Bahrain entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain, valid for 14 days. You can get it at Bahrain International Airport when you land, so no need to apply in advance. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaOfficial portal: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get this visa when you land, no need to apply in advance. For US citizens | US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The visa is valid for 14 days and costs BHD 5 (approx. USD 13). It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival. Minimum 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bahrain. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa stamp needs a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Bahrain within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry a credit card or some cash in case they ask. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Bahrain. A credit card or cash is usually acceptable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Bahrain. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationIf you want to skip the line, you can apply online, but it's not necessary. Optional alternative | You may apply for an e-visa in advance through the official Bahrain e-visa portal if you prefer to have the visa before travel. However, visa on arrival is available and simpler. | Optional |
Visa on arrival is quick, but have cash ready
The visa on arrival process at Bahrain International Airport is straightforward, but paying in cash (BHD or USD) speeds things up. Credit card processing can be slower if the machine is down.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Bahrain strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of arrival, you'll be turned away. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The visa office is near the immigration counters.
2
Present your passport and pay the fee
Hand over your US passport and pay the visa fee (around 5 BHD). The officer will issue a 14-day visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration control
With the visa stamp, go to the immigration counter. Answer any questions about your stay, show your return ticket if asked, and you're through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and head through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostBHD 5 (approx. $13)
Apply online before travel; may be faster than on-arrival.
e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostBHD 10 (approx. $27)
For longer stays; apply online.
Multiple-entry visa (90 days)
Max stay90 days total
Validity1 year
CostBHD 20 (approx. $53)
For frequent travelers; apply at GDNPR or online.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings of at least BHD 1,000/month. Allows residency without work; requires health insurance.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
BHD 300 (~$795 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Employer handles application; includes residency permit. Valid for 2 years initially.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 500 (~$1,325 USD) plus investment
For investors who invest at least BHD 50,000 in a Bahraini business or real estate. Includes residency for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Available at Bahrain International Airport and other entry points. | BHD 5 (approx. $13) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; must be requested at the airport. | BHD 10 (approx. $27) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extensions can be applied for at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) in Manama. | BHD 10 (approx. $27) |
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
US citizens transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free for 14 days) or an e-Visa.
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 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 and Passports Directorate
Building 55, Road 1901, Block 319, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, visa copy, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Airport Road
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; handles visa on arrival issues and extensions.
Practical information for US 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. It's not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa before your trip.
It costs about 5 BHD, which is roughly $13 USD. You can pay in cash (Bahraini Dinar or US dollars) or by credit card at the airport.
The visa on arrival is available at Bahrain International Airport. If you arrive by land via the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia, you can also get it at the border, but the process may be slower. For sea ports, check with the ferry operator.
It's not a strict requirement, but immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. Having a return or onward ticket ready avoids any issues.
No, the 14-day visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit Bahrain and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your trip.
Yes, US passport holders are eligible for this visa on arrival. Other nationalities may have different requirements, so check with the Bahraini embassy if you're not sure.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Bahraini immigration. Renew your passport before your trip — it's not worth the risk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.