South Africa 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 South Africa. You must apply at a South African embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Bahraini nationals as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply online at the South African Department of Home Affairs visa portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport At least 2 blank pages | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. South Africa does not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines often enforce it — check with your carrier. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. Overstaying even a day can result in a fine and a ban. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask, but if you cannot show where you are staying, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay, or have a credit card with a sufficient limit. Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Bahraini passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for South Africa. You must apply at a South African embassy or consulate before you travel.
Embassy location
The South African Embassy in Bahrain is located in Manama. If there is no embassy, you may need to apply at the nearest South African mission (e.g., in Kuwait or Riyadh). Check the South African Department of Home Affairs website for the latest.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed BI-84 form, photos, bank statements, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and travel insurance. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Take your documents to the South African embassy or consulate in Bahrain (or the nearest one if there is no embassy in Bahrain). Pay the visa fee (around ZAR 1,500–2,000, roughly BHD 30–40). Processing takes 5–10 working days.
3
Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application. You may be called for an interview. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Travel to South Africa
At the airport in South Africa, go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation details. The immigration officer will stamp you in.
Download South Africa 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
Validity3 months from issue date
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD)
For extended stays, requires proof of funds and purpose.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
2 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 60+ with sufficient pension or assets. Requires proof of monthly income of at least ZAR 37,000 or equivalent.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ZAR 10,000 (~$555 USD). | ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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 South Africa
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
DengueLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: moderate
Prophylaxis recommended for travel to risk areas, especially Kruger National Park and northern provinces.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Sanddrift Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.25 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Bahraini nationals must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for South Africa as of 2026.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is approximately ZAR 1,500–2,000 (around BHD 30–40). Fees are subject to change, so check with the embassy before applying.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into South Africa. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Only if you are travelling from or through a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required unless you have a layover in an affected area.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at a VFS Global office or the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. Extensions are not guaranteed and must be applied for before your current visa expires.
Have your passport with the visa, your return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds ready. Keep them in your hand luggage.
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.