Germany 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 enter Germany in 2026. Apply at the German embassy in Manama before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Germany. Apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Germany. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for each night of your stay, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Germany. Officers may ask to see it during the visa interview or at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a sponsor letter showing at least €45 per day of your stay. This is checked during the visa application process and occasionally at the border. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Appointments at the German embassy in Manama can be booked out for weeks. Start the process at least 2 months before your planned departure.
Visa-free transit?
If you're only transiting through a German airport without leaving the international transit area, you may not need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa even for transit.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmation, bank statements, travel insurance, and completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the German embassy in Manama through their online booking system. Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
3
Attend the interview
Go to the embassy on your appointment day with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, provide biometrics, and pay the visa fee. The interview is usually brief — they just verify your documents and ask about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if the embassy provides that option.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy or have it couriered to you. Check the visa dates carefully — they match your travel itinerary.
6
Arrive in Germany
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer honestly and briefly.
Download Germany 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 stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires Schengen application; non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee; must show strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€75 (approx. $82 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
EU Blue Card (Germany)
4 years, renewable
€100–€140 (approx. $109–$152 USD)
For highly skilled workers with a job offer and salary threshold. Allows family reunification and path to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Germany)
Up to 2 years, renewable
€75 (approx. $82 USD)
For full-time study at a German university. Requires proof of admission and financial resources (€11,208/year blocked account).
Apply investor visa
Self-Employment Visa (Germany)
3 years, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For entrepreneurs and freelancers with a viable business plan. Requires economic interest or regional need.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children under 12. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple stays within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed upon departure; may include entry ban. | €50 per day (max €5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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 Germany
Transit visa required
Bahraini passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change flights in Germany unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen state, EU/EEA country, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore
Transit hubsFrankfurt Airport (FRA) · Munich Airport (MUC) · Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Health & vaccines for Germany
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas of southern Germany; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter; vaccination advised for vulnerable groups.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Berlin
Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required; bring all original documents.
Frankfurt
Ausländerbehörde Frankfurt am Main
Kleyerstraße 86, 60326 Frankfurt
Mon–Fri 08:30–12:30
Handles residence permits and extensions.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalBerlin
LanguageGerman
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water quality. Safe to drink everywhere.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Germany — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if more documents are needed or during busy periods. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 30 BHD) and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy.
No, the Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, you'd need a different visa type (e.g., student or work visa) applied for before travel.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes, but you must apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most time. If Germany is your main destination, apply there regardless of your port of entry.
You'll receive a written explanation. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons for denial include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Bahrain.
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.