Bahrain Transit Visa 2026: Do You Need One and How to Get It?

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Travellers transiting through Bahrain International Airport can stay up to 8 hours without a visa, but if your layover is longer, you’ll need to apply for one before clearing immigration.

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Do You Need a Visa to Transit Through Bahrain?

If your layover at Bahrain International Airport is under 8 hours, you do not need a visa. You can stay airside in the transit area without going through immigration, as long as you hold confirmed onward tickets and the necessary travel documents for your final destination.

If your layover exceeds 8 hours, you’ll need a visa, even if you don’t plan to leave the airport

According to the Bahrain eVisa portal, travellers in this situation should check their eligibility for either a visa on arrival or an eVisa before travelling.

GCC nationals are exempt entirely. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar enjoy freedom of movement in Bahrain and can enter using just a national ID card.

Visa Types and Fees for Transit Passengers

Bahrain offers several visa options through its official eVisa portal, and even the shortest-stay option gives you a full two weeks — far more than most transit passengers need.

Here are the options most relevant to transit travellers, as outlined on Bahrain’s national portal:

Visa on arrival (2 weeks, single entry): 5 BHD (~US $13). Available to citizens of 69 countries and GCC residents. No advance application needed — just pay at the airport.
Visa on arrival (3 months, multiple entry): 12 BHD (~US $32). Allows a 1-month stay — useful for frequent transitors.
eVisa (2 weeks, single entry): 9 BHD (~US $24), comprising a 4 BHD application fee and 5 BHD visa fee. Apply online 3–5 working days before travel.
eVisa (1 year, multiple entry): 44 BHD (~US $117). Allows a 90-day stay per visit — best for business travellers transiting Bahrain regularly.

For most transit passengers on a single layover, the 5 BHD visa on arrival is the simplest and cheapest option.

Visa on Arrival Bahrain: Which Countries are Eligible for Visa on Arrival in Bahrain?

If your nationality isn’t eligible for visa on arrival, apply for the 9 BHD eVisa in advance.

Bahrain e-Visa 2026: Types, Fees, Eligibility and How to Apply

What to Do During Your Bahrain Layover

Bahrain International Airport is just 10 km from Manama, the capital — a 15-minute taxi ride costing around 6 BHD. Uber and Careem are also available and often cheaper. This makes even a short layover enough to see the city’s highlights.

If you stay inside the airport, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping at Bahrain Duty Free, and dining options including both international chains and local restaurants. The Bahrain Airport Hotel opposite Gate 15 offers sleep pods and short-stay rooms starting from 3-hour blocks — ideal for overnight layovers.

If you head into the city, here are the top picks for a short visit:

Bahrain Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with free entry, open 8 AM–8 PM daily (closed Mondays)
Bahrain National Museum — 6,000 years of history across nine exhibit halls, entry just 1 BHD
Al Fateh Grand Mosque — one of the world’s largest mosques, featuring the world’s largest fiberglass dome. Free guided tours available
Bab el-Bahrain and Manama Souq — the old market district, perfect for picking up spices, perfumes, and gold

With a layover of 6 hours or more, you can comfortably visit 2–3 of these attractions. Book flights to Bahrain on Wego to compare fares across airlines, or check hotels in Manama if you’re planning an overnight stopover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Bahrain airport during a layover?

Yes, if you have a valid visa. Get a visa on arrival (5 BHD) or apply for an eVisa in advance, and you can leave the airport to explore Manama during your layover.

Do I need a visa if my layover is under 8 hours?

No. Travellers with layovers under 8 hours can stay in the airport transit area without a visa, as long as they hold confirmed onward tickets.

Can Indian or Pakistani passport holders get a Bahrain visa on arrival?

Yes, if you’re a GCC resident. You must have held your GCC residence permit for at least 3 months, it must be valid for another 3 months, and your occupation must not be listed as “labourer.”

How long does a Bahrain eVisa take to process?

3–5 working days. Apply through the official portal at evisa.gov.bh well before your travel date to avoid delays.

Is evisa.gov.bh the only official website for Bahrain visas?

Yes. The Bahrain government warns that no other website or company operates on their behalf — apply only through evisa.gov.bh to avoid scams.