citizen residing in that specific country. The Bahraini Government offers a Bahrain visa on arrival to such Indians under certain conditions as mentioned below:**

• You must be an Indian citizen

• You must currently be a resident of a GCC country with a valid residency permit

• The validity of the residency permit should be at least six months from the intended date of travel

• You must enter Bahrain from the country where you hold residency

• A return ticket and sufficient funds in the bank are prerequisites for the visa

The Bahraini Government has launched an online portal allowing people of certain nationalities to apply for a short-term visa in a hassle-free manner.

They do not have to visit the consulate or embassy or fill up physical forms or attach copies of documents. Instead, they need to fill out the application online, upload the documents, pay the application and visa fees, and receive the visa via email.

The portal also links the visa electronically to your passport making it easy for immigration authorities in Bahrain.

Here are the validity periods for different types of Bahrain Visas:

Here is a quick look at the fees for a Bahrain visa for Indians:

There are two ways to apply for a Bahrain Visa for Indians. The processes are as follows:

Bahrain e-Visa application process

• Visit www.evisa.gov.bh – the official website of the Kingdom of Bahrain Visa System

• Click on the link “Apply and Eligibility” on the home page

• Fill out the form with the status of your residency (GCC country or not). If you are a resident of a GCC country, then select the name of the country

• Select the purpose of your visit and your nationality before clicking “Next”

• On the next page, select the visa type based on your preference and click on “Apply Now”

• Fill out the application form on the next page

• Attach the requested documents

• Pay the application fees

• Make note of the Application Reference Number

• Once your application is approved, you will receive a PIN and a notification email

• Visit the website again and find your application using the PIN

• Pay the Visa Fees and download your visa

Bahrain Offline Visa Application Process

If you want to apply offline, then you need to contact the embassy or consulate office in your city and check the application process and Bahrain visa processing time.

Who Should Apply For A Bahrain Visa?

To enter any country as a foreign national, you need to apply for a visa unless there is a bilateral understanding between your country and the country you intend to visit.

Hence, any foreign national wanting to go to Bahrain for any purpose needs a visa to enter.

While the visa processes and eligibility might vary based on the traveller’s nationality, applying for one is a must.

The Bahraini Government has allowed the citizens of Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to enter the country without visas. Citizens of all other countries either need to apply for a visa or get one on arrival.

Here are some general eligibility guidelines for Bahrain Visa:

• You should be a citizen of an approved country

• The expiry date of your passport should be at least six months from the date of travel

• Your purpose behind visiting the country should be legal

• There shouldn’t be any criminal record

• You should not have any contagious disease

• You might have to submit your bank statements to prove that you have sufficient funds to manage the trip

You will be required to submit documents to establish your identity, intention, and financial strength among other factors that make you eligible to enter the country. Every visa type will have a specific document speed. Here is a quick look at the documents needed to apply for a Bahrain Visa:

Passport: It needs to be valid for at least six months from the travel date. It should also have at least two blank pages.

Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph

Other documents: You will have to submit some additional documents based on the purpose of your visit

Some of the COVID-related mandatory documents that Indian nationals may need to provide when applying for a Bahrain visa after the pandemic include:

• Negative COVID-19 PCR test result

• Health declaration

• Travel Health Insurance

• Quarantine declaration

Please check the embassy or consulate’s website for the latest guidelines.

If you are planning to apply for a Bahrain visa, then here are common reasons behind the rejection of visa applications to help you avoid making similar errors. Here is a look:

While travel medical insurance is not mandatory for visiting Bahrain, it is prudent to have an international travel insurance policy that covers medical and non-medical emergencies. Hence, make sure that you consider buying an international travel insurance plan for your trip.

When you travel, exigent situations cannot always be avoided. A small mishap, illness, loss of baggage, flight cancellation, and various other things can derail your travel plans and increase your expenses, apart from causing stress. With the right travel insurance plan, you need not worry about the financial aspects of such emergencies as long as they are covered under the policy.

