Indian citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. The most convenient option is the Bahrain eVisa, which you can apply for entirely online before your trip. Indians who hold a valid visa from the USA, UK, Schengen area, UAE, or Saudi Arabia may also qualify for a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport.
This guide covers every aspect of obtaining a Bahrain visa for Indian passport holders – from visa types and fees to step-by-step application instructions, required documents, and common rejection reasons.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Bahrain?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Bahrain or at the point of arrival. There are two main pathways:
- eVisa (recommended) – Apply online through the official Bahrain visa portal before departure
- Visa on Arrival – Available only at Bahrain International Airport for eligible Indians
GCC nationals (citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Qatar) can enter Bahrain without a visa. Indian citizens are not exempt and must secure visa approval through one of the methods above.
Bahrain Visa Types Available for Indians
Indian citizens can apply for several Bahrain visa types depending on the purpose and duration of their visit:
Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
This is the most common type for Indian travelers. There are three sub-categories:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | eVisa Fee | Visa on Arrival Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Week Single Entry | 14 days | Single | BD 10.000 | BD 5.000 |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | 90 days total stay | Multiple | BD 17.000 | BD 12.000 |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | 90 days per visit | Multiple | BD 45.000 | Not available |
The 2-week single entry visa is the most affordable option for short vacations. The 3-month multiple entry visa suits frequent travelers who plan to visit Bahrain more than once within a 90-day window. The 1-year multiple entry visa is only available as an eVisa and is ideal for business travelers with ongoing needs.
Business Visa
Indian professionals traveling to Bahrain for meetings, conferences, or business negotiations require a business visa. The application process is similar to the tourist visa but requires a letter of invitation from a Bahrain-based company.
Work Visa
Indian nationals who have secured employment in Bahrain need a work visa sponsored by their Bahraini employer. The work permit is valid for 1 to 2 years and allows legal employment and residency. The employer handles most of the paperwork, including the labor permit from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
For a detailed breakdown of Bahrain visa fees across all categories, visit our dedicated fee guide.
Bahrain eVisa: How to Apply Online
The eVisa is the most convenient way for Indians to get a Bahrain visa. You can complete the entire Bahrain visa online application from home without visiting an embassy.
Step-by-Step eVisa Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Kingdom of Bahrain Visa System at evisa.gov.bh. Create an account using your email address.
Step 2: Select Your Visa Type
Choose the appropriate visa category based on your travel plans – 2-week single entry, 3-month multiple entry, or 1-year multiple entry.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your full name (as it appears on your passport), nationality, date of birth, passport number, and contact information. Double-check every field for accuracy.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
– Passport bio-data page (front and back)
– Return flight ticket or itinerary
– Proof of accommodation in Bahrain
– Recent passport-size photograph
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Complete payment using a credit or debit card. The fee depends on the visa type you selected.
Step 6: Submit and Wait for Processing
Submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
Step 7: Download Your eVisa
Once approved, log back into the portal to download and print your eVisa. You must carry a printed copy when traveling.
For the complete Bahrain eVisa guide with additional details on the electronic visa system, see our dedicated page.
Bahrain Visa on Arrival for Indians
Bahrain visa on arrival is available to Indian citizens at Bahrain International Airport, but only under specific conditions.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival
Indians can obtain a visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of these countries:
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Schengen member states
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
If you do not hold a valid visa from one of these countries, you must apply for an eVisa before traveling.
Visa on Arrival Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (BD) | Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Week Single Entry | BD 5.000 | ~INR 1,090 |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | BD 12.000 | ~INR 2,615 |
The visa on arrival is cheaper than the eVisa for the same visa categories. However, the eVisa guarantees entry approval before you board your flight.
Bahrain Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The Bahrain visa requirements for Indian passport holders include:
Documents Required
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Bahrain
- Passport-size photographs – Two recent color photographs with white background
- Return or onward flight ticket – Confirmed booking showing departure from Bahrain
- Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Bahrain
- Bank statement – Proof of sufficient funds. The minimum required balance is BD 300 (approximately INR 65,000)
- Completed application form – Filled out accurately with no discrepancies
- Visa fee payment – Credit or debit card for online payment
Additional Requirements for ECR Passport Holders
Indian nationals holding an Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport and traveling on a work visa must obtain clearance from the Protector of Emigrants (POE) before departure. This applies to workers in certain employment categories.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Bahrain. The Bahraini authorities recommend at least 6 months of remaining validity from your arrival date.
