Bahrain entry requirements for Colombia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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

Colombian 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 entry method for short visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Colombian passport holders can apply for a Bahrain eVisa online at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the eVisa approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration at Bahrain International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash/credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared.Recommended
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is smooth and well-organized. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is critical
Bahrain strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport now and renew if needed.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee (cash or card). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration counters. Show your passport and visa. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 14 days.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBHD 20 (approx. USD 53)

Apply online or at Bahrain embassy. Requires hotel booking and return ticket.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBHD 40 (approx. USD 106)

Ideal for frequent visitors. Must have valid passport and proof of accommodation.

Long-Stay Visa (Work/Residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries with employment contract
CostBHD 100–200 (approx. USD 265–530)

Requires employer sponsorship and medical tests. Not for tourism.

work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
BHD 100–200 (approx. USD 265–530) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires sponsorship, medical tests, and a valid contract. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
BHD 500+ (approx. USD 1,325+) plus investment
For individuals investing in Bahrain (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment and financial solvency. Offers long-term residency.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 200 (approx. USD 530) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with a stable pension or income. Requires health insurance and a local sponsor. Allows residency but not work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on ArrivalColombian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes at Bahrain International Airport.Free (for eligible nationalities, including Colombia)
Overstay FineOverstay fines accrue daily; no maximum cap mentioned, but prompt payment is advised.BHD 10 per day (approx. USD 26.50 per day)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Colombian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if they remain in the airside transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence 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 (e.g., parts of South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk

Bahrain has extreme summer temperatures; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Respiratory infectionsLow risk

Air pollution and dust can aggravate respiratory conditions; mask use may help.

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 and Passports Directorate
Building 100, Road 1901, Block 319, Manama
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.

Riffa
Riffa Immigration Office
Riffa, Bahrain
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Handles visa extensions and residency permits for southern Bahrain.

Practical information for CO 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
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is valid for 14 days. You can extend it once for another 14 days by visiting the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. The extension costs around 10 BHD.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 14 days. Go to the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) with your passport and the extension fee (about 10 BHD). Processing usually takes a few hours.
For stays longer than 28 days, you need to apply for a different visa type before travel, such as a tourist eVisa or a visit visa sponsored by a hotel or travel agency. The visa on arrival is not extendable beyond 28 days total.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia) and at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port (cruise terminal). The same requirements and fees apply.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling to Bahrain.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Working requires a work visa sponsored by an employer in Bahrain.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.