Bahrain entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. It's valid for stays up to 14 days and costs 5 BHD (about $13 USD). You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Bahrain. Airlines at Incheon and Gimhae check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Bahrain, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at Bahrain International Airport | South Korean passport holders can get a 14-day visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for BHD 5 (~$13 USD). Pay at the immigration counter with cash (Bahraini dinar or US dollars accepted). This visa is not extendable.Check eVisa options | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for 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 from your host in Bahrain ready. If staying with friends or family, a copy of their CPR (Civil ID) helps. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers rarely ask, but having a bank statement or around BHD 100–200 ($265–$530 USD) in cash shows you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Bahrain International Airport is quick and well-organized. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 15-20 minutes.
Passport validity is critical
Double-check your passport expiry date before booking flights. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you will be denied boarding or entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked in the arrivals hall. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (about $13 USD). Pay at the counter — cash (Bahraini dinars) or credit card is accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. The visa is typically valid for 14 days.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. You'll be asked standard questions about your stay.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Cost40 BHD (~106 USD)
Apply online or at Bahrain embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost80 BHD (~212 USD)
Good for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (sponsor pays)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~200 BHD (~530 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires sponsorship and medical tests. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~100 BHD (~265 USD) processing fee
For enrolled students at accredited Bahraini institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~500 BHD (~1,326 USD) annually
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (minimum 2,000 BHD/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)South Korean passport holders get a free visa on arrival for up to 14 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day over the allowed stay. Pay at immigration before departure. | 10 BHD (~26.50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum cumulative fine for overstay. | 500 BHD (~1,325 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying over 24 hours, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
Transit hubsBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Health & vaccines for Bahrain
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
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.
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
For visa extensions and residency matters.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for KR 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 up to 14 days. It cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a visa in advance through the Bahrain eVisa system.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) in Manama. There are no other international airports in Bahrain.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Bahrain and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your trip.
Yes, a return or onward ticket is mandatory for all visitors entering on a visa on arrival. Immigration will check this regardless of your accommodation arrangements.
The visa on arrival costs 5 BHD (Bahraini Dinar), which is about $13 USD. You can pay in cash (local currency) or by credit card at the counter.
Yes, the visa on arrival is valid for tourism and short business visits. If you plan to work or stay longer, you need a different visa type.
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.