China entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter China. You must apply at a Chinese embassy or visa application centre before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Bahraini citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter China. Submit your application through the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) at visaforchina.cn. Processing takes 4–5 working days for standard service; expedited options cost extra. You must apply in person or through an authorized agent — China does not issue tourist visas on arrival.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Bahrain passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Airlines check this at check-in; if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket when applying for the visa and when entering China. Immigration officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routinely ask to see it. A flight reservation printout or e-ticket works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or invitation letter | Your visa application requires confirmed hotel reservations for every night of your stay, or an official invitation letter from a Chinese host. Immigration may ask for proof of accommodation upon arrival — have a printed copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | You must show you can support yourself during your stay. Bring recent bank statements showing at least 500 USD per day of your trip, or carry equivalent cash (RMB or USD). Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but the visa officer may request it. | Recommended |
Apply early — no last-minute options
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Bahraini citizens. You must apply at the Chinese embassy or visa centre before you travel. Start the process at least 3 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Keep your documents handy at immigration
Chinese immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Have printed copies or screenshots ready on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and any supporting documents like an invitation letter.
2
Submit your visa application
Take your documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Manama or the Chinese embassy. Pay the visa fee (around BHD 30–50 depending on type and processing speed). Processing takes 4–7 working days.
3
Collect your visa
Return to the centre with your receipt to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa validity dates and number of entries before you leave.
4
Arrive in China
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and your hotel booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBHD 30 (~USD 80)
Standard tourist visa; must leave China before expiry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBHD 45 (~USD 120)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay limited to 30 days.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30-60 days per entry, extendable
Validity3-12 months
CostBHD 50 (~USD 135)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company; allows longer stays.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~BHD 60 (~USD 160) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Chinese employer. Requires work permit and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable annually
~BHD 40 (~USD 110) plus school fees
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur)
1-5 years, renewable
~BHD 100 (~USD 270) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., USD 500,000) in China. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Bahrain passport holders; processing time 4-5 working days. | BHD 30 (~USD 80) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; valid for 6 months. | BHD 45 (~USD 120) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable for any overstay beyond authorized period. | CNY 500 (~USD 70) per day, max CNY 10,000 (~USD 1,400) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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 China
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders can transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours at most international airports, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen area may qualify for 72-hour transit without visa at select airports.
- Transit in Shanghai (Pudong) allows up to 144 hours for eligible nationalities.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai can have high PM2.5 levels; sensitive individuals should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude areas like Tibet; ascend gradually and consider medication.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists only in remote rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa services; expect queues, arrive early.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.79 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. China does not offer visa on arrival for Bahraini citizens. You must get a visa before you travel.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. You can pay extra for express service (2–3 days) if needed. Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Manama.
The visa fee is around BHD 30–50 depending on the type (single entry, double entry, or multiple entry) and processing speed. Check the latest fees on the visa centre's website.
Yes. You need to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from China. A booking from a travel agent or airline is fine.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into China. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
If you stay in a hotel, they register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.