Bahrain entry requirements for Russia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Russian 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 pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Visa on arrival
Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 14 days. Processing takes 1-3 business days, and you'll receive the visa by email — print a copy to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bahrain
Your Russian passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date you plan to leave Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport enforce it strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa-on-arrival entry
Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping your passport.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to show at immigration
Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Bahrain. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having a printed reservation speeds things up.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to show at immigration
Have access to at least 200 BHD (approx. 530 USD) in cash or on a card for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's safer to have a bank statement or credit card ready.Recommended
Visa on arrival only at the airport
If you're entering Bahrain by land (via the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia) or by sea, you cannot get a visa on arrival. You'll need a pre-arranged e-visa or a visa from a Bahraini embassy.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While some counters accept cards, it's safer to have Bahraini dinars in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first. Exchange a small amount at your departure airport or bring USD/EUR to exchange at BAH.

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 separate from the main immigration 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
Pay the fee in cash (BHD) or by credit/debit card. Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Get your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will affix a visa sticker in your passport. Then head to the immigration counter for the final entry stamp. Total time from landing to exit: usually 20–40 minutes.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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 10 (~$26 USD)

Apply online before travel; allows one entry.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 90 days total
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)

Good for multiple visits within validity.

Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored, ~BHD 100-200)

Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Labour Market Regulatory Authority.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of study, renewable
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~BHD 50 (~$132 USD)

Requires admission to a recognized educational institution.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 100-200 (~$263-526 USD) employer-sponsored
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 50 (~$132 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires proof of admission, financial support, and health insurance.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident Visa)
5 years, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,316 USD) initial fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum BHD 1,000/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without employment.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
5 years, renewable
~BHD 1,000 (~$2,632 USD) initial fee
For investors who establish a business or invest a minimum of BHD 50,000 in Bahrain. Includes residency for family members.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable once for 14 days at BHD 5.BHD 5 (~$13 USD)
Stay extension (14 days)Apply at NPRA office before current visa expires.BHD 5 (~$13 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned officially; fines accumulate daily.BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per day
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available online via Bahrain eVisa system, valid for 30 days.BHD 10 (~$26 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 30 days per visit.BHD 20 (~$53 USD)

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

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

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 heat exhaustion or 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) - Main Office
Road 404, Building 34, Block 304, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and residency matters. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration Office
Bahrain International Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7

For visa-on-arrival issues and immediate assistance upon arrival.

Practical information for RU 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 22
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 typically allows a stay of up to 14 days. You can extend it once for another 14 days at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. The extension costs around 10 BHD.
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 14 days. Visit the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) with your passport and the extension fee (about 10 BHD). The process takes about 30 minutes.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Bahrain immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
No — the visa on arrival is only available at Bahrain International Airport (BAH). If you're arriving by land from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, you need a pre-arranged e-visa or a visa from a Bahraini embassy.
Yes, it's available to all Russian citizens with a valid passport. There are no restrictions based on age or gender.
No — the visa on arrival is processed entirely at the airport. You don't need to submit anything online in advance.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.