India 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 India. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Bahraini nationals. As of 2026, the standard tourist visa is the e-Visa, which is straightforward to obtain if you meet the requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type and duration. Approval typically arrives within 72 hours — print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case the original is held during hotel check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your e-ticket ready — they may check it before stamping entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in India. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD or equivalent in Indian rupees available — either in cash or as a credit/debit card statement. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter India. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
e-Visa is the only option for short visits
There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. For other purposes (work, study, long-term), you need a regular visa from the Indian embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, fill in your details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around $25–$80 depending on duration). You'll get a reference number — save it.
2
Wait for approval
Processing takes 3–5 business days. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print the e-Visa and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: passport, printed e-Visa, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance card. Put them in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at Indian immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'e-Visa' counters. Hand over your passport and e-Visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you leave. Answer clearly.
5
Get your entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the entry date and allowed stay. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct.
Download India 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 stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostINR 3,400 (~$41 USD)
Requires application at Indian embassy in Bahrain. Processing time 3-5 working days.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 5,100 (~$61 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Must not exceed total stay of 180 days per year.
eVisa (Tourist)
Max stay60 days per entry
ValidityValid for 60 days from arrival
CostINR 2,500 (~$30 USD)
Apply online at least 4 days before travel. Double entry allowed.
student visa
Student Visa (S-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) plus university fees
For full-time study at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply work visa
Employment Visa (E-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 15,000 (~$180 USD) plus processing fees
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employment contract, company sponsorship, and minimum salary threshold. Spouse can accompany.
Apply investor visa
Business Visa (B-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 12,000 (~$145 USD) plus fees
For investors or business visitors with significant investment in India. Requires proof of investment, business registration, and financial statements. Allows multiple entries.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Visa (R-1)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) plus processing
For retirees aged 50+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of income (min. $1,500/month), health insurance, and no local employment. Spouse can accompany.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Valid for 6 months from issue date, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 3,400 (~$41 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,100 (~$61 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist)Valid for 60 days from arrival, double entry allowed. | INR 2,500 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay FineApplicable for stays beyond visa validity. | INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max cap INR 10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 India
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders transiting through India do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a regular visa is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some cases.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season (June–September).
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most parts of India, especially in rural and forested areas. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk regions.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common causes of traveller's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Avoid tap water, ice, and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially in rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis (e.g., doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil) is recommended for travellers to high-risk regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension or registration. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, Commissioner of Police Building, 3rd Floor, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai-400001
Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. India does not offer visa on arrival for Bahraini nationals. You must apply for an e-Visa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive an email with the approved visa.
The fee varies by duration: around $25 for 30 days, $40 for 1 year, and $80 for 5 years (multiple entry). Fees are in USD and paid online.
No. The e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and reapply. For longer stays, consider a regular visa from the Indian embassy.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a risk country, so no vaccine is required for direct travel. Check if your itinerary includes transit through an affected country.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid at 30 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Also valid at 5 major seaports. Check the official list before booking.
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.