Bahrain entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Simply arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and proceed to the visa counter before immigration. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The visa costs BHD 5–10 (around $13–$27) and is valid for up to 14 days. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply online | 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 at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. Immigration may ask for it at the visa on arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for stay | Have at least BHD 50 (around $130) in cash or a credit card to show you can cover your expenses. Immigration rarely asks, but it is safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bahrain requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry — no exceptions. Check your passport now.
Visa on arrival is only at the airport
This facility is only available at Bahrain International Airport. If you arrive by land (e.g., via the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia), you must have a visa arranged beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bahrain International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before the immigration booths.
2
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — expect to pay the fee (around 5–10 BHD, depending on duration).
3
Receive your visa stamp
The visa is stamped into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to immigration.
4
Clear immigration and collect luggage
Show your passport with the visa stamp to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying). Answer clearly. Then head to baggage claim.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 date
Cost~40 BHD (~106 USD)
Apply at Bahrain embassy or eVisa portal before travel. Allows longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~80 BHD (~212 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-Stay Visa (Work/Residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor-based)
Requires employer or family sponsor in Bahrain. Not for tourism.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Residence)
1 year, renewable
~100 BHD (~265 USD) plus sponsor fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires employer sponsorship and medical tests. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
~500 BHD (~1,325 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing in Bahrain (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment varies. Provides residency and work rights.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
~1,000 BHD (~2,650 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of financial stability and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine (per day)Applies after visa expiry; no maximum cap mentioned, but avoid overstay. | 10 BHD (~$26.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not standard for VoA; contact NPRA for special cases. | Unknown |
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
Icelandic passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer stops, a visa on arrival may be obtained.
Airside transitAllowed
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, as per International Health Regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)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 or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate 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 and Passports Directorate (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area, Manama
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa copy, and any supporting documents.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issuance and immediate immigration queries. Limited services for extensions.
Practical information for IS 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 short stay. Have cash in local currency or a credit card ready — some counters may not accept all cards.
The standard visa on arrival allows up to 14 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) before your visa expires. The extension fee is around 10 BHD for an additional 14 days.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
If you're staying airside and your layover is under 24 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bahrain International Airport. If you're arriving by land from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, you'll need to arrange a visa in advance.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your first night's hotel booking. Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.