Therefore, it is important to research the market, look at different insurers and plans, and compare travel insurance plans to find the best policy for your needs while complying with any visa insurance requirements.

The Tata AIG Bahrain Medical Travel Insurance Plan offers comprehensive coverage including:

• Medical Cover

• Travel Assistance

• Cover Against Personal Liability

• Cover For Accidents and Illnesses

• Hijack Cover

• Baggage Cover

• COVID-19 Cover

• Automatic policy extension for 60 days or date of discharge whichever is lesser in the event of your hospitalisation in Bahrain during the policy tenure & the policy expires.

Here are some things that you should know before visiting Bahrain:

• Architecture: Bahrain is home to some of the unique buildings in the world. You won’t be able to take your eyes off them.

• Food: The local food of Bahrain is lip-smacking and derives flavours from various Arabian cuisines. The country thrives on meat. So, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, then make sure that you check the ingredients with the restaurant before ordering

• Nature: Sea on one side and springs on the other, Bahrain offers some amazing vistas and natural wonders

• Horse Riding: Traditionally, horse riding and hunting were the favourite pastimes of the Bahraini. Even today, horse riding is done with a lot of energy and enthusiasm

• Religious Diversity: Bahrain is an Islamic country with Sunni rulers and a majority of Shias in the country’s population. There is a distinct presence of Christians too.

• Weather: Summers are hot, and winters are mild. The best time to travel to Bahrain is between December and February.

• Archaeology: Numerous historical and ancient buildings and structures are spread throughout Bahrain, making it a historian’s dream

• Safety: Avoid unnecessary public gatherings or travelling alone after sunset. While the country is safe, mugging and looting are the common problems faced by people

Here are some of the things that you must do when you visit Bahrain:

• Laze at the beach: Merely saying these words can bring a smile to your face. When in Bahrain, do as the Bahrainis do. And, they love their beach.

• Bahrain International Circuit: Visit this famous racetrack and take a guided tour for BD7. You can also pay more and drive the track yourself

• Manama Skyline: Visit a rooftop restaurant in the evening and be mesmerised by the views of the Manama skyline. It will surely take your breath away.

• Manama Souq: Nothing beats the experience of a new place as street shopping. The Manama Souq is no different

• Dive Bahrain: This is the biggest waterpark in the world with a submerged Boeing 747. It is a must-visit in Bahrain

• Spa Day: Bahrain is known for spas that offer world-class services. Don’t miss the opportunity and get some pampering while there

• Indoor Skydiving: An interesting and unique concept where you are flying in the air using a high-pressure wind tunnel

• Scuba Diving: Bahrain is known for one of the best pearls in the world. This makes it a perfect destination for scuba diving

• Falconry: Indulge in the ancient art of Falconry and take sessions if it intrigues you

There are many amazing places to visit in Bahrain, here are some of the top attractions:

• Al Fateh Grand Mosque: Located in Manama, it is the largest mosque in Bahrain that was built using the best building materials from around the world. Every corner is a piece of art!

• Tree of Life: If you haven’t heard about it already, you are missing out on a great story. Located in the middle of the desert, this gnarled mosquito tree has been blooming for over 400 years and has many legends surrounding it.

• Qal’at al Bahrain: Located in the Northern parts of the country, Qal’at al Bahrain, or the Fort of Bahrain, has an impressive history with seven ancient civilizations.

• Bahrain National Museum: One of the largest museums in the country, it has artefacts that date back 6,000+ years.

• Pearl path: Being home to some of the most beautiful pearls in the world, Bahrain has some historical sites that were used for trade in the olden days. The Pearl Path is a UNESCO World Heritage Site used by pearl divers throughout history.

• Beit Al Quran: This is a multi-purpose complex dedicated to Islamic Arts. Located in Hoora, it is home to the oldest copy of the Koran from the year 955.

Information last updated Jan '23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.