Bahrain entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Simply show up at the airport with a valid passport and you'll be issued a 14-day visa at immigration. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Bahrain offers visa on arrival for Dutch passport holders at Bahrain International Airport. You can also apply for an eVisa online before travel to save time at the border. The eVisa costs around 40 BHD and is valid for 30 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A printed copy is safest, but a phone screenshot works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers can ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 100 BHD per day) to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The whole process at Bahrain International Airport takes about 10–15 minutes. No need to queue for an e-visa or embassy visit. Just arrive with the right documents and you're good.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Don't risk it — if your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you'll be turned away at the border. Renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present documents at visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — expect to wait 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa costs around 5 BHD (about €12) and is payable in cash (Bahraini dinars) or by credit card. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will stick a visa in your passport and stamp it. Then head to the immigration counters for entry — show your passport with the new visa.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No declaration form needed for most travellers.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal; faster processing than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visit visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; apply through sponsor or online.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
BHD 100–200 (~$265–530 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and labour ministry approval. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment capital
For individuals investing in Bahraini businesses or real estate (minimum investment ~BHD 50,000). Includes residency for family.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
BHD 1,000 (~$2,652 USD) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum ~BHD 2,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at accredited Bahraini institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable once for 14 days at BHD 5. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days stay, extendable once for 30 days at BHD 12. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 14 days)Available for single-entry VoA; apply at NPRA office before expiry. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap; fines accumulate daily until departure. | 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
Netherlands passport holders can transit through Bahrain without a visa for up to 24 hours if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
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 and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and untreated water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
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 & Residence Affairs (NPRA) – Main Office
Building 55, Road 1901, Block 319, Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Manama
NPRA – Airport Office
Bahrain International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
For urgent visa issues on arrival or departure; limited services.
Practical information for NL 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. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. Extensions cost around 10 BHD and can add up to 14 more days.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 14 additional days. Visit the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) with your passport and the extension fee (approximately 10 BHD). Processing takes 1–2 working days.
You will likely be denied entry. Bahrain strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before travelling.
If you're staying airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you don't need a visa. For longer layovers or if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a transit visa or a visa on arrival.
Yes, the King Fahd Causeway connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. Dutch passport holders can get a visa on arrival at the causeway border checkpoint. The same requirements apply — valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
Yes, the visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (about €12). Payable in cash (Bahraini dinars) or by credit card at the airport counter. Keep small bills to avoid change issues.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.