Bahrain entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Simply land at Bahrain International Airport, pay the fee, and you'll be stamped in. This policy is valid for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Austrian passport holders can apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays of up to 14 days. Processing takes 3–5 working days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Austrian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Bahrain International Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers in Bahrain routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BHD (approx. 1,300 USD) for your stay. Immigration may ask for it if you look underprepared or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Austrian passport holders have a smooth process at Bahrain International Airport. Just have your documents ready and the fee in cash or card. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is strict
Bahrain enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport's expiry date well before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked before the main immigration desks.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee (cash or card). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
With the visa stamp in your passport, go to the standard immigration counters. An officer will check your passport and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passing immigration, head to baggage claim, then through customs. You're now free to enter Bahrain.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; apply online.
Long-stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 100 (~$266 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; for longer visits.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
BHD 200 (~$532 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
BHD 500 (~$1,330 USD) initial fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and a local sponsor or property ownership.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
5 years, renewable
BHD 1,000 (~$2,660 USD) initial fee
For investors who establish a business or invest in Bahrain. Minimum investment of BHD 50,000 required. Includes family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Austrian passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 14 days. | Free (0 BHD, $0 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Multiple entry visa on arrival is also free for Austrians, valid for 14 days. | Free (0 BHD, $0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the 14-day visa-free period expires. | 10 BHD per day (~$26.50 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine is capped at 500 BHD. | 500 BHD (~$1,325 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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 Office (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa on arrival issues and entry permits.
Practical information for AT 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
The fee is typically 5–10 BHD (about €12–25). Pay in cash (Bahraini Dinar) or by credit/debit card at the visa on arrival counter. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 14 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Bahrain before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) or check their website for the latest process. There is a fee for extensions, and you should apply before your current visa expires.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, if your layover is long and you want to enter the country, you'll need a visa on arrival. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
You will likely be denied entry. Bahrain requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is available at Bahrain International Airport (BAH). If arriving by land or sea, check with the relevant border post in advance — policies may differ.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return ticket to your home country or a ticket to your next destination. Immigration will want to see that you're not staying indefinitely.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.