Bahrain entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. No advance application needed — just show up at the airport with the right documents. As of 2026, the process takes about 10–15 minutes at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required for all visitors | Apply for a Bahrain eVisa at the official eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays of up to 14 days. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Italian 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 entry | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your printed or digital ticket ready — they will check the date matches your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always requested, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Bahrain can speed up the immigration process. Print it or save it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BHD (~1,300 USD) to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is the easiest option
Italian passport holders don't need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy. Just show up at Bahrain International Airport with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and separate from the main immigration queues.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (printed or on your phone). The officer will process the visa — it takes about 5 minutes.
4
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (about €12) for a 2-week stay, or 10 BHD for 3 months. Pay in cash (Bahraini dinars, euros, or US dollars) or by credit card.
5
Get stamped and proceed to baggage claim
The officer will stamp your passport and hand back the visa sticker. Keep it safe — you'll need it when leaving. Then head to baggage claim.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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; requires hotel booking and return ticket.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
Long-Stay Visa (3 months)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; suitable for longer tourism or family visits.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires a labor contract and medical test. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment minimum
For individuals investing at least BHD 20,000 in a Bahraini business. Includes residency and family sponsorship.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~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)Payable in cash (Bahraini dinar or major currencies) at the airport. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and bans. | 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
Italian passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer stops, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visas may transit without visa for up to 48 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, as per International Health Regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine 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 (NPRA)
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; 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 on arrival extensions.
Practical information for IT 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
It costs 5 BHD (about €12) for a 2-week stay, or 10 BHD for 3 months. You can pay in cash (Bahraini dinars, euros, or US dollars) or by credit card at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
A digital copy on your phone is fine. Just make sure it's easy to pull up — immigration officers may ask to see it. A screenshot works well.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, Italian passport holders can also get a visa on arrival at the causeway border crossing. The process is similar to the airport — same fee and requirements.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not required by immigration. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Bahrain can be high, and insurance covers things like hospital stays or emergency evacuation.
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.