Bahrain entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain, valid for up to 14 days. This has been the case since 2024 and applies at all entry points, including Bahrain International Airport. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders get a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The visa costs BHD 5 (about $13 USD) and is valid for 14 days. Have the exact fee in cash ready — the counter does not always have change.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport 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. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain ready. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it for Swiss passport holders, but having $500–$1,000 USD equivalent available avoids problems. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is quick — expect 5–10 minutes at the visa counter. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in no time.
Overstaying is expensive
If you stay beyond 14 days, you'll be fined 10 BHD per day. No exceptions. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. There are dedicated counters for this — you'll see them clearly marked.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The visa fee is typically around 5 BHD (about 13 CHF) and can be paid by card or cash.
3
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a 14-day visa. You then proceed to passport control for entry. Total time: usually 5–10 minutes.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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 via Bahrain eVisa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~106 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostBHD 100 (~265 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; suitable for longer stays.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
BHD 200 (~530 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid contract. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
5 years, renewable
BHD 500 (~1,325 USD) initial fee
For investors who establish a business or invest at least BHD 50,000 in Bahrain. Includes residency for family.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 300 (~795 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and a local sponsor.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
BHD 100 (~265 USD) per year
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Swiss passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 14 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay; no maximum cap specified. | 10 BHD (~26.50 USD) per day |
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours in the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available for up to 14 days.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled 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 (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence)
Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport and visa copy.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Road 2401
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; processes extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for CH 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 visa on arrival is valid for 14 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
The fee is 5 BHD (about 13 CHF). You can pay by credit card or cash at the counter. No extra charges.
Yes, it's available at Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahd Causeway (if arriving by road from Saudi Arabia), and at seaports. The process is the same everywhere.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Bahraini immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, if you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
No, it's not extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined 10 BHD per day. For longer stays, apply for a tourist eVisa before you go.
Yes, you can apply for a tourist eVisa online before travel. It costs about 10 BHD and allows up to 30 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Useful if you want a longer stay.
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.