Bahrain Visa Requirements & Fees from Dubai

Bahrain offers several entry routes for travellers from Dubai. The visa type you need depends on your nationality and UAE residency status. Understanding which category applies to you is the essential first step.

The documents you need depend on your entry route. Bahrain's eVisa for GCC residents requires fewer documents than most international visa applications, making it one of the simplest processes for Dubai residents.

• PASSPORT: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Bahrain. Ensure at least one blank page is available for the entry stamp.
• UAE RESIDENCE VISA / EMIRATES ID: Original valid UAE residence visa in your passport or Emirates ID showing current UAE residency status. Must be valid on the date of travel.
• PASSPORT PHOTO: 35mm x 45mm, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months. Required for eVisa applications.
• TRAVEL DETAILS: Planned entry date, accommodation address in Bahrain, and purpose of visit.
• PAYMENT CARD: Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card to pay the BHD 7 eVisa fee online.
• RETURN FLIGHT: Not mandatory for the eVisa application but recommended for smooth passage through immigration.
• HOTEL BOOKING: Recommended to have accessible at immigration though not always checked.

Bahrain's visa fees are among the lowest in the Gulf region. The BHD 7 (~AED 70) eVisa is cheaper than Saudi Arabia's tourist eVisa (SAR 440 / ~AED 440), Qatar's eVisa (QAR 100 / ~AED 100), and significantly less than Schengen visa fees (EUR 80 / ~AED 320). This makes Bahrain an extremely affordable short-break destination from Dubai.

For the Bahrain eVisa application, your passport photo must meet the following specifications. Non-compliant photos are a common cause of application delays.

• Size: 35mm wide x 45mm tall (standard passport photo dimensions)
• Background: Plain white background -- no patterns, colours, or shadows
• Expression: Neutral face, looking directly at the camera, mouth closed
• Glasses: Not permitted in Bahrain visa photos
• Head coverings: Permitted only for religious reasons -- face must remain fully visible
• Format: JPEG or PNG for online upload, file size under 2MB
• Recency: Must be taken within the past 6 months
• Quality: High resolution, well-lit from the front, in focus

1. 1Determine your eligibility: Confirm whether you need an eVisa or qualify for visa-free entry (UAE nationals) or visa on arrival.
2. 2Prepare documents: Gather passport scan, UAE residence visa copy, passport photo, and travel details in digital format.
3. 3Visit evisa.gov.bh: Navigate to the official Bahrain eVisa portal. Do not use third-party websites that charge inflated fees.
4. 4Create an account: Register with your email address and verify your account.
5. 5Start a new application: Select the appropriate visa type (GCC Resident eVisa for most Dubai expats).
6. 6Enter personal details: Full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and expiry date -- all exactly matching your passport.
7. 7Upload documents: Attach your passport scan and photo. Ensure clarity and correct file format.
8. 8Enter travel details: Arrival date, accommodation address in Bahrain, and purpose of visit.
9. 9Pay the fee: BHD 7 for single entry or BHD 17 for multiple entry via Visa or MasterCard.
10. 10Submit and track: Save your reference number and check your email for approval (typically within 24 hours).
11. 11Download your eVisa: Print it or save to your phone for presentation at Bahrain immigration.