Bahrain visas
Whether you need a visa to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain, and which route applies, depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip — tourism, transit, work, study, family reunion, investment or settlement. Short visits are handled through the official eVisa portal and visa-on-arrival facilities, while residence, work and long-term routes are administered by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior, with employment permits regulated by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on the official NPRA and eVisa channels before travelling or applying.
Bahraini visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Bahrain — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Bahrain to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Bahrain — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Bahrain.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Bahrain as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Bahrain long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Bahraini visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Bahrain — key facts
- Visa authority
- Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Ministry of Interior
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
- Time zone
- Arabian Standard Time (AST, UTC+3)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.