Bahrain entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zimbabwean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain in 2026. You apply online before traveling, and the approved visa arrives by email. No embassy visit is needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Zimbabwe passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. Apply at the official Bahrain eVisa portal — processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the airport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bahrain. Airlines at Harare and Johannesburg check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Bahrain, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Bahrain immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready at the counter.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain ready. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Officers rarely ask for bank statements, but carry a recent printout or a credit card statement showing available balance. 500 BHD (~$1,300 USD) is a safe amount to show for a short trip.Recommended
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bahrain. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to www.evisa.gov.bh, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around 30–40 BHD depending on visa type) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Check your email (and spam folder) for the approved eVisa PDF. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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; must apply online before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)

Ideal for multiple visits within validity period.

Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)

Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; allows long-term stay.

Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (institution-sponsored)

For enrollment in recognized educational institutions in Bahrain.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term residence and family sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
Varies (institution-sponsored)
For international students enrolled at a recognized university or institute in Bahrain. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) initial fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum BHD 1,000/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
5 years, renewable
BHD 1,000 (~$2,652 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least BHD 50,000 in a Bahraini business or real estate. Includes family sponsorship and multiple entry.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for up to 30 days.BHD 9 (~$24 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 3 months, max stay 30 days per entry.BHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans.BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day
Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are generally not allowed for eVisa; check with NPRA for exceptions.BHD 20 (~$53 USD) per extension

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Zimbabwe 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
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 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
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1901, Block 319, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Main office for visa extensions, residency permits, and inquiries. Bring all original documents.

Muharraq
NPRA – Muharraq Branch
Near Bahrain International Airport, Road 2403
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30

Convenient for airport arrivals; handles visa issues and residency.

Practical information for ZW 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 Jun 3
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

No. Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Typically 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is www.evisa.gov.bh.
The fee varies by visa type — usually between 30 and 40 BHD (about 80–105 USD). You pay online by credit card.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for exact validity. Extensions are not available for this visa type.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
You must renew your passport before applying. Bahrain requires at least 6 months of validity from your entry date.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.