Types of Visas in Bahrain

All individuals, except for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), who wish to enter into Bahrain need to obtain a visa. The Kingdom of Bahrain issues visas based on several characteristics. They are as follows:

1. Purpose of Visit

The reason for which you need a visa (tourism, business, work, family, etc.).

2. Sponsorship Requirement

Most of the visas in Bahrain need to be sponsored (obtained for you by a Bahrain company, hotel, or travel agent). Unsponsored visas are also available but only for certain nationality groups, and for certain purposes.

3. Standard or e-Visa

A standard visa is one which is visible in the passport as a stamp or a label. An e-visa is one which does not require you to have a stamp on your passport. In this case, the visa is electronic, and the validity of the visa will be recognized at the border when you enter Bahrain.

4. Single or Multiple Entries

It determines the number of visits an individual makes. Most of the visas in Bahrain are single entry, but multiple entry visas exist for certain nationality groups.

5. Place of Issue

Some visas are available on arrival in Bahrain, but otherwise visas must be pre-arranged, either through a sponsor, or an embassy.

There are different rules for different type of visas in Bahrain. The rules govern whether or not a visa can be granted in a given case, and whether or not an entry will be granted once you arrive in Bahrain. And all the visas have a validity period.

Types of Visas Available in Bahrain

The various types of visas that can be obtained in Bahrain are as follows:

1. Domestic Visa

There are mainly six categories of domestic visas available in the Kingdom of Bahrain. They are: Maids, Driver, Cook, Gardner, House Security, and Babysitter. A domestic visa is issued based on the supporting documents, and the fulfillment of necessary requirements. If you are looking for housemaid visa in Bahrain the following documents are required to apply for the same:

  • Filled application form with all the details
  • C.P.R. copy of all family members (Husband-Wife-Children)
  • Salary Certificate
  • 3 months banks statement, car ownership, driving license (if businessman)
  • Real-estate owners: address cards and rent contracts
  • Non-Bahraini (excluding GCC) the employer should have a residency permit valid for at least 6 months period
  • Deposition of cash is required
  • GCC national’s applicant should provide proof of residency for himself and his family members in the Kingdom of Bahrain

2. Visit Visa

Bahrain visit visa is issued to the people who want to visit their family and/or friends in Bahrain or spend holidays here. Depending on the eligibility of the applicant, a visit visa is provided for 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, and 90 days. Bahrain has the most flexible visa policy due to which there are both transferable and non-transferable visas available. In case of emergency, one can apply for an e visa in Bahrain. The Bahrain visit visa processing time depends on the number of documents and the authenticity of the same. Certain documents are to be submitted to the officials to apply for the visit visa. The Bahrain visit visa requirements are as follows:

  • Passport valid for 6 months
  • Bahrain Visa Application Form
  • Sponsor CPR, CR
  • Cover Letter
  • Relative’s CPR and RP
  • Proof of Travel Arrangements

3. Business Visa

Bahrain continues to be an ideal location for businessmen to set up their company in. It has maintained its position in the Gulf nation due to the government’s liberal business initiatives. Bahrain Business visas or Bahrain work visa are similar to that of visit visas, but here the purpose of visit is business. The business visa policies of Bahrain are supportive providing easy access to rest of the middle-east. Business visa validity is 2 weeks and extendable for another 14 days. The business visa in Bahrain requirements are as follows:

Passport Requirements

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months from the date of application.

Bahrain Visa Application Form

Signed Bahrain visa application form.

Letter of Invitation

Invitation received by a Bahraini company.

Business Cover Letter

Original letter from employer or sponsoring company in the Bahrain, on company letterhead, introducing the applicant, indicating the applicant’s employment status/position held in the company, and clearly stating the purpose of visit to Bahrain. The business letter must also indicate who will be financially responsible for the applicant and must provide detailed contact information in Bahrain.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

Computer generated flight itinerary from the airline or travel agency or copy of airline tickets showing round trip travel to Bahrain and onward flight.

4. Employment Visa

An employment visa includes process of preparing work agreement, visa application, payment and printing, issuing and updating of CPR address, renewal of work permit, RP stamping and cancellation. An expired employment visa in Bahrain is extendable. The documents required to complete this process are:

  • Passport valid for 6 months
  • Certificate from GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Certificate Association)
  • Latest EWA Bill
  • Employment Contract
  • CR free of offense
  • Cleared LMRA, SIO payments

You are now aware about the various types of visas and documents required to get a visa in Bahrain. The process can be complicated and time-consuming at the same time. It is advisable to take help from a consultant who knows anything and everything related to visa services in Bahrain. We at Business Setup Worldwide are here to help you in obtaining visa in Bahrain. We have the experience and know-how to ensure that you meet all the right visa requirements and that the correct visa is quickly and smoothly processed and issued. At the same time, we can help with other requirements related to company formation in Bahrain, registration, accounting and bookkeeping, and company secretarial services in Bahrain. Contact us today to get more information about obtaining a visa in Bahrain.