Bahrain Visa Processing Time
The standard Bahrain visa processing time for Indian applicants is 3 to 5 business days. However, several factors can affect this timeline:
- Applications submitted on Thursday or Friday may take longer due to the weekend (Friday-Saturday in Bahrain)
- Public holidays in Bahrain can delay processing
- Incomplete applications or missing documents will cause delays
- Peak travel seasons (December-January, Eid periods) may see higher volumes
How to Track Your Application
After submitting your eVisa application, you can check the status by:
- Logging into your account on evisa.gov.bh
- Entering your application reference number and passport number
- Viewing the current status of your application
If your application is taking longer than 5 business days, contact the Bahrain visa support team through the official portal.
Bahrain Visa Fee for Indians
The Bahrain visa fee structure for Indian citizens is as follows:
| Visa Type | eVisa Fee | VOA Fee | Approx. INR (eVisa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Week Single Entry | BD 10.000 | BD 5.000 | ~INR 2,180 |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | BD 17.000 | BD 12.000 | ~INR 3,705 |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | BD 45.000 | N/A | ~INR 9,810 |
Note: INR equivalents are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Payment Methods
The eVisa portal accepts:
– Visa credit/debit cards
– Mastercard credit/debit cards
– American Express
Cash payments are accepted at the visa counter at Bahrain International Airport for visa on arrival.
Common Reasons for Bahrain Visa Rejection
Understanding why visas get rejected can help you avoid mistakes:
- Incomplete application – Missing fields or unanswered questions on the form
- Invalid passport – Passport expiring within 6 months or damaged passport
- Insufficient funds – Bank balance below BD 300 minimum requirement
- Criminal record – Previous criminal convictions can result in automatic denial
- Previous visa violations – Overstaying a previous Bahrain visa or violating visa conditions
- Duplicate application – Applying while a previous Bahrain visa is still valid
- Applying from within Bahrain – You must apply from outside the country
- Document discrepancies – Mismatch between passport details and application form
How to Avoid Rejection
- Triple-check all information before submitting
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity
- Maintain a bank balance above BD 300 for at least 30 days before applying
- Upload clear, legible scans of all documents
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date
Can You Extend a Bahrain Visa?
Yes. Indian visitors in Bahrain can apply for a visa extension through the official government website. The extension options are:
- 2-week visa: Can be extended for an additional 2 weeks
- 3-month visa: Extensions may be available depending on circumstances
To apply for an extension, visit the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) website or office in Bahrain before your current visa expires. Overstaying your visa without an extension results in fines and potential future visa bans.
Bahrain Visa for Indians with US, UK, or Schengen Visa
Indian citizens who hold a valid visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, or Schengen countries have additional advantages:
- Eligible for visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport
- Lower visa on arrival fees compared to eVisa fees
- Faster entry process at the airport
This benefit also extends to holders of valid UAE and Saudi Arabia visas or residence permits. The qualifying visa must be valid at the time of entry into Bahrain.
Tips for Indian Travelers to Bahrain
- Currency: The Bahraini Dinar (BD) is the local currency. 1 BD equals approximately INR 218
- Best time to visit: November to March offers pleasant weather (20-25 degrees Celsius)
- Language: Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken
- Transportation: Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are readily available
- SIM cards: Buy a local SIM at the airport for mobile data and calls
- Dress code: Bahrain is relatively liberal, but modest clothing is recommended in public areas and religious sites
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Indians stay in Bahrain on a tourist visa?
With a 2-week single entry visa, you can stay for up to 14 days. With a 3-month multiple entry visa, you can stay for up to 90 days total (with multiple entries allowed). The 1-year multiple entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Can I work in Bahrain on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal in Bahrain. You must obtain a work visa sponsored by a Bahraini employer to work legally.
Is travel insurance required for a Bahrain visa?
While not always mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Some airlines and immigration officers may ask for proof of travel health insurance.
Can I apply for a Bahrain visa from India?
Yes. The eVisa application is entirely online. You can apply from anywhere in India through the official evisa.gov.bh portal.
How much money do I need in my bank account?
The minimum bank balance required is BD 300 (approximately INR 65,000). This should be maintained for at least 30 days before your application.
What happens if my Bahrain visa is rejected?
You can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. There is no mandatory waiting period, but you should fix the issue that caused the rejection before submitting a new application. The visa fee is non-refundable.
Do children need a separate visa for Bahrain?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own visa and passport to enter Bahrain.
Can I enter Bahrain by land from Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Indian citizens with a valid Bahrain eVisa or visa on arrival eligibility can enter through the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. You will need a valid Saudi Arabia visa as well.
