Bahrain entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Sri Lankan passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Bahrain in 2026. Apply online before you travel — processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaOfficial portal: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Bahrain. Apply through the official Bahrain eVisa portal at least a few days before your trip. The eVisa is typically valid for a single entry and a specific duration — check the approval letter for exact validity.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bahrain. There is no official 6-month validity requirement beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended to carry proof | Immigration officers in Bahrain may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm you plan to leave before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry proof | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Bahrain can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed out. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry proof | While not always checked, having a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay (around 50 BHD per day) can help if asked. | Recommended |
Airlines may enforce 6-month passport validity
Bahraini law doesn't require 6 months of passport validity beyond your stay, but many airlines do. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you could be denied boarding. Check with your airline before you fly.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstay fines are BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day, capped at BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD). Pay at the immigration office before departure. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications to Bahrain and other Gulf countries.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.gov.bh, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (BHD 9 for single entry, BHD 15 for multiple entry). Processing takes 1–3 business days. You'll receive the approval by email — print it.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval, keep your passport handy, and save your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone. Also carry bank statements or a credit card as proof of funds.
3
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask where you're staying and how long you'll be in Bahrain. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 30 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 9 (~$24 USD)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 15 (~$40 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Work Visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostBHD 100 (~$265 USD) + employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study
Validity1 year, renewable
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD) + university sponsorship
Requires acceptance from a recognized educational institution.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
BHD 100 (~$265 USD) + employer sponsorship
For individuals with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
Bahrain Student Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 50 (~$133 USD) + university sponsorship
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) + proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 55+ with a stable pension or investment income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | BHD 9 (~$24 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BHD 15 (~$40 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (maximum cap)Maximum cumulative fine for overstay. | BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
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 and Passport Directorate
Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and proof of accommodation.
Muharraq
Muharraq Immigration Office
Near Bahrain International Airport, Building 123, Road 456
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Convenient for travellers arriving by air. Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for LK 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
No. Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an eVisa before travel. There is no visa on arrival option. Apply at evisa.gov.bh at least 3 business days before your flight.
A single-entry eVisa costs BHD 9 (~$24 USD). A multiple-entry eVisa costs BHD 15 (~$40 USD). Overstay fines are BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day, capped at BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD).
The eVisa allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days by visiting the Bahrain Immigration and Passport Directorate in Manama (Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30). Bring your passport, visa copy, and proof of accommodation.
You'll be fined BHD 10 (~$27 USD) per day, up to a maximum of BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD). Pay the fine at the immigration office before leaving the country. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
No. Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours. If you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
The most common reasons are: insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete documents (20%), previous overstays in Bahrain or other Gulf countries (15%), and suspicious travel patterns like multiple short visits (10%). Make sure you have proof of funds, a return ticket, and a complete application.
Yes. You can extend your eVisa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Bahrain Immigration and Passport Directorate in Manama (Building 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Al Hoora; Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30). Bring your passport, visa copy, and proof of accommodation. The extension fee is BHD 10 (~$27 USD).
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.