Although Bahrain is similar to Saudi Arabia in terms of weather, topography etc. but when it comes to the environment there, it is a complete contrast of the conservative KSA. No restriction for abayas or segregation amongst sexes, cinemas and availability of alcohol are few of the reasons that lure expatriates to this land.
Many prefer to go here by road. Enjoying the view as they travel to a modern land where they can enjoy freedom and relax the way they want. If you plan to travel by road, make sure that your cells GPS is on so that it can guide you with road plans. Travel by air is definitely time efficient but travelling by road saves you a lot of money.
Ways to enter Bahrain
- Check if you are eligible- Eligibility Check
- E-visa for air route.
- Bahrain gives on arrival visas too. So you can easily get one at the airport
- By road you pay for car insurance only
Types of visit visas issued by Bahrain:
- Application costs around BD2
- 3 day trip is of BD 10
- 7 day trip is of BD 15
The whole trip costs between BD12 to 17 (SR 120 to SR170) not including accommodation, food and travel costs.
General Instructions for on-arrival visit visa:
- Your Iqama , passport and exit/re-entry visa will be taken by authorities on Bahrain border
- The visa fee is paid on the border.
- The iqama should be issued for more than 6 months
- Iqamas validity should be more than 6 months
- Visa should be valid with expiry date at least 6 months away.
- Do not get a paid job while in Bahrain.
- Unlike UAE, anyone can travel to Bahrain regardless of Iqama profession. You just need to be able to support yourself and the dependents travelling with you.
To apply for on- arrival visit visas on Bahrain airport:
- You need your original iqama; not its copy.
- All the dependents must travel with their sponsor to be able to get the visa, the one under whose iqama they all are listed.
- Visa fee of BD15 is to be per head which is to be paid at the bank.
- It is a single entry visa.
Procedure:
- After paying visa fee for everyone travelling with you, also take the visa application forms from there. Take forms of every dependent that has a separate passport.
- Fill the forms.
- Go to the eye scanning counter.
- Move on to immigration counter .Hand them your iqama, application form, fee deposit receipt along with passports of everyone travelling.
- If all goes fine, you will see yourself enjoying a 7 day trip to Bahrain,
If travelling by road you don’t need a visa
If you are travelling by road, you don’t need to pay for a visa. For a two week stay you can simply pay SR 25 for your car insurance at the Bahrain Border and enter Bahrain
E-visa Application
Other than on-arrival visas, Saudi residents can also apply for an e-visa to Bahrain
Validity of e-visa
Once an e-visa is issued, you must travel within 30 days of its issuance. Once it expires, you will have to get it re-issued for you to travel again.
Procedure:
- Login to official website of eVisa Bahrain
- Fill out all your details as accurately as you can.
- Fill out you contact details e.g. Passport number, passport expiry date, occupation etc.
- Pay online the eVisa fee.
- Process is completed now. If all goes well your visa should arrive in few days.
