Bahrain entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. The process is entirely online and you must apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. Apply at the official Bahrain eVisa portal — processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Print the approved eVisa and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bahrain. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bahraini law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bahrain | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Officers may ask for it, especially if you're staying at a private address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card balance | Have a bank statement or credit card showing enough funds for your stay. Around 100 BHD per day is a safe benchmark — officers rarely ask but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders
You cannot get a visa when you land. You must apply and receive approval for the eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this before letting you board.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Bahrain, not from when you apply for the eVisa. Double-check your passport's expiry date before starting the application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.gov.bh and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a passport-style photo and pay the fee (around 30-50 BHD depending on processing speed). Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with the eVisa document. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
Head to the immigration counters for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if you have nothing to declare). You're now free to enter Bahrain.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay2 weeks, extendable
Validity1 month from issue
CostBHD 9 (~$24 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay2 weeks per entry, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Good for multiple short trips.
Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (institution-sponsored)
Requires admission to a Bahraini educational institution.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (investment-based)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Bahrain (e.g., real estate or business). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders applying online. | BHD 9 (~$24 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, typically issued for 2 weeks. | BHD 9 (~$24 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BHD 15 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstay. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if they remain 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For entry/exit issues and transit visa queries.
Practical information for ET 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
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. You can pay extra for express processing (24-48 hours) if you're in a hurry. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa for Ethiopian passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and reapply.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no formal appeal process — just submit a new application.
If you're staying airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa. Check with your airline to confirm transit rules.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to another country is mandatory. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
No mandatory vaccinations for Ethiopian passport holders. But it's a good idea to be up to date on routine vaccines like MMR and tetanus. No yellow fever vaccine is required unless you're coming from an endemic country.
It's not checked at immigration for Ethiopian passport holders, but it's strongly recommended. A hospital stay in Bahrain can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.