Bahrain entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport and you'll be issued a 14-day visa at immigration. This has been the case since 2024 and remains the standard procedure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Bahrain eVisa | Swedish passport holders can apply for a Bahrain eVisa online before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 14 days. Apply at the official Bahrain eVisa portal.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Bahrain. Carry a copy of your passport bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers may ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or digital version ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Bahrain ready. Officers rarely ask, but it smooths the process if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as a bank statement or credit card. No specific amount is published, but having around 500 BHD (~$1,300 USD) in accessible funds is reasonable. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The 14-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you think you might need more time, apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Bahrain eVisa system.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at Bahrain International Airport routinely ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready — don't rely on finding it in your email.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bahrain International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked before the main immigration hall.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will process your visa — it usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is typically 5–10 BHD (about 100–200 SEK) and can be paid in cash (Bahraini Dinar, US dollars, or euros) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They may ask about your stay and return plans. Answer briefly and honestly.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration is needed for standard tourist visits.
Download Bahrain Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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, online)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBHD 20 (~$53 USD)
Apply via Bahrain eVisa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, online)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBHD 40 (~$106 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Work Visa
Max stay2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires a local employer sponsor.
Student Visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostBHD 50 (~$133 USD) plus fees
Requires acceptance from a Bahraini educational institution.
retirement visa
Bahrain Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
BHD 200 (~$530 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum BHD 1,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Bahrain Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
BHD 150 (~$398 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and minimum income of BHD 1,000/month. Includes residency permit.
investor visa
Bahrain Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
BHD 500 (~$1,326 USD) plus investment
For investors who invest at least BHD 50,000 in a Bahraini business or real estate. Includes family sponsorship.
work visa
Bahrain Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored (varies)
For those with a job offer from a Bahraini employer. Requires labor contract and medical test.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Swedish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for stays up to 14 days, extendable once for 14 days at a cost. | Free (no fee for Swedish passport holders) |
| Stay extension (per 14 days)Extension can be applied at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (NPRA) in Bahrain. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily with no official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent accumulation. | BHD 10 (~$26 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available for longer stays (up to 3 months) via eVisa or through a sponsor. | BHD 20 (~$53 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, allowing multiple entries with stays up to 3 months each. | BHD 40 (~$106 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
Swedish passport holders can transit through Bahrain without a visa for up to 24 hours if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is available for BHD 5.
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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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.
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 250, Road 2803, Block 428, Al Hoora
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles visa extensions, residency permits, and overstay fines.
Manama
Bahrain International Airport Immigration Office
Arrivals Hall, Bahrain International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival issues and immediate entry problems.
Practical information for SE 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 14 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
The fee is 5–10 BHD (about 100–200 SEK). You can pay in cash (Bahraini Dinar, US dollars, or euros) or by credit card at the counter.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all entry points: Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahd Causeway (from Saudi Arabia), and the Khalifa bin Salman Port. The process is the same.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, no visa is needed. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Working requires a work visa arranged by your employer in advance.
Overstaying results in a fine of 10 BHD per day (about 200 SEK/day). You'll need to pay at the airport before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to a ban.
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.