Bahrain visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. Apply online in minutes and check the latest 2025 travel requirements, fees, and entry rules before your trip.
Valid up to 30 days, accepted at main Bahrain entry points.
Apply online in minutes, get approval by email.
If you’re planning to travel from the United States to Bahrain, you’ll need a valid visa before entering the country. Fortunately, the process is quick and fully online through the official Bahrain eVisa system. This article explains everything US citizens need to know about visa requirements, costs, validity, and entry rules. Whether visiting for tourism, business, or transit, applying in advance ensures a stress-free arrival and compliance with Bahrain’s travel regulations. Learn how to submit your eVisa application easily and what documents to prepare before departure.
Essential Information for US Citizens Traveling to Bahrain 🇺🇸
- ✅ Visa required for all US passport holders — available online (eVisa).
- 💰 Cost: around 35–45 USD, depending on visa type.
- 🕓 Processing time: typically 3–5 business days.
- 📅 Validity: eVisa valid for 90 days, stay up to 14 or 30 days.
- 🛬 Entry options: via Bahrain International Airport or King Fahd Causeway.
- 💡 Tip: Apply online before traveling — faster and safer than visa on arrival.
Many American travellers often ask, “Do US citizens need a visa for Bahrain?”
The answer is yes — all US passport holders must obtain a valid visa before entering the Kingdom of Bahrain. Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or family visits, the entry requirements apply to everyone, regardless of trip length.
The good news is that Bahrain has modernised its visa system, making the process entirely digital and simple for US citizens through the official Bahrain eVisa portal.
All US citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. There is no visa-free access for Americans, even for short stays or transit. The visa requirement applies whether you are travelling by air through Bahrain International Airport or by land via the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia.
US citizens can choose between an eVisa, available online before departure, or a visa on arrival issued at the border. However, the eVisa is strongly recommended for convenience and faster entry.
💡 Important: US travellers planning to stay longer than 30 days or to work in Bahrain must apply for a residency or employment permit through the local immigration office once inside the country.
The Bahrain tourist visa for US citizens is ideal for those visiting for leisure, short-term business, or family reasons.
For most American travellers, the eVisa is sufficient — it’s affordable, quick to obtain, and easy to manage online. Once approved, the visa remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry and stay of up to 30 days.
Bahrain provides several visa options tailored to each traveller’s needs.
For US citizens, the government’s eVisa system offers the easiest and fastest way to visit the country without visiting an embassy. You simply apply online, get approval by email, and present the printed document upon arrival.
The Bahrain eVisa is a 100 % online visa available to all American passport holders. It allows you to enter Bahrain for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
✅ Main features:
🧭 Step-by-step process for US citizens:
💡 Tip: Always verify your passport’s validity — it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Bahrain.
US citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival in Bahrain, available at:
The process involves filling out a short form, presenting your passport and travel itinerary, and paying the fee (around 35 USD) in cash or by card.
However, travellers should be aware that:
While this option remains convenient for last-minute travellers, most Americans choose the eVisa to avoid queues and ensure a faster entry experience.
For frequent business visitors or those needing to stay in Bahrain longer, the government also offers multiple-entry and long-term visas.
📅 Multiple-entry visas:
🏢 Residency or work permits:
US citizens relocating for employment or family reunification must obtain an employment visa or residence permit through their Bahraini sponsor or employer. The process is handled by the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) authority in Manama.
💡 Note: These longer visas require additional documentation such as an invitation letter, employment contract, or proof of financial stability.
Applying for a Bahrain eVisa is simple, secure, and entirely online. For US citizens, it’s the fastest way to obtain legal entry permission without visiting an embassy or waiting at the airport. The process only takes a few minutes, and your approved eVisa is delivered directly by email.
Here’s how travellers from the United States can complete the Bahrain visa application online:
🌐 Visit the official Bahrain eVisa website
Access the government’s official eVisa portal or a trusted private service to start your application.
