Bahrain entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain, valid for up to 14 days. This has been the case for several years and remains in place for 2026. You just need to show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | British passport holders get a 14-day visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. Cost is 5 BHD (~$13 USD) — pay in cash at the immigration counter. You can extend once for another 14 days at the NPRA office for 10 BHD.Check eVisa options | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival | Bahrain enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline. No exceptions at the border. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Budget airlines like Flydubai and Air Arabia check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. If staying with friends, have their name and address written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for expenses | Officers rarely ask, but having a credit card or 200 BHD (~$530 USD) in cash shows you can cover your stay. ATMs at the airport dispense Bahraini dinars. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Bahrain. If it expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport now, not the night before you fly.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is quick and well-organised. Just follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after landing. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After you land, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. These are clearly marked. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is 5 BHD (about £10) for a 14-day visa, payable by credit/debit card or cash (Bahraini dinars). Keep the receipt.
3
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stick a visa vignette into your passport. Check the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. You'll then be stamped in.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; requires hotel booking and return ticket.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must have valid passport and proof of funds.
Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostBHD 100 (~$265 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; suitable for longer visits.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum BHD 1,000/month). Allows residency without work. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer fees
Sponsored by a Bahraini employer. Requires valid job offer and labour ministry approval. Includes residency permit.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 1,000 (~$2,652 USD) per year
For investors with a minimum investment of BHD 50,000 in a Bahraini business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and local partner.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 100 (~$265 USD) per year
For full-time students enrolled at a recognised Bahraini institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 14 days. | Free (no fee for UK passport holders) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions can be applied at immigration offices; subject to approval. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap, but fines can accumulate quickly. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa for airside transit up to 24 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
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 products.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of travellers' diarrhoea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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 Directorate (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Airport Road
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; handles short-term extensions.
Practical information for GB 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 visa on arrival is valid for 14 days. It cannot be extended. If you need longer, you must apply for a visa in advance through the Bahrain eVisa system.
The fee is 5 BHD (about £10). You can pay by credit or debit card, or in cash (Bahraini dinars). Keep the receipt.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and at the King Fahd Causeway land border from Saudi Arabia. It is not available at seaports.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival or an eVisa.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity and 1 blank page), your return/onward ticket (printed or screenshot), and your accommodation booking confirmation. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.