World Country Guide

Restricted entry
Holders of Israeli passports.

Passports
Valid passport for at least six months from date of departure required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates holding a valid national ID card.

Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the first connecting flight, provided holding confirmed tickets and appropriate travel documents and remaining within the transit area.

Note
1. Nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia), Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, USA and the Vatican City may obtain visas on arrival for touristic or business stays of up to two weeks. The fee is approximately US$13. If working for a media company (eg, a newspaper or TV company) a special invitation from the Bahrain authorities is required.

Types of visa and cost
Tourist: 20 (two-week, single-entry), renewable for two further weeks once in Bahrain, at the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports, Manama. Business: 40 (four-week, multiple-entry), only available to British, Canadian and US nationals.

Validity
Three months from date of issue (Tourist); five years (Business).

Application to
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.
Note: (a) No Objection Certificates are obtainable through various hotels, travel agencies and other companies licensed to carry out touristic activities in Bahrain. Organised groups are charged a fee of BD5 per person (approximately US$13). Long-term business visas should be arranged by the employing company in Bahrain. (b) Some visitors can now apply for an electronic visa in Bahrain, through the website www.evisa.gov.bh. This has the added benefit of being 24-hour and enabling secure online credit payment and multiple applications, if necessary.

Application requirements
Entry visa: (a) Valid passport. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) One completed application form. (d) One registered, self-addressed envelope and cheque for 3 to cover return of passport if applying by post. (e) Fee, payable in cash or by company cheques only. (f) No Objection Certificate obtained by agent in Bahrain from the Ministry of Interior (only applies to certain nationals). Tourist: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit and the applicant's responsibility for all travel expenses. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from the company stating the purpose and duration of of the visit and the applicant's responsibility for all travel expenses.

Working days required
Two.