Bahrain entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain in 2026. The application is entirely online and takes a few minutes to complete. Once approved, you'll receive a PDF to show at immigration in Manama.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders must apply for a Bahrain eVisa online before departure. Use the official Bahrain eVisa portal — processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Print the approved eVisa and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your South African passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your intended departure date from Bahrain. Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Bahrain immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket before they let you through. Airlines at OR Tambo and other departure airports will also check this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmation or the host's contact details handy. This is not always checked, but better to have it ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — bank statements or a credit card — to cover your expenses in Bahrain. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you have at least 500 BHD (approx. 1,300 USD) for a short visit. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bahrain, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.gov.bh, fill in your passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee (around 30 BHD, ~$80 USD). Processing takes 1–3 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval by email.
2
Print your eVisa and pack supporting documents
Print a copy of the eVisa approval. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder or on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–3 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and ride-hailing apps are available.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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 purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year or more
ValidityDepends on sponsor
CostVaries (sponsor pays)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Sponsored by employer
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable
Sponsored by educational institution
For international students enrolled at a recognised university in Bahrain. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Requires proof of pension or assets and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders applying online. | BHD 9 (~$24 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BHD 15 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1901, Block 319, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Riffa
Riffa Immigration Office
Riffa, near Riffa Palace
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa services for southern Bahrain.
Practical information for ZA 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
Most applications are processed within 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval PDF by email.
The eVisa fee is around 30 BHD (about $80 USD). Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need more time, you'd need to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, you must show a return or onward ticket at immigration. Without one, you may be denied entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Bahrain immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No, South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bahrain are high, and insurance covers you for accidents, illness, and trip disruptions.
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.