United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Bahrain 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
Bahraini passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and short-term visits. No advance application or fee is required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in the UAE | Your Bahraini passport needs to be valid for at least the full duration of your visit. UAE immigration does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule for GCC nationals, but airlines sometimes check for 3 months beyond your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the UAE | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports rarely ask GCC nationals for a return ticket, but budget carriers like flydubai and Air Arabia may require one at check-in. Have a printed or digital onward booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Not routinely checked for Bahraini passport holders, but if you're staying with friends or family, the host's Emirates ID and tenancy contract can smooth things over if an officer asks. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | UAE immigration does not have a fixed minimum for GCC nationals, but carrying at least 3,000 AED in cash or showing a credit card with available credit covers you for unexpected questions. ATMs are everywhere in the UAE. | Recommended |
90-day limit is cumulative
The 90-day allowance is not per trip — it's the total days you can spend in the UAE over any rolling 180-day period. If you've already spent 60 days in the UAE in the last 6 months, you only have 30 days left on your next visit.
Overstay fines add up fast
The fine is 50 AED per day (about 13 USD). If you overstay by a week, that's 350 AED. Pay at the airport before departure — don't ignore it, or you risk a re-entry ban.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at UAE immigration counter
At any UAE airport (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.), proceed to the 'All Passports' or 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket (if asked). The officer will stamp you in — no forms to fill.
2
Receive entry stamp and stay period
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visit visa. Check the stamp before walking away — it shows the exact date you must leave. If anything looks wrong, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. You're now free to enter the UAE.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain 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
Validity2 months from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must have return ticket.
Visit visa (sponsored)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostAED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus sponsor fees
Sponsored by a UAE resident or company. Longer stay option.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + medical insurance
For residents aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 (~$4,080 USD) or sufficient savings. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + health insurance
For remote workers with a valid employment contract, minimum salary of $3,500 USD per month. Allows living in the UAE while working for a foreign employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
5 or 10 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$680 USD) application fee + investment of AED 2 million (~$544,000 USD) in property or business
For investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million or make a significant business investment. Grants long-term residency with family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies by employer (typically AED 3,000–5,000 ~$816–1,360 USD)
Sponsored by a UAE employer. Requires a valid job offer and labour contract. Includes residency and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays beyond visa-free period. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 30 days. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCapped at AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) for first 20 days, then increases. | AED 50 (~$14 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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in UAE airports. They can remain airside for up to 48 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa-free entry is allowed for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe tap water, but travellers should drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) - Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services and residency matters.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a cumulative limit — if you leave and re-enter, the clock resets but the total days in the UAE over the last 180 days cannot exceed 90.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UAE and re-enter after a short period, or apply for a different visa type (e.g., a visit visa through a sponsor) before your 90 days expire.
No, there is no formal proof of funds requirement for Bahraini passport holders. However, immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — having a credit card or a few hundred dirhams in cash is sensible.
Overstaying incurs a fine of 50 AED per day (about 13 USD). You'll need to pay this at the airport before departure. Serious overstays can lead to a ban, so set a reminder to leave on time.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. Any form of paid work requires a proper employment visa. Working on a visit visa is illegal and can result in deportation and fines.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll use the same visa-free entry — just make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance is not required but highly recommended. Keep a digital copy of your passport on your phone as backup.
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.