Netherlands 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 the Netherlands. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Dutch embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (short-stay) | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Netherlands embassy or consulate in Bahrain. The visa allows travel across all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no earlier than 6 months out.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire Schengen stay — check your passport's expiry date before booking flights. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration at Schiphol Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Airlines also check this before boarding in Bahrain. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in the Netherlands. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €55 per day of your stay in the Netherlands. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works. Immigration rarely asks for this, but have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Visa appointment slots at the Dutch embassy in Manama can be booked weeks in advance, especially during summer. Book your appointment as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.
Schengen visa covers multiple countries
A Dutch Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days. You don't need separate visas for each country.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and the completed visa application form.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Bahrain, or at the VFS Global visa application centre in Manama. Slots fill up fast — book at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
3
Submit your application
Attend your appointment in person. Submit your documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee. The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak season. You'll be notified when your passport is ready for collection.
5
Travel and enter the Netherlands
At the border, present your passport with the visa sticker. Be ready to show your return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of funds if asked.
Download Netherlands 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 within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For single entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same 90/180 rule applies.
Long-stay visa (MVV)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€210 (~$229 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Requires minimum salary threshold and employer sponsorship.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (MVV)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Dutch educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
€210 (~$229 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least €1,250,000 in the Netherlands. Must meet strict criteria and provide business plan.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine may apply; overstay can lead to entry ban. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
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 Netherlands
No transit visa needed
Bahrain holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Dutch airports if staying within the international transit area and not entering Schengen.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) · Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) · Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
Health & vaccines for Netherlands
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in wooded areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in forests; use repellent and check for ticks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
The Hague
Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) Headquarters
Rijswijkseplein 730, 2516 EX The Hague
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit applications.
Amsterdam
IND Amsterdam
Stadhouderskade 85, 1073 AT Amsterdam
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAmsterdam
LanguageDutch
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 185 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Among the best tap water in Europe.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Netherlands — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
If you are transiting through a Dutch airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area or your layover is overnight, you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before booking.
A standard Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. You cannot extend this visa beyond 90 days unless you have exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency).
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days from the date of application. During peak season (summer), it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your planned travel.
You must apply in the country where you are legally resident. If you are a Bahraini citizen living in Bahrain, you apply there. If you are a Bahraini citizen living in another country, you apply at the Dutch embassy in that country.
You will receive a formal rejection letter explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by submitting a written appeal to the Dutch embassy. Alternatively, you can reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to your home country.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required every 5 years. If you have provided them within the last 5 years for a Schengen visa, you may not need to do it again. However, the embassy may still request it.
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.