Bahrain entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard process for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal. Most nationalities get approved within 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding. | 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 ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BHD (~$1,325 USD) for short stays. Not always asked, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you fly.
Visa on arrival is for tourism and short business
This visa is intended for short stays (up to 14 days). If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present your documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around 5–10 BHD (about $13–$27 USD) for a 14-day visa. Cash (Bahraini Dinar) or credit card is accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will affix a visa sticker to a blank page in your passport. Then proceed to the immigration counter for entry stamping.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration is required.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 14 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 10 (~$27 USD)
Apply online or at Bahrain embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visit visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 30 (~$80 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
~BHD 100 (~$265 USD) plus fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment
For investors who establish a business or invest in Bahrain. Requires minimum investment of BHD 20,000.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus fees
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)For stays up to 14 days, extendable once. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)For multiple entries within 3 months. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor one-time extension of up to 14 days. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Bahrain
No transit visa needed
Chinese passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food; ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manama
Bahrain Immigration Office (Directorate of Immigration)
Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Manama
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
For visa extensions and inquiries; bring passport and visa copy.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and entry permits.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalManama
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBahraini Dinar (BHD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.38 BHD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (British 3-pin rectangular)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is heavily chlorinated and not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically 5–10 BHD (about $13–$27 USD) for a 14-day visa. Payment can be made in cash (Bahraini Dinar) or by credit card at the airport counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Bahrain immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, screenshots or emails saved on your phone are accepted. But having a printed copy as backup is never a bad idea.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. However, medical costs in Bahrain are high, so it's strongly recommended to have coverage.
Immigration may deny you entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.