Bahrain entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain in 2026. Apply online before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few days. The eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. Apply at the official Bahrain eVisa portal at least a few days before your flight. The application asks for a scanned passport page, a passport photo, and your flight details.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Bahrain. Bahrain does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but your airline may ask for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave before your eVisa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you are staying. A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it can help if questioned. | Recommended |
Overstay fines are steep
You'll be charged BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day for every day over your eVisa's validity. There's no cap, so a few days can cost you hundreds. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Transit without a visa
If you're just passing through Bahrain International Airport and staying airside with a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours, you don't need a visa. Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visas get up to 72 hours.
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Kenya (or any country with yellow fever risk), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you could be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.gov.bh and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo (white background, 35x45mm). Pay the fee (BHD 9 for single entry, ~$24 USD). You'll receive the eVisa by email within 1-3 business days — print a copy and save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, double-check you have: your printed eVisa, passport (valid for your whole stay), return ticket confirmation, and hotel booking or host invitation. Also grab a bank statement or credit card as proof of funds. Keep everything in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
When you land, follow signs to immigration. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details — have them ready. The process usually takes 5-10 minutes. After that, collect your luggage and proceed to arrivals.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 9 (~$24 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must have confirmed accommodation and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 3 months.
Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored, typically BHD 100-200)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; allows long-term stay.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study, renewable
Validity1 year, renewable
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Bahrain.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored, ~BHD 100-200 (~$266-532 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid labour contract. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus tuition
For international students enrolled at a Bahraini university or institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~BHD 20,000 ~$53,000 USD)
For individuals investing in a Bahraini business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | BHD 9 (~$24 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months, each stay up to 30 days. | BHD 15 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the permitted stay; no maximum cap specified. | BHD 10 (~$27 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visa 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., Kenya). Must present a valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19RecommendedHepatitis BConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; 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 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 Office (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence)
Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring all original documents.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For entry/exit issues and visa-on-arrival queries; limited services.
Practical information for KE 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
Processing usually takes 1-3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is BHD 9 (~$24 USD) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
No — the tourist eVisa is non-extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply, or switch to a different visa type (like a work or student visa) before your current one expires.
You'll be fined BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day for each day over your permitted stay. There's no maximum cap, so it adds up fast. Avoid overstaying — it can also affect future visa applications.
No — if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours, you don't need a transit visa. If you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visa, you can transit without a visa for up to 72 hours.
Always have: your printed eVisa, passport (valid for your whole stay), return ticket confirmation, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter). A bank statement or credit card showing funds is also smart to have handy.
No — the tourist eVisa is strictly for tourism. Working without a proper work visa is illegal and can lead to deportation and fines. If you have a job offer, your employer must sponsor a work visa.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include insufficient funds, no return ticket, or incomplete documents. You can reapply with corrected information, but it's best to double-check all requirements before submitting. If you're unsure, contact the Bahrain embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.