Canada entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
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 need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Bahraini citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Bahraini passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Submit your application online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on your home country. Apply well ahead of your planned travel date.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Bahraini passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. There is no official 6-month validity rule for Canada, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Canadian immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have hotel bookings, an Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host ready. A simple address and phone number in Canada is usually enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you can support yourself during your stay. Carry recent bank statements, a credit card, or cash — CAD $1,000–$2,000 per month is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2-4 weeks or longer. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Biometrics are mandatory
All Bahraini applicants aged 14-79 must give biometrics. You'll need to visit the VFS centre in Manama in person. The fee is CAD 85.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, recent photos, bank statements, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page.
2
Apply online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application form (IMM 5257), upload your documents, and pay the CAD 100 fee (about BHD 28). You'll also need to pay for biometrics (CAD 85, about BHD 24).
3
Give biometrics
After submitting, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in Bahrain, that's the VFS Global office in Manama. Bring your passport and the letter. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing for Bahrain is around 2-4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can check your application status online.
5
Receive your visa
If approved, you'll get a visa counterfoil in your passport (if you submitted it) or a Port of Entry letter. The visa will show how long you can stay — typically up to 6 months.
6
Arrive in Canada
At the airport, go to the visitor queue. The border officer will ask about your trip, check your visa, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer honestly and keep documents handy.
Download Canada 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 stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; enforced at departure. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Bahraini passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving from and departing to the US.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For visa issues at entry; extensions must be applied for online via IRCC.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Primary entry point; for visa inquiries at the border.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you're a Bahraini passport holder and you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch flights or leave the airport), you need a visa. If you're just transiting airside and staying in the international zone for less than 24 hours, you may be eligible for the Canada Transit Program — but you still need to apply for a transit visa (free of charge). Check with your airline.
Processing times vary, but for Bahrain, expect 2-4 weeks. During summer or holiday peaks, it can take longer. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
The visitor visa application fee is CAD 100 (about BHD 28). Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 (about BHD 24). If you need to submit your passport, there may be a courier fee.
At the VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in Manama. Address: Building 250, Road 2808, Block 428, Al Seef District. You need to book an appointment online after submitting your application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you have a valid reason and sufficient funds. Overstaying without authorization can affect future applications.
You can reapply, but you need to address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Bahrain, or incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
No. Having a US visa does not exempt Bahraini passport holders from needing a Canadian visa. You must still apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
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.