Bahrain entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for MG passports. This requirement is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Required before travel
Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal before you fly. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 14 days. Processing takes 3–5 working days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
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, and immigration at Bahrain International Airport enforces it strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Bahrain can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Boarding without an eVisa may result in being denied boarding by the airline.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Bahrain. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Bahrain eVisa website (evisa.gov.bh). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents before departure
Make sure you have: passport valid 6+ months, printed eVisa (or digital copy), return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep a screenshot of your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone for quick access.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (not 'GCC Nationals'). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall — taxis and ride-hailing apps are available.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 9 (~$24 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism, non-extendable.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity90 days from issue
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)

Allows multiple entries within validity, each stay up to 30 days.

Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)

Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship in Bahrain.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (institution-sponsored)

For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Bahrain.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment amount)
For individuals investing in Bahrain's economy, such as through business setup or real estate. Minimum investment thresholds apply.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days.BHD 9 (~$24 USD)
eVisa fee (multiple entry)For multiple entries within 90 days, max stay 30 days per visit.BHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay, no cap mentioned.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

Madagascar passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid visas for Bahrain, GCC countries, US, UK, or Schengen 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 or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
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 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
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (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 supporting documents.

Riffa
NPRA Riffa Branch
Riffa Police Complex, Building 123, Road 456
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Alternative location for residents in southern Bahrain.

Practical information for MG 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
updated May 31
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
Police999
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The standard single-entry eVisa costs around 9 BHD (about 24 USD). Fees can change, so check the official portal at evisa.gov.bh for the exact amount when you apply.
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. If you apply on a Friday (the weekend in Bahrain), it may not start processing until Sunday.
No, the eVisa for Madagascar passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
It's not officially required, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card available if asked. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's better to be prepared.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. If you're unsure, contact the Bahrain embassy or consulate before reapplying.
No, that rule doesn't apply to Madagascar passport holders. You still need an eVisa regardless of other Gulf residence permits.
If you're staying airside and your layover is less than 12 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the eVisa. Check with your airline for transit-specific rules.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.