India entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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.
Apply for India eVisae-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical Visa. Apply 4+ days before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| India e-VisaYou must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to India. Apply online before travel | Bahraini passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Indian e-Visa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/). The e-Visa is typically valid for 60 days from arrival, with double entry permitted for tourism, business, or medical purposes. Ensure your application is approved before you depart. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip – it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your arrival. At least 6 months remaining | Your Bahraini passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in India. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers will stamp your passport – you need an empty page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the immigration stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight booking out of India ready in case they ask – it's a common requirement. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have a bank card or some cash to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in India. Carry a credit card or cash to demonstrate financial means if requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms before you land – just your e-Visa and passport. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Bahraini citizens entering India. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Regular Tourist Visa (sticker)
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit (subject to grant)
ValidityUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
CostVaries (approx. $100–$150)
Apply at Indian Embassy/Consulate; for longer stays or if e-Visa not suitable.
Business Visa (sticker)
Max stayUp to 5 years (subject to grant)
ValidityUp to 5 years (multiple entry)
CostVaries (approx. $150–$200)
For business activities; requires invitation letter.
Employment Visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostVaries (approx. $200)
Requires employment offer from Indian company.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostVaries (approx. $150)
For study at recognized Indian institutions.
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (Tourist) – 30 daysFor short tourist visits; double entry. | $25 |
| e-Visa (Tourist) – 1 yearMultiple entries; each stay up to 90 days. | $40 |
| e-Visa (Tourist) – 5 yearsMultiple entries; each stay up to 90 days. | $80 |
| e-Visa (Business) – 1 yearMultiple entries; each stay up to 180 days. | $80 |
| e-Visa (Medical) – 60 daysTriple entry; for medical treatment. | $80 |
| e-Visa (Conference) – 30 daysSingle entry; for attending conferences. | $80 |
| Visa extension (Tourist)Rarely granted; apply at FRRO in India. | Varies |
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
Bahraini citizens do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you wish to leave the airport or have a connecting flight that requires passing through immigration, you must obtain a regular visa or e-Visa before travel.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area, no visa is required.
- If you need to enter India (e.g., to change airports or for a long layover), you must have a valid visa.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
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 = 95.39 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.