Bahrain entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Hong Kong passport holders can get a 14-day visa on arrival in Bahrain at the airport, land borders, or seaports. This has been available since 2025 and the process is quick.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 14-day visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for BHD 5 (about $13 USD). Pay in cash (Bahraini dinar, US dollars, or euros) — cards are not accepted at the visa counter. You can extend it once at the NPRA office for another 14 days for BHD 10.Check eVisa options | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date. Bahrain immigration enforces this strictly — I've seen people turned away at the visa counter for having less than 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You need a confirmed onward or return ticket within 14 days. The airline checks this at check-in, and immigration may ask for it at the visa counter. No ticket = no visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Immigration rarely asks for it, but the airline might at check-in. A simple booking.com reservation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least BHD 100 (about $265 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is for 14 days only
The visa on arrival gives you exactly 14 days. It cannot be extended. If you need more time, apply for an eVisa or a sponsored visa before you travel.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bahrain requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. The counters are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee (5 BHD for a 14-day visa) by cash or card. The officer will process and issue the visa sticker.
3
Proceed to Passport Control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask for it.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
CostBHD 10 (~$26 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal. Requires hotel booking and return ticket.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 14 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must have valid passport and proof of funds.
Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostBHD 50 (~$132 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain (e.g., hotel, company). Not available for all nationalities.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For Hong Kong nationals with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract. Allows multiple entries and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 500 (~$1,325 USD) plus investment minimum
For entrepreneurs investing at least BHD 20,000 in a Bahraini business. Includes residency and work rights. Requires business registration and financial proof.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
BHD 1,000 (~$2,650 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly pension of at least BHD 1,000. Allows stay without work. Requires health insurance and local bank account.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 100 (~$265 USD) plus university fees
For Hong Kong students enrolled in a Bahraini university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at Bahrain International Airport upon arrival. Valid for 14 days. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available for eligible nationalities, including Hong Kong. Valid for 30 days. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible at NPRA offices before visa expiry. Subject to approval. | BHD 20 (~$53 USD) for 14-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Hong Kong passport holders can transit through Bahrain without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets within 12 hours do not need a visa.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures (up to 50°C) 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
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) - Main Office
Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Manama
NPRA - Airport Branch
Bahrain International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
Handles visa-on-arrival issues and emergency extensions for departing travellers.
Practical information for HK 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 14-day visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (about 13 USD). You can pay in cash (Bahraini dinars or major currencies) or by credit card. Longer visas are available but cost more.
No, the 14-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel, such as an eVisa or a sponsored visa.
The same visa on arrival is available at the King Fahd Causeway border crossing. The process is identical — just present your passport and documents at the immigration counter.
No, a digital copy on your phone is fine. Show the confirmation email or app booking at the visa counter. Having the address clearly visible helps speed things up.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers tourism and short business visits. For longer work assignments or employment, you need a work visa arranged by your employer beforehand.
No, it's not officially required. However, medical costs in Bahrain can be high, so it's strongly recommended. Some travelers have been asked to show proof of insurance, though this is rare.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.