Bahrain entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Simply show up at the airport in Manama, pay the fee, and you're in. This has been the case since 2024 and remains valid for 2026.
Apply for Bahrain eVisaOfficial portal: Bahrain eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport. The visa costs BHD 5 (about $13 USD) and is valid for 14 days. Have the exact fee in cash ready — the counter does not always accept cards.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Bahrain. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — a hotel booking confirmation alone will not satisfy this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bahrain. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least BHD 50 (about $130 USD) in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this for Portuguese passport holders, but it is safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not guaranteed
Immigration officers have final discretion. If you have a criminal record, a history of overstaying in any country, or if your documents look suspicious, they can deny entry. Always have a backup plan — like a return ticket and enough funds to leave if needed.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While credit cards are accepted at the visa on arrival counter, having 5–10 BHD in cash (about €12–24) speeds things up. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, but the exchange rate at the counter is poor.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There are dedicated counters for visa issuance — usually near the immigration hall.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee — currently around 5 BHD (about €12) for a 14-day single-entry visa. Cash (Bahraini Dinar) or credit card accepted.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
The officer will stamp or stick the visa in your passport. Then join the main immigration queue for passport control. Show your passport with the new visa, get stamped, and you're in.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply at Bahrain embassy or online eVisa system.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Work/Residence)
Max stay2 years
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Bahrain. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) per year
For individuals investing in Bahraini businesses or real estate. Minimum investment requirements apply.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 14 days stay, extendable once. | BHD 5 (~$13 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 3 months, max stay 14 days per visit. | BHD 12 (~$32 USD) |
| Stay extension feeAllows one 14-day extension beyond initial stay. | BHD 10 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | BHD 10 (~$27 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
Portuguese 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 overnight, a visa-on-arrival may be required.
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.)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
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; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
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.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration
Bahrain International Airport, Muharraq
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and entry permits.
Practical information for PT 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 standard visa on arrival for Portuguese passport holders is valid for 14 days. You can extend it once for another 14 days by visiting the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Manama. The extension fee is about 10 BHD (€24).
Yes, you can extend it once for an additional 14 days. Go to the NPRA office in Manama (near the Bahrain Mall) with your passport, the original visa, and 10 BHD. Processing takes 1–2 working days.
For stays over 28 days, you need to apply for a different visa type before travel — either a tourist eVisa (up to 30 days, extendable) or a visit visa sponsored by a Bahraini host. The eVisa costs about 30 BHD (€72) and is processed in 3–5 working days.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the King Fahd Causeway (land border from Saudi Arabia) and at Bahrain's cruise port. The same rules apply — passport validity, fee, and onward ticket.
Overstaying costs 10 BHD (€24) per day, capped at 500 BHD (€1,200). You'll also be flagged and may face a ban from re-entering Bahrain for a period. Don't risk it — extend or leave before your visa expires.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival — same process and fee.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Working (paid or unpaid) requires a work visa sponsored by a Bahraini employer. If you're caught working on a tourist visa, you risk deportation and a ban.
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.