Bahrain entry requirements for Norway 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

Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport and you'll be issued a 14-day visa at immigration. This has been the policy since 2025.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers may ask for it at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but it helps if asked.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is smooth and fast. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in under 15 minutes. No need to queue at a separate visa office.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present your documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa — takes about 5-10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (about 13 USD) for a 14-day stay. Pay in cash (Bahraini dinars) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped and proceed to immigration
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Then go to the immigration queue, show your passport, and you're through.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)

Apply online before travel; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)

Good for multiple visits within validity.

Long-stay visa (family visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)

Requires sponsor in Bahrain.

work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Employer sponsors the visa. Allows long-term residence and work.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,330 USD) plus investment
For investors who set up a business or invest a minimum amount in Bahrain. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~BHD 300 (~$800 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient pension or savings. Requires health insurance and proof of accommodation.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable.BHD 5 (~$13 USD)
Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 3 months, max stay 14 days per visit.BHD 12 (~$32 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstaying.BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day
Stay extension (per month)Extension possible for up to 3 months via NPRA.BHD 30 (~$80 USD) per month

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

Norway passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Heat-related illnessModerate risk

Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Tap water is generally safe, but stick to bottled water in rural areas.

Respiratory infectionsLow risk

Air quality can be poor due to dust; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.

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 & Residence)
Road 1901, Building 55, Block 319, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Handles visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.

Riffa
Riffa Immigration Office
Building 123, Road 1234, Block 123
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Less crowded than Manama; good for extensions.

Practical information for NO 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 19
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 visa on arrival for Norwegian passport holders costs 5 BHD (about 13 USD). You can pay in cash (Bahraini dinars) or by credit card at the counter.
The visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 14 days. It is not extendable — if you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need more than 14 days, apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Bahrain eVisa system.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia) and at Bahrain's seaports. Same requirements and fee apply.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Bahraini immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.

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.