New Zealand 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 New Zealand. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Bahrain. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand | Your passport needs at least 3 months validity beyond the day you plan to leave New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa before travel | Bahrain passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. Apply online at the New Zealand Immigration website — processing takes 20 to 30 days for most applications. The visa costs NZD $246 and allows stays up to 9 months.Apply for visitor visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of New Zealand. A flight booking to a third country or back to Bahrain works — just have the itinerary ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for every night, but they want to see you have a place to stay on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration may ask for bank statements showing at least NZD $1,000 per month of your stay, or NZD $400 per month if your accommodation is prepaid. Have a recent statement or credit card available. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 20–30 days or longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
e-Visa is digital
Your approved visa will be linked electronically to your passport. You don't need a physical sticker. Print a copy or save it on your phone as backup.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the online visitor visa application. You'll need to upload your passport copy, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and accommodation details. Pay the fee (around NZ$246 for a standard visitor visa). Processing takes 20–30 days on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
After submitting, Immigration New Zealand will review your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Once approved, you'll receive an electronic visa linked to your passport.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book your flights and first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of your visa, return ticket, and booking confirmations on your phone.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At passport control, present your passport (with the e-visa). The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. Have your return ticket and proof of accommodation ready. You'll receive a visitor visa stamp allowing up to 3 months stay.
Download New Zealand 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 stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism or visiting family. Must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityBased on job offer
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityBased on course length
CostNZD 330 (~USD 203)
Must be enrolled in an approved course and show sufficient funds.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,640)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on New Zealand's skill shortage list. Requires points-based assessment and good English.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Pathway)
Up to 5 years
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work and can lead to post-study work visa.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency after 3 years)
NZD 5,000 (~USD 3,080)
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand over 3 years. No age or English requirement.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,000 (~USD 1,850)
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens aged 66+ with a guaranteed income and investment of NZD 1 million.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Mandatory fee paid with visa application or via NZeTA for visa-waiver countries. | NZD 35 (~USD 22) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for a visitor visa extension while in New Zealand. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is a serious offense; fines are high and may lead to deportation. | NZD 1,000 (~USD 620) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 New Zealand
No transit visa needed
Bahraini passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through New Zealand airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or NZeTA may leave the airport.
- Transit through Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airports is allowed without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Wellington Airport (WLG) · Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; risk is higher in rural and forested regions during summer.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene standards are high.
Sun exposureModerate risk
High UV levels year-round; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 46 Sale Street, Auckland 1010
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries. Book an appointment online.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.76 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Bahrain is not on the visa waiver list, so you must apply for a visitor visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival.
Processing usually takes 20–30 days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel date.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZ$246 (approximately BHD 60). This is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments, up to a total of 9 months in an 18-month period. The extension fee is NZ$165.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a return ticket. You may also need a letter from your employer if you're employed.
No, it's not a legal requirement for a visitor visa. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in New Zealand are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars.
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. You can only engage in tourism, visiting family, or short-term study (up to 3 months).
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.