Getting a Visa for The Kingdom of Bahrain
It is a simple and hassle-free procedure for getting a visa to enter the Kingdom of Bahrain. The visa can be issued within 72 hours if all documents are in order. Visas are also issued within a day in case of emergencies. The authority responsible for issuing visas to foreigners is the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residence.
GCC National and Visa on Arrival
For entering Baharain, visa requirements vary between different nationalities and regulations must be checked before traveling. Every nationality except citizens of GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia) and visitors who have been resident in the GCC for a minimum of six months, and who possess a return visa for the country of GCC residency entering Bahrain needs a visa. The European Community Citizens, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan or Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and South Korea can receive visas on arrival. Fee for the initial grant is required on all visas, and then for subsequent extensions (if any extension is permitted).
Other Nationalities
For all other nationalities, Visa must be applied from their respective embassies or through a local sponsor or local agent or hotel before entering the country. There are two types of visas for tourists which are Visit Visas and Transit Visas and they are issued depending on the period of stay. People who are sponsored by a company are issued a Visit visa. The validity of the visit visa is two months from the date of arrival and can be renewed for one more month. Individuals can get a transit visa at the request of any licensed company such as hotels or trading companies who hold an authorization for applying for this visa. The validity of the transit visa is 14 days and can be renewed according to each individual case.
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