Bahrain entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. Just show up at the airport with the right documents — no advance application needed. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism or short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Available at Bahrain International Airport | New Zealand passport holders can get a 14-day visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The fee is 5 BHD (~$13 USD) for a single entry. You pay at the immigration counter with cash (Bahraini dinars or major credit cards accepted).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Bahrain. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival 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 onward ticket ready. Without it, you may be refused entry or directed to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Bahrain ready. A booking on your phone is fine — just make sure it's in your name. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers can ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a bank statement from the last month or enough cash (around 50 BHD per day) to cover expenses. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash on hand helps. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go. Airlines may also refuse boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Cash or card for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is around 5–10 BHD. Have Bahraini dinars in cash or a credit card ready. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, but it's easier to have cash beforehand.
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 before the immigration booths.
2
Present Your Documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
The visa on arrival costs around 5–10 BHD (about 13–26 USD). Pay in cash (Bahraini dinars) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
4
Proceed to Immigration
After getting your visa, go to the immigration counter for entry clearance. You'll get a stamp in your passport and can collect your luggage.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply online via Bahrain eVisa portal. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Good for multiple trips. Must apply online before travel.
Work visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostBHD 200 (~$530 USD) (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and medical test. Not for tourism.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~BHD 500 (~$1,325 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. BHD 1,000/month). Allows long-term residence without work. Must have health insurance.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa (Employment Residence)
2 years, renewable
~BHD 200 (~$530 USD) (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Includes residence permit. Requires medical test and employer sponsorship.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~BHD 1,000 (~$2,650 USD) initial fee
For investors who establish a business or invest at least BHD 50,000 in Bahrain. Includes residence permit for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)New Zealand passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day over the permitted stay; no official cap but fines can accumulate. | 10 BHD (~26.50 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Bahrain International Airport do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
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, influenza)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
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate 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 1901, Block 319, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport – Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Bahrain International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and immediate entry problems. Limited services.
Practical information for NZ 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 typically allows a stay of up to 14 days. It can be extended once for an additional 14 days at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. The extension costs about 10 BHD.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 14 days. Visit the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) with your passport, visa stamp, and a completed application form. The fee is around 10 BHD.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you travel.
If you're transiting through Bahrain and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or an e-visa.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the Bahrain eVisa portal. It costs about 10 BHD and is processed within 3–5 business days. This is useful if you want to avoid queues at the airport.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia) and at the Bahrain International Airport. The process is the same.
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.