Bahrain entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain, valid for stays up to 14 days (extendable once for another 14 days). This has been the case since 2024, and the process is straightforward at Bahrain International Airport.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaOfficial portal: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and the visa is valid for 30 days from issue. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bahrain. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or at least 200 BHD (~€500) in cash or card. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is quick — expect 10–15 minutes at the visa counter. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in no time.
Passport validity is critical
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are just before the main immigration hall.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the 5 BHD fee. The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the new visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Bahrain.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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 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, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; apply online.
Long-stay tourist visa
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 60 (~$159 USD)
Requires sponsor or hotel booking confirmation.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship, medical test, and police clearance. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment minimum
For investors who set up 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 (~$796 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly pension of at least BHD 1,000. Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable once for 14 days at BHD 5. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 3 months, max stay 14 days per visit. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 14 days)Can be done at NPRA office before visa expires. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstaying. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) |
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visa 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.
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 milk.
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
Bahrain Immigration Office (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residence)
Building 250, Road 2812, Block 428, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
For visa extensions, overstay fines, and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee in cash.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa on arrival issues and overstay payment at departure.
Practical information for IE 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
Yes, you can extend it once for another 14 days. Apply at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama before your first 14 days expire. The extension costs about 10 BHD.
You'll need to apply for a longer-term visa before you travel. The visa on arrival is only for short stays. Contact the Bahrain Embassy in Dublin or apply online via the Bahrain eVisa portal.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the King Fahd Causeway (from Saudi Arabia) and at Bahrain's cruise port. The same conditions apply.
No, but it's smart to have digital copies of your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone. The visa counter staff can view them on your screen.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements. There are no nationality restrictions for Irish citizens.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa arranged in advance.
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.