Bahrain entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain in 2026 — no advance application needed. You'll receive a 14-day stay at the airport immigration counter, which can be extended once you're in the country. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or around 200 BHD (approx. 500 EUR) in cash. Not always checked, but better to have it. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
German passport holders get a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport with no pre-approval. Just show up with a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The process takes about 5–10 minutes at the counter.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before passport control. There are separate queues for GCC residents and other nationalities — join the non-GCC line.
2
Present your documents at the counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and hotel booking. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (usually around 5 BHD for 14 days, payable by card or cash).
3
Receive your entry stamp and proceed
Once approved, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Head to baggage claim and then customs. Total time at the counter is usually 5–10 minutes.
4
Extend your stay (if needed)
Visit the NPRA (Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs) office in Manama before your visa expires. Extensions cost around 10 BHD and can add up to 14 more days. Bring your passport and a copy of your return ticket.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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
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
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; apply online.
Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; apply through sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus medical and processing fees
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid employment contract. Allows multiple entries and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,330 USD) plus business registration fees
For individuals investing in a Bahraini business or starting a company. Requires proof of investment and a local partner. Can lead to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Self-Sponsored)
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 300 (~$800 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum BHD 1,000/month). Requires proof of pension or savings and a local address. No employer needed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 14 days. | Free (no fee for German passport holders) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Optional pre-arranged visa for longer stays up to 30 days. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 3 months, allows multiple entries up to 30 days each. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | BHD 10 (~$26 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
German passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours in the airside transit area. If you need to leave the airport, you must obtain a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, or Oman may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled 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
Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1901, Block 319, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Road 2403
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for DE 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 grants 14 days. You can extend it once for another 14 days at the NPRA office in Manama for about 10 BHD.
The fee is approximately 5 BHD (about 13 USD) for a 14-day visa. Payment can be made by credit card or cash at the airport counter.
No — the visa on arrival is only available at Bahrain International Airport. If you arrive by the King Fahd Causeway from Saudi Arabia, you need to arrange a visa in advance.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
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 — the visa on arrival is for tourism only. Working requires a proper work visa arranged by your employer before travel.
Overstaying costs 10 BHD per day in fines. If you overstay more than 30 days, you may be banned from re-entering Bahrain for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
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.