Bahrain entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can enter Bahrain without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and you're good to go.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaOfficial portal: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your UAE passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Bahrain. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Bahraini law, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bahrain | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 500 BHD (around 1,300 USD) in cash or on a card. Immigration may ask to see you can cover your expenses, especially if staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
GCC queue at immigration
As an Emirati passport holder, you can use the dedicated GCC nationals queue at Bahrain International Airport. This is usually faster than the general foreign passport queue.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for GCC nationals and other passport holders — as an Emirati, you can use the GCC queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport to the officer. They'll check your validity, stamp your entry, and may ask a few questions like where you're staying or how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to the baggage claim area. Grab your bags, then walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. You're now free to enter Bahrain.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~40 BHD (~$106 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply online or at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~80 BHD (~$212 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visit visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~150 BHD (~$398 USD)
Requires sponsor; suitable for extended visits.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~500 BHD (~$1,326 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property ownership. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
~200 BHD (~$530 USD) plus employer fees
Sponsored by a Bahraini employer. Requires a job offer and labour ministry approval. Leads to residency permit.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~1,000 BHD (~$2,652 USD) plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of 50,000 BHD in a Bahraini business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa-free period expires; no official cap but fines can accumulate. | 10 BHD (~$26 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bahrain
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 3 months.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manama
Bahrain Immigration and Passports Directorate
Building 123, Road 123, Block 123, Manama
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport and supporting documents.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; handles short-term visa issues.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalManama
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBahraini Dinar (BHD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.38 BHD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (British 3-pin rectangular)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is heavily chlorinated and not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Emirati passport holders can stay up to 90 days per visit. There's no visa required, just show your valid passport at immigration.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up.
No, if you're just transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter Bahrain for any reason, the visa-free rule applies.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Bahrain immigration.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit arranged in advance.
No, there's no fee. You just walk through immigration with your passport. No payment required.
It's smart to have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to be prepared.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.