Bahrain entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. It's valid for up to 14 days and costs BHD 5 (about AUD 20). You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bahrain | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or directed to buy a ticket at the airport counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with a friend or relative, carry their name, address, and phone number — officers sometimes ask for this during secondary checks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BHD (~1,325 USD) for shorter visits. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The BHD 5 visa fee must be paid in cash (Bahraini Dinars) at the counter. There is no ATM or card payment nearby. Exchange a small amount at the airport before reaching the visa counter.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Australians rarely face issues getting the visa on arrival. Just have your documents ready and be polite. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. There are separate queues for GCC residents and other nationalities — join the 'Other Nationalities' line.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and pay the BHD 5 fee (cash only — have exact change in local currency or a small note). The officer will issue a visa sticker.
3
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, join the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa slip safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; apply online.
Long-stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 60 (~$159 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; apply through sponsor or online.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 100 (~$265 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship, valid contract, and medical test. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment minimum
For entrepreneurs and investors who establish a business or invest in Bahrain. Minimum investment varies (e.g., BHD 20,000). Includes residency rights.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (e.g., BHD 1,000/month) or investment. Allows long-term stay without employment.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~BHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at accredited Bahraini institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and medical insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, payable at airport immigration. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 3 months, max stay 14 days per visit. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; fines accumulate daily until departure. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bahrain
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C) can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manama
Bahrain Immigration and Passports Directorate (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Bahrain International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues, overstay clearance, and immediate assistance. Open all hours.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalManama
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBahraini Dinar (BHD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.38 BHD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (British 3-pin rectangular)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is heavily chlorinated and not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is valid for 14 days. It can be extended once for another 14 days at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. The extension costs about BHD 10.
Yes, the same visa on arrival is available at the King Fahd Causeway (from Saudi Arabia) and at Bahrain's seaports. The process and fee are identical.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. There are no exceptions for Australian passport holders.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival (same process).
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit. For work or study, you must get a proper visa from a Bahraini embassy before travelling.
Overstayers are fined BHD 10 per day. You may also be banned from re-entering Bahrain for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Yes, as long as your passport is valid for 6+ months and you have a return ticket. There are no nationality restrictions for Australians.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.