New Zealand 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 New Zealand in 2026 — there's no visa on arrival or visa waiver. You'll need to apply for a visitor visa online before you travel, and processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand eVisitor visa (NZeTA)You must get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Bahraini passport holders must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before boarding a flight to New Zealand. The application is completed online and is valid for multiple visits over 2 years. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's too close, renew it before applying for the NZeTA. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your Bahraini passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean page for immigration to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked flight out of New Zealand helps show you plan to leave before your visa expires. Proof of onward travel | Immigration may ask to see evidence of a return or onward ticket to a country you have the right to enter. It is strongly recommended to have this ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry evidence of funds (e.g., bank statements) in case an officer asks – it's not always required but helps. Financial evidence | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your stay and departure. No fixed amount is specified, but having bank statements or cash is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou'll need to fill this out online just before you fly – it replaces paper arrival cards. New Zealand Traveller Declaration | All travellers must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arriving. This is done online within 24 hours before departure. | Required |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 20–30 days or longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
e-Visa is digital
Your approved visa will be linked electronically to your passport. You don't need a physical sticker. Print a copy or save it on your phone as backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the online visitor visa application. You'll need to upload your passport copy, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and accommodation details. Pay the fee (around NZD 246). Processing takes 20–30 days on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
After submitting, Immigration New Zealand will review your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Once approved, you'll receive an electronic visa linked to your passport.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book your flights and first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of your visa, return ticket, and booking confirmations on your phone.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At passport control, present your passport (with the e-visa). The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. Have your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready. You'll receive a visitor visa stamp allowing up to 3 months stay.
Download New Zealand 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:
Business Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUsually single entry, valid for up to 12 months
CostNZD 341
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Must not work for a New Zealand employer.
Work Visa (e.g., Essential Skills, Accredited Employer)
Max stayUp to 5 years (depending on job offer)
ValidityVaries by visa type
CostNZD 750 (base fee)
Requires a job offer from an accredited employer and meeting skill/qualification criteria.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 4 years)
ValidityValid for course length
CostNZD 375
Requires acceptance into an approved educational institution and proof of funds.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,640)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on New Zealand's skill shortage list. Requires points-based assessment and good English.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Pathway)
Up to 5 years
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work and can lead to post-study work visa.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency after 3 years)
NZD 5,000 (~USD 3,080)
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand over 3 years. No age or English requirement.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,000 (~USD 1,850)
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens aged 66+ with a guaranteed income and investment of NZD 1 million.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) – required for transit and short visitsMandatory for all travellers, including transit passengers, unless exempt. | NZD 17 (mobile app) or NZD 23 (web) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid as part of the NZeTA application. | NZD 35 |
| Visitor Visa (standard online application)For stays longer than 90 days or if you don't qualify for NZeTA. Processing time varies. | NZD 341 |
| Visa application service fee (if applying via Visa Application Centre)Additional fee charged by the VAC, not Immigration New Zealand. | Varies by location |
| Extension of Visitor VisaApply online before your current visa expires. Must meet requirements. | NZD 341 |
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 New Zealand
Transit visa required
Bahraini passport holders transiting through New Zealand must obtain an NZeTA before boarding, even if staying airside. The NZeTA is valid for transit and short visits.
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of visa-waiver countries are exempt from NZeTA for transit, but Bahrain is not on that list.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or permanent resident visa are exempt.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Wellington Airport (WLG) · Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; risk is higher in rural and forested regions during summer.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene standards are high.
Sun exposureModerate risk
High UV levels year-round; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 46 Sale Street, Auckland 1010
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries. Book an appointment online.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.76 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Bahrain is not on the visa waiver list, so you must apply for a visitor visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival.
Processing usually takes 20–30 days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel date.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZD 246 (approximately BHD 60). This is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
No, visitor visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you wish to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa type, such as a work or student visa.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a return ticket. You may also need a letter from your employer if you're employed.
No, it's not a legal requirement for a visitor visa. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in New Zealand are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars.
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. You can only engage in tourism, visiting family, or short-term study (up to 3 months).
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.