Families traveling together, children under 18, organized tour groups, and passengers with layovers in Bahrain each face different visa requirements. Every person entering Bahrain needs their own visa – including infants. Children require a notarized consent letter from any non-traveling parent. Transit passengers can apply for a 48-hour or 7-day transit visa through evisa.gov.bh. There is no single family or group application, so each traveler must be processed individually.
This guide covers the specific rules, documents, fees, and processes for every special-case traveler entering Bahrain in 2026.
Bahrain Visa for Families
Bahrain does not offer a family visa or a family application option. Every family member – including infants and toddlers – needs an individual e-Visa or visa on arrival. This means a family of four submits four separate applications.
How to Apply for a Family
The most efficient approach is to apply for all family members back-to-back through evisa.gov.bh. Each application takes about 15 minutes. Here is what to prepare:
For each adult:
– Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from entry date)
– Passport scan (color, bio-data page)
– Passport-style photo (white background)
– Hotel booking confirmation
– Return or onward flight ticket
For each child (under 18):
– All documents listed above for adults
– Consent letter from non-traveling parent (if applicable)
– Birth certificate copy (recommended)
– Child’s own passport (Bahrain does not accept children on parents’ passports)
A family of four (two adults, two children) applying for 30-day tourist e-Visas will pay approximately BHD 36 (~$96 USD) in total visa fees. This is BHD 9 per person.
Tips for Family Applications
- Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Processing takes 3-5 business days per application. If any application is flagged for additional review, it may take longer.
- Use the same email address for all family applications. This keeps confirmations organized and makes tracking easier.
- Print all e-Visas separately. Each family member needs their own printed e-Visa or digital copy on their phone at immigration.
- Book accommodation for the entire family. The hotel booking must list or cover all travelers as part of the application.
For general e-Visa requirements, see our Bahrain e-Visa guide.
Bahrain Visa for Children and Minors
Every child under 18 needs their own Bahrain visa. There are no exceptions – not for newborns, not for children listed on a parent’s passport, and not for infants in arms.
Document Requirements for Minors
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s own passport | Yes | Must be valid for 6+ months from entry |
| Passport scan | Yes | Color scan of bio-data page |
| Passport photo | Yes | White background, recent |
| Notarized consent letter | Yes | If traveling with one parent or without both parents |
| Birth certificate copy | Recommended | Proof of relationship to accompanying adult |
| Parent/guardian passport copy | Recommended | To verify identity of accompanying adult |
| Hotel booking | Yes | Can be linked to parent’s booking |
| Flight ticket | Yes | Return or onward travel |
Age-Specific Rules
- Under 1 year: Needs a passport and visa. No exceptions for infants.
- Ages 1-17: Standard minor documentation requirements apply.
- 16-17 year olds: Treated as minors for visa purposes but can sign their own application. Consent letter still required if traveling without both parents.
Applying for a Child’s e-Visa
A parent or legal guardian must submit the application on behalf of the child. Log into evisa.gov.bh, start a new application, and fill in the child’s details – not the parent’s. Select the child’s nationality, upload the child’s passport and photo, and pay the standard fee for the child’s age group.
The fee for a child’s e-Visa is the same as for an adult:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (BHD) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay | 14 days | BHD 5 | ~$13 |
| Standard | 30 days | BHD 9 | ~$24 |
| Extended | 90 days | BHD 17 | ~$45 |
For a full fee breakdown including all visa types, visit our Bahrain visa fee page.
Traveling with a Minor: Consent Letters and Documents
This is one of the most overlooked requirements for Bahrain travel. Bahrain immigration strictly enforces child protection rules, and failure to present the correct consent documentation can result in denied entry for the child.
When Is a Consent Letter Required?
A notarized consent letter is required when:
- A child travels with one parent only (the other parent must provide written consent)
- A child travels with a guardian who is not a biological parent
- A child travels alone (unaccompanied minor)
- A child travels with a group or tour company
A consent letter is not required when:
– Both biological parents are traveling together with the child
– The traveling parent has sole custody (documentary proof required)
What Must Be in the Consent Letter
The consent letter must include:
- Full name of the non-traveling parent (or both parents for unaccompanied minors)
- Full name and date of birth of the child
- Passport numbers of all parties
- Travel dates and destination (Bahrain)
- Name of the accompanying adult (if different from consent-giving parent)
- A clear statement of consent for the child to travel to Bahrain
- Notarization by a licensed notary public
- Contact information for the non-traveling parent
If one parent is deceased, a death certificate must accompany the traveling parent’s documentation. In custody disputes, a certified court order granting travel permission is required.
Additional Tips
- Get the consent letter translated into Arabic if it is in another language. While Bahraini immigration officials often speak English, having an Arabic translation avoids delays.
- Carry the original notarized document. Copies are not accepted at immigration.
- Ensure the consent letter covers the full travel period. If the letter specifies dates that do not match your travel dates, entry may be refused.
