United States 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 United States. As of 2026, the standard route is a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which you must get from a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — the process involves an online application, an interview, and usually takes a few weeks to a few months.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Start your application at the US Department of State visa portal. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Manama — wait times vary by visa category.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. US immigration does not require 6 months beyond your departure date, but your airline may enforce it — check with Gulf Air or your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital return ticket or onward itinerary ready. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their US address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers can ask for evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Carry recent bank statements or a credit card showing available credit. No specific minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Visa required — plan ahead
Bahraini passport holders cannot enter the U.S. without a visa. There is no visa waiver or ESTA option. Start the application at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date to account for interview wait times and processing.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in the U.S. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Immigration at the port of entry will check this.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160 form. Select Bahrain as your application location. After submission, print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Bahrain. Keep the receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system with your DS-160 barcode and fee receipt. Choose a date at the U.S. Embassy in Manama. Wait times vary — check the current calendar. Appointments are often available within 2-4 weeks.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, fee receipt, and any supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Bahrain, and travel history. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport from a pickup location or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry, present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your stay. They may also check your return ticket and accommodation. The visa allows entry for up to 90 days, but the officer decides the actual duration.
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Bahraini passport holders)
Cost$160 USD (~60 BHD)
For tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$160 USD (~60 BHD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
Student Visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (~60 BHD) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
Requires acceptance by a US educational institution.
Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityVaries by visa type
Cost$190–$460 USD (~70–175 BHD) plus fees
Requires employer sponsorship and petition approval.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190–$460 USD (~70–175 BHD) plus legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file a petition. Limited annual cap.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + 60 days grace
$160 USD (~60 BHD) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Optional Practical Training (OPT) available after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (~395,000 BHD) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
$205 USD (~77 BHD) plus legal fees
For nationals of treaty countries (Bahrain is a treaty country) who invest a substantial amount in a US business. No minimum investment amount, but must be significant. Allows spouse to work.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~60 BHD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Bahraini passport holders. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~60 BHD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~140 BHD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Bahraini passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid B1/B2 visa or are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1, H-1B) do not need a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with ESTA approval may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, Zika, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe food and water; practice good hygiene.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or ski resorts; ascend gradually.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person inquiries by appointment only; most extension applications are filed by mail.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required; bring all forms and supporting documents.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to passport collection — usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. Interview wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Manama vary by season. Check the current wait time on the embassy's appointment calendar before planning your trip.
Most applicants aged 14-79 must attend an interview. Children under 14 and adults over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver. Check with the embassy for eligibility.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The $185 fee is non-refundable. You can reapply at any time, but you should address the reason for denial — usually insufficient ties to Bahrain. There's no appeal process.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539. File it before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments, but approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying can affect future visa eligibility.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Bahrain is not a member). For airside transit, you generally need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. Check with the airline before booking.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation page, one 2x2 inch photo, fee receipt, and any supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and previous U.S. visas if any. Organize them in a clear folder.
No. B-1/B-2 visas are for business meetings, tourism, or medical treatment. You cannot accept employment or get paid by a U.S. company. If you need to work, apply for a work visa like H-1B or L-1.
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.