Bahrain entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain, valid for up to 14 days, with no advance application needed. This has been the case since 2024 and applies at all entry points including Bahrain International Airport. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Malta passport holders can 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 your stay | Your Malta passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers in Bahrain routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain. Officers may ask for it if your stay seems unclear or if you arrive without a fixed address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Bahrain doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but officers expect to see at least 500 BHD (~1,300 USD) for a short visit. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No advance application needed — just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The process is quick and the cost is minimal.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check before you head to the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Present your documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa — expect to pay around 5 BHD (about 13 USD) for a 14-day visa. Payment can be in cash (Bahraini Dinar) or by credit card.
3
Receive your visa stamp and proceed to immigration
Once the visa is stamped in your passport, head to the immigration queue. The officer will check your passport and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly and you'll be through in minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and ride-hailing services are available.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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
CostBHD 10 (~$27 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostBHD 30 (~$80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; apply online.
Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD)
Requires sponsor in Bahrain; for longer stays.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and valid contract. Allows long-term stay and family sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Residence)
1 year, renewable
~BHD 500 (~$1,327 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing in Bahraini businesses or real estate. Minimum investment of BHD 50,000 (~$132,700 USD) required. Includes residency for family.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Long-Term Resident)
5 years, renewable
~BHD 1,000 (~$2,654 USD) plus proof of income
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly income of at least BHD 1,000 (~$2,654 USD). Allows stay without work. Requires health insurance.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 100 (~$265 USD) plus tuition
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bahrain. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Malta passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for stays up to 14 days, extendable once. | Free (0 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival extension (per month)Extension available at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) for up to 3 months. | BHD 10 (~26 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstaying beyond the permitted period incurs daily fines with a cap. | BHD 10 (~26 USD) per day, max BHD 500 (~1,320 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
Malta passport holders can transit through Bahrain without a visa for up to 24 hours if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC residence visas 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, etc.)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
Common; practice good hygiene and drink bottled or boiled water.
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) - Main Office
Building 55, Road 1701, Block 317, Diplomatic Area
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Muharraq
NPRA - Muharraq Branch
Near Bahrain International Airport, Road 2403
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Convenient for airport arrivals; same services as main office.
Practical information for MT 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 for Malta passport holders costs 5 Bahraini Dinar (about 13 USD). You can pay in cash (BHD) or by credit card at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave Bahrain before the 14 days expire. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Bahrain immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all entry points including the King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia) and Bahrain's seaports. The process is the same as at the airport.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and a confirmed hotel booking for your first night. Travel insurance is not required but recommended.
Usually 5-10 minutes at the visa counter, then another 5-10 minutes at immigration. Total time from landing to exiting the airport is typically 30-45 minutes if queues are short.
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.