🧾 Complete the online form
Enter your personal information, passport number, nationality, and intended travel dates. Make sure the details match your passport exactly.
📸 Upload your passport scan and a recent photo
The image must be clear, showing your full face and all passport details.
💳 Pay the visa fee online
The Bahrain visa cost for US citizens ranges from 35 to 45 USD, depending on visa type and duration. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card.
📧 Receive approval by email
The Bahrain eVisa for US citizens is usually processed within 3–5 business days. Once approved, print the confirmation or keep a digital copy on your phone for border inspection.
💡 Tip: Double-check all entered data. Any mismatch between your application and passport may delay or void your eVisa.
Before you apply for your Bahrain eVisa, prepare the following documents:
Having these ready helps speed up the process and prevents your application from being rejected or delayed.
For most American travellers, applying for the Bahrain eVisa online is the most efficient and reliable option available.
When planning your trip to Bahrain, understanding the visa cost and processing time helps you budget and prepare accordingly. Prices vary slightly depending on the type of visa and number of entries selected.
The official Bahrain eVisa fee for US citizens ranges from 35 USD to 45 USD. The final amount depends on the visa’s duration (14 days or 30 days) and entry type (single or multiple).
Here’s an overview:
| Visa type | Stay duration | Approx. cost (USD) | Entry type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 14 days | 35 USD | Single entry |
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days | 45 USD | Single entry |
| Business eVisa | Up to 30 days | 45 USD | Multiple entry (valid 1 year) |
Payment is made online at the time of application. Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Some third-party services may charge a small additional fee for assistance or data verification.
💡 Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Always verify your eligibility before applying.
Most Bahrain eVisas for US citizens are processed within 3 to 5 business days, though in many cases approval arrives sooner. During peak travel periods or holidays, processing may take slightly longer.
🕓 Tips for smoother processing:
Once issued, your Bahrain eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval, meaning you can enter anytime within that window.
US citizens can generally stay in Bahrain for 14 or 30 days, depending on the selected visa type. If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension through the Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs (NPRA) office in Manama before your visa expires.
Both the eVisa and visa on arrival options are available for US citizens. The difference lies mainly in convenience, speed, and preparation.
The Bahrain eVisa for US travellers offers several advantages over the on-arrival process:
💡 Ideal for: tourists, business travellers, and families who prefer organised travel and confirmed entry in advance.
The visa on arrival remains a valid alternative for American travellers who decide to visit Bahrain spontaneously or enter from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
To apply on arrival, you will need:
However, you should expect longer waiting times (30–60 minutes) and the possibility of occasional delays if passenger volumes are high.
🧭 Recommendation: Choose the eVisa whenever possible. It’s faster, reduces uncertainty, and ensures a smoother experience upon landing.
For most US citizens, the Bahrain eVisa is the best travel option — reliable, efficient, and fully digital. The visa on arrival is convenient for spontaneous trips, but planning ahead with an online application guarantees peace of mind.
Before travelling:
By completing your Bahrain visa application online, you’ll save time, avoid paperwork, and arrive ready to enjoy the country’s culture, history, and modern lifestyle — stress-free.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes. American travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport or via the King Fahd Causeway. The cost is about 35 USD, payable in cash or by card. However, waiting times can be longer, and a passport photo may be requested. Applying for an eVisa online before departure is recommended to save time and guarantee entry approval.
The Bahrain visa fee for US citizens ranges from 35 USD to 45 USD, depending on the visa duration (14 or 30 days) and entry type (single or multiple). Payment is made online by credit or debit card. Private visa services may charge small additional fees for application assistance and customer support, but the official eVisa cost remains affordable and transparent.
The process is entirely digital. US travellers can apply through the official Bahrain eVisa portal or a trusted visa platform. Simply fill out the form, upload a passport photo and scan, pay the fee (around 35–45 USD), and receive approval by email within 3–5 business days. Once approved, print or save your eVisa to present at immigration upon arrival.