- Single parents: Bring proof of sole custody (court order or death certificate of other parent) to avoid questions at the border.
For general document requirements, see our Bahrain visa requirements guide.
Unaccompanied Minors Entering Bahrain
Bahrain allows unaccompanied minors to enter the country, but the requirements are strict. An unaccompanied minor is any person under 18 traveling without a parent or legal guardian.
Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors
- Own valid passport and Bahrain e-Visa – applied for by a parent or guardian
- Consent letter from both parents (or sole custodial parent with proof)
- Letter of authorization naming the adult in Bahrain who will be responsible for the minor
- Contact details of the receiving adult in Bahrain
- Proof of accommodation in Bahrain (hotel booking or host’s address)
- Return flight ticket
The receiving adult in Bahrain may be asked by immigration to present their own identification and proof of relationship or purpose of the minor’s visit. Airlines may also require additional documentation and may have their own unaccompanied minor policies that apply separately from Bahraini immigration rules.
Airline Requirements
Most airlines have their own unaccompanied minor service for children under a certain age (usually under 12 or under 15, depending on the airline). These services include:
- Escort through check-in, security, and boarding
- In-flight supervision by cabin crew
- Handover to a designated adult at the destination
Contact your airline directly to arrange this service. It is separate from the Bahrain visa and immigration process.
Bahrain Group Visa and Tour Group Applications
Bahrain does not offer a specific “group visa” category. Each traveler in a group must have an individual visa. However, group organizers and travel agencies can apply on behalf of multiple travelers through the regular e-Visa system.
How Travel Agencies Handle Group Applications
Licensed travel agencies and tour operators in Bahrain can:
- Submit multiple e-Visa applications through the evisa.gov.bh portal
- Apply as a sponsor for group members
- Coordinate visa arrangements as part of a travel package
Group Application Best Practices
- Start early. For a group of 20 travelers, allow at least 3 weeks for all applications to be processed. Some may require additional review.
- Prepare a spreadsheet with passport details, dates, and application reference numbers for every group member.
- Designate one person (group leader or agency representative) to track all applications and handle any issues.
- Communicate individually with each group member about document requirements – passport validity, photos, and any special documentation (such as consent letters for minors in the group).
- Budget for individual fees. Each traveler pays the same visa fee regardless of being part of a group. There is no group discount.
Corporate Delegations
Business delegations visiting conferences, exhibitions, or meetings in Bahrain should apply through the standard e-Visa system. Some events have official invitation processes that can facilitate visa approval – check with the event organizer. Bahrain hosts major events at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre and similar venues that attract international delegations.
Bahrain Transit Visa
Bahrain offers a dedicated transit visa for passengers who have a layover at Bahrain International Airport and wish to leave the airport or stay in Bahrain for a short period before continuing their journey.
Types of Transit Visa
| Type | Duration | Can Leave Airport | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour transit | 48 hours | Yes | BHD 5 (~$13) |
| 7-day transit | 7 days | Yes | BHD 9 (~$24) |
Who Needs a Transit Visa?
You need a transit visa if:
- You are connecting through Bahrain International Airport AND
- You want to leave the airport (visit the city, stay at a hotel) AND
- Your nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival
If you are simply changing flights within the airport and not passing through immigration, you do not need a transit visa. You can stay in the transit area airside.
Transit Visa Eligibility
Passengers from nationalities that are eligible for Bahrain e-Visa can apply for a transit e-Visa through evisa.gov.bh. The transit visa is a single-entry permit and cannot be extended. If you overstay a transit visa, you may face fines and future entry restrictions.
Documents Required for Transit Visa
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Confirmed onward flight ticket (departing within the visa validity period)
- Passport photo
- Passport scan
You do not need hotel bookings for a transit visa unless you plan to stay overnight outside the airport. If you do book a hotel, it is helpful to have the confirmation ready.
How to Apply
- Visit evisa.gov.bh and log in (or create an account)
- Select “Transit Visa” as your visa type
- Enter your nationality, travel dates, and onward flight details
- Upload your passport scan and photo
- Pay the fee by credit or debit card
- Wait for approval (typically 1-3 business days for transit visas)
Visa-Free Transit and Airside Rules
Many travelers transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need any visa at all. If you remain in the airside transit area and do not pass through immigration, you can connect to your onward flight without a Bahrain visa.
Airside Transit Rules
- You must have a confirmed onward ticket
- Your layover must be within a reasonable timeframe (varies by airline policy)
- You cannot leave the transit area
- Your luggage must be checked through to your final destination (or you handle re-check-in within the transit area)
When to Get a Transit Visa Instead
Get a Bahrain transit visa if:
- Your layover is longer than 12 hours and you want to rest in a hotel
- You want to explore Bahrain during your stopover
- Your airline does not offer through-check-in, meaning you need to collect and re-check your luggage
- You have a separate ticket for your onward flight that is not booked on the same itinerary
Bahrain International Airport does have lounges and rest areas in the transit zone, so a visa is not always necessary even for longer layovers. However, for overnight layovers or layovers of 8+ hours, many travelers prefer to enter Bahrain and stay at a nearby hotel.
