Understanding the Bahrain eVisa requirements before you apply ensures a smooth, rejection-free process. In 2026, the documentation needed is straightforward for most nationalities, but there are important details to get right – particularly around passport validity, photo specifications, and supporting travel documents. This page provides the complete checklist.
Core Documents Required for All Applicants
Every applicant for the Bahrain eVisa must provide the following:
1. Valid Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Bahrain
- Must have at least 1 blank page available for entry stamps
- Must not be damaged, altered, or expired
- Machine-readable passports are required (most modern passports comply)
2. Passport-Style Photo
- Recent photo taken within the last 6 months
- Plain white or light background
- Full face visible, no hats or sunglasses (religious head coverings are accepted)
- Minimum size: 200×200 pixels (35x45mm or equivalent)
- Format: JPEG or PNG, max 1MB
3. Passport Bio-Data Page Scan
- Clear colour scan or photo of the main information page in your passport
- All text must be legible
- No part of the page should be cut off
4. Travel Itinerary or Flight Tickets
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your arrival and departure dates
- If you have not booked flights yet, a provisional itinerary or booking reference is acceptable
5. Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel booking confirmation with dates and full address in Bahrain
- If staying with friends or family, a host invitation letter is required
- Serviced apartment bookings are also acceptable
6. Payment Method
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
- Fee: BHD 5 (~$13 USD) for single-entry or BHD 27 (~$72 USD) for multiple-entry
Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types
Business eVisa
- Invitation letter from a Bahraini company on company letterhead
- Employer letter from your home country confirming your business trip
- Details of the conference, meeting, or trade event you are attending
Family Visit eVisa
- Proof of relationship to the host in Bahrain (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Copy of host's Bahraini residency permit or citizenship document
- Sponsor's letter of invitation
Minors Travelling Alone or With One Parent
- Birth certificate
- Notarised consent letter from the absent parent(s)
- Copy of the consenting parent's passport
General Travel Requirements
Beyond the visa documentation, ensure you also meet Bahrain's general entry requirements for 2026:
- Proof of sufficient funds: You should be able to demonstrate you have enough money to cover your stay. Bank statements may be requested on arrival.
- Travel insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and loss of documents.
- Onward travel: You must be able to show you have a confirmed means to leave Bahrain before your visa expires.
Photo Requirements in Detail
Photo rejections are one of the most common reasons for application delays. Follow these specifications precisely:
- Background: white or off-white – no patterns, shadows, or colour gradients
- Face: centred, eyes open and clearly visible, neutral expression
- No digital filters or alterations
- Head position: straight ahead, not tilted
- Glasses: not allowed (even prescription glasses)
- File size: between 10KB and 1MB
Tips to Avoid Rejection
Review our full guide on Bahrain eVisa rejection reasons and how to avoid them. The most common mistakes include:
- Passport expiry too close to travel date
- Name entered differently from passport
- Photo not meeting specifications
- Incorrect or missing accommodation details
- Incomplete supporting documents for business or family visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance to get a Bahrain eVisa?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the eVisa application, but it is strongly recommended. Bahrain's immigration officers may occasionally ask for proof of coverage on arrival.
What if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
You must renew your passport before applying. Applications with passports expiring in less than 6 months from the planned arrival date will be rejected.
Can I use a one-way ticket for the Bahrain eVisa?
A return or onward ticket is generally expected. A one-way ticket may lead to additional questioning at immigration. It is advisable to have confirmed outward travel booked.
Do I need to provide bank statements?
Bank statements are not always required in the online application but may be requested at immigration upon arrival to confirm sufficient funds for your stay.
Are the requirements different for US, UK, or EU citizens?
The core requirements are the same for most nationalities. However, some passport holders may face additional checks. See our dedicated guides for US citizens, UK citizens, and EU citizens.
