Israel 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 Israel in 2026. Apply online through the official government portal before you travel. The process is straightforward, but you must check your passport's validity and prepare supporting documents carefully.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa to enter Israel. Apply at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate before travel. Processing times vary — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Israeli law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa holders
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Israel can speed up the visa process and satisfy border officers. Keep a copy handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay may be requested. Have at least 1,500 ILS (~$400) per week of your trip available.Recommended
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Israel. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. Also keep a printed copy in your carry-on. Immigration at Ben Gurion Airport may ask to see any of these documents.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the official Israeli visa portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Submit and wait for approval — processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
2
Prepare your documents
Once your visa is approved, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), print or save the visa approval email, book your return ticket, and confirm your first night's accommodation. Also consider getting travel insurance and an eSIM.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
When you land at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, head to the foreign passport queue. Have your passport, visa approval, and return ticket ready. Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary — answer clearly and briefly.
4
Show your documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer will likely stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave. If asked, show your accommodation booking and onward ticket.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where you can get a taxi, bus, or meet your ride.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₪500 (~$135 USD)

Must apply at Israeli embassy abroad; no in-country extension.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost₪1,000 (~$270 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.

Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost₪1,500 (~$405 USD) plus employer fees

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.

Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost₪1,000 (~$270 USD)

Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.

work visa
B-1 Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
₪1,500 (~$405 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
₪1,000 (~$270 USD)
For students enrolled in accredited Israeli institutions. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
₪5,000 (~$1,350 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least ₪5 million in Israeli businesses or government bonds. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days.₪500 (~$135 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, typically 6 months.₪1,000 (~$270 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay; maximum cap applies.₪100 (~$27 USD) per day, max ₪5,000 (~$1,350 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
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 Israel

Transit visa required

Bahrain passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Israel, even if staying airside. Apply at Israeli embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)

Health & vaccines for Israel

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk

Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present in summer months.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Standard hygiene is good; risk is low for travellers.

Heat-related illnessModerate risk

High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
5 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and visa application forms.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
2 Kaplan Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles visa issues for residents and tourists; limited walk-in hours.

Practical information for BH travellers

Country basics
CapitalJerusalem
LanguageHebrew, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 1 year.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli New Shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.83 ILS
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType H (Israeli) and C — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Israel.
Emergency numbers
Police100
Medical101
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need a visa. You must apply online before you travel through the official Israeli visa portal. There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically take a few days to two weeks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe. The application fee is around 100 ILS (about $27 USD), but check the portal for current costs.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you would need to apply for a different visa type from outside Israel.
You will likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry, not your departure.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a ticket to your next destination works. Immigration wants to see that you will leave Israel. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Israel can be very high. If you don't have insurance, you could face large bills for even minor treatment.
Rejections are rare but can happen. You can reapply, but first check the reason for rejection (if provided). Common issues include incomplete forms or insufficient passport validity. Contact the Israeli consulate in your region for guidance.

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.