Fees for Family, Minor, and Transit Visas
All visa fees are per person. There are no family or group discounts.
| Scenario | Visa Type | Fee per Person | Total (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (30 days) | Standard e-Visa | BHD 9 (~$24) | BHD 9 |
| Child under 18 (30 days) | Standard e-Visa | BHD 9 (~$24) | BHD 9 |
| Family of 4 (30 days each) | Standard e-Visa | BHD 9 x 4 | BHD 36 (~$96) |
| Transit (48 hours) | Transit Visa | BHD 5 (~$13) | BHD 5 |
| Transit (7 days) | Transit Visa | BHD 9 (~$24) | BHD 9 |
| Group of 10 (30 days each) | Standard e-Visa | BHD 9 x 10 | BHD 90 (~$240) |
Important note on minors and visa on arrival: Children qualify for visa on arrival at the same fee as e-Visa. However, applying for an e-Visa in advance is strongly recommended when traveling with minors to avoid long queues at immigration with tired children.
For the most up-to-date fee information, visit our Bahrain visa fee page.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Multiple Family Members
Here is the exact process when applying for a family online:
Step 1: Go to evisa.gov.bh and create an account (or log in).
Step 2: Click “New Application” and select the first family member (typically yourself as the primary traveler).
Step 3: Fill in all personal details, upload documents, and pay the fee for this application.
Step 4: After submitting, click “New Application” again immediately. Select the next family member.
Step 5: Repeat the process for each family member, using their individual passport details and photos.
Step 6: Save each application reference number. Create a tracking list to monitor the status of all applications.
Step 7: Check all application statuses after 3-5 business days. Most family applications submitted on the same day are processed together.
Important: Do not reuse the same photo or passport scan for different family members. Each application must have its own unique documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying with the wrong details. Double-check every application. A typo in a passport number or date of birth will cause delays or rejection.
Forgetting the consent letter. This is the most common issue for families. If one parent is not traveling, the consent letter must be notarized before starting the application process.
Using the child’s information on the parent’s application. Each application is for one person only. Enter the child’s details on the child’s application, not the parent’s.
Assuming infants don’t need visas. Every person, regardless of age, needs an individual Bahrain visa. There are no exceptions for babies.
Not printing e-Visas. Have printed copies for every traveler, not just digital copies on one phone. Batteries die, phones break, and connectivity at the airport can be unreliable.
Overstaying a transit visa. The 48-hour and 7-day transit visas have hard expiry dates. Overstaying results in fines (approximately BHD 10 per day of overstay) and potential future entry bans.
Applying too late. Allow at least 2 weeks for family applications. If any application needs additional documentation, you need buffer time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a single family visa for Bahrain?
No. Bahrain requires an individual visa application for every traveler, including children and infants. There is no family or group visa option. Apply for each family member separately through evisa.gov.bh.
Do babies need a visa for Bahrain?
Yes. Every person entering Bahrain, including newborns and infants, needs their own visa and their own passport. Children cannot be added to a parent’s passport for the purpose of a Bahrain visa application.
What if my child is listed on my passport?
Bahrain immigration requires each traveler to have their own passport. If your child is endorsed on your passport, you should obtain a separate passport for the child before applying for a Bahrain e-Visa. Children endorsed on a parent’s passport may be denied entry.
Can a single parent travel to Bahrain with a child?
Yes, but you need a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent. If you have sole custody, bring a court order or the other parent’s death certificate instead. Without documentation, immigration may refuse entry for the child.
Is there a group discount for Bahrain visas?
No. All visa fees are per person. There is no discount for families, groups, or tour operators applying on behalf of multiple travelers.
How long does a transit visa last?
Bahrain offers two transit visa options: 48 hours (BHD 5) and 7 days (BHD 9). Both are single-entry and cannot be extended. Choose the one that matches your layover duration.
Do I need a transit visa if I stay in the airport?
No. If you remain in the airside transit zone of Bahrain International Airport and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a transit visa. You only need one if you plan to leave the airport.
Can a travel agent apply for my Bahrain visa?
Yes. Licensed travel agencies and tour operators can submit e-Visa applications on your behalf through evisa.gov.bh. They will need your passport details, photo, and travel documents to complete the application.
What happens if a minor’s visa application is rejected?
If a child’s application is rejected, it is usually because of missing documentation – most commonly the consent letter. Check the rejection reason, provide the missing document, and reapply. The application fee is generally not refundable on rejection.
Can I get a visa on arrival for my child?
Yes. Children are eligible for visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport and the King Fahd Causeway, at the same fees as adults. However, applying for an e-Visa in advance is recommended to avoid queues at immigration.
Last updated: July 2026. Visa requirements are subject to change. Always verify current rules at evisa.gov.bh before traveling.
