Bahrain entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. No advance application needed — just show up at the airport with the right documents and you'll be issued a visa. As of 2026, the process works for tourism or short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Bulgarian passport holders can apply for a Bahrain eVisa online at the official eVisa portal. The eVisa is valid for single or multiple entries and typically processes within 3-5 working days. You must apply at least 48 hours before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers may ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have access to at least 300 BHD (approx. 800 USD) in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Officers rarely check this for short stays, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport without any pre-application. Just have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book anything.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. These are clearly marked in the arrivals hall.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — expect to pay the fee (usually around 5 BHD for a 2-week visa, payable by card or cash).
3
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You then proceed to immigration control for entry. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 14 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 5 (~$13 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 12 (~$32 USD)
Ideal for multiple short trips.
Long-stay visa (visit visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$132 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; apply through sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,320 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing in Bahraini businesses or real estate (minimum investment ~BHD 20,000). Provides residency.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
~BHD 1,000 (~$2,650 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient pension or savings (minimum monthly income ~BHD 1,000). Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable once. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days stay, extendable. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension for 14 days, can be done at NPRA. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fineApplies after visa expiry; pay at immigration before departure. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per day, max BHD 500 (~$1,300 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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.
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 milk.
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 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
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) - Main Office
Road 404, Building 34, Block 304, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
For visa extensions, overstay fines, and residence matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Bahrain International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival issues and entry problems.
Practical information for BG 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 standard visa on arrival for Bulgarian passport holders costs around 5 BHD (about 13 USD or 12 EUR) for a 2-week stay. Payment can be made by credit card or cash (Bahraini dinars).
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 14 days. It is not extendable, so if you need more time, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
The visa on arrival is available at Bahrain International Airport. For land borders (like the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia) or seaports, check with Bahraini immigration — it's safest to arrange a visa in advance for those entry points.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, short business meetings, or family visits. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before travel.
Overstaying results in fines — typically 10 BHD per day (about 26 USD). You may also be banned from re-entering Bahrain for a period. Always leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.