UAE residents who are not GCC citizens generally need a Bahrain visa. Eligible GCC residents can apply online through Bahrain’s official eVisa portal. A few travellers can also ask for a visa on arrival.
Current NPRA service pages list a total of BD 17 for the 3 month multiple entry GCC resident visa and BD 45 for the 1 year multiple entry visa. Both totals include a BD 5 application fee. That is roughly AED 166 and AED 440.
This guide covers who qualifies, what each route costs, how to apply, how long you can stay, and how to reach Bahrain by road from the UAE. Fees and rules are checked against NPRA’s official service pages.
Quick Answer: Bahrain Visa for UAE Residents
Who needs it: UAE residents who are not citizens of a GCC country
Online route: GCC resident eVisa on the official Bahrain portal
Current NPRA fees: BD 10 for 2 weeks, BD 17 for 3 months, BD 45 for 1 year (all include the BD 5 application fee)
Stay on the 1 year visa: up to 90 days per visit
Processing: NPRA service pages list 1 working day. Allow extra time
Passport: valid for more than 6 months
Visa on arrival: limited to eligible travellers, up to 14 days, single entry
Apply on: the official NPRA eVisa portal only
Not allowed: working on a visit visa
Do UAE Residents Need a Bahrain Visa?
The answer depends on your passport, not on your UAE residence.
You are
Bahrain visa needed?
What to do
Emirati citizen
No
Carry your passport or national ID
Citizen of another GCC country
No
Carry your passport or national ID
UAE resident with another passport
Yes
Apply for the GCC resident eVisa, or use visa on arrival if you qualify
Tourist visiting the UAE
Depends on passport
Check the eVisa eligibility list on the portal
Can You Enter Bahrain With Only a UAE Residence Visa?
No. A UAE residence permit proves where you live. It does not give you entry to Bahrain. The same is true in Kuwait, where UAE residents need a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Kuwait.
It does make you eligible for the GCC resident route, which is built for expats living in a GCC country.
Bahrain Visa Types and Fees for UAE Residents
Current NPRA service pages list a BD 5 application fee for each GCC resident eVisa. Older figures based on a BD 4 application fee are out of date.
Visa validity
Entries
Max stay per visit
Application fee
Visa fee
Total
Approx. AED
2 weeks
Single
Up to 2 weeks
BD 5
BD 5
BD 10
AED 98
3 months
Multiple
Check your visa
BD 5
BD 12
BD 17
AED 166
1 year
Multiple
Up to 90 days
BD 5
BD 40
BD 45
AED 440
AED figures are approximate. Read the final amount on the portal before you pay.
What About the 2 Week Single Entry Visa?
Yes. NPRA’s current service page lists a two-week single entry eVisa for GCC residents at BD 10: a BD 5 application fee plus a BD 5 visa fee. It is processed in about one working day and must be used within three months of issue. Older figures of BD 9 came from the previous BD 4 application fee.
Validity Is Not the Same as Stay
Visa validity is how long the visa stays usable. A 1 year visa works for a year
Maximum stay is how long you can remain on each visit. On the 1 year visa, that is 90 days. NPRA’s page for the 3 month visa does not state a separate limit per visit, so check the conditions printed on your visa
Example: with a 1 year multiple entry visa issued in March, you could spend a long weekend in Manama in April and two weeks there in October. Each visit has to stay within 90 days, and the visa must be used for the first time within 3 months of issue.
You must also use the visa within 3 months of issue.
How the Two Fees Work
The application fee and the visa fee are paid separately.
You pay the application fee by card when you submit the form
NPRA reviews your application
After approval, you receive instructions to pay the visa fee
You must pay the visa fee within the deadline in your approval message, which NPRA guidance in 2023 put at about one month
The application fee is not refundable. Check your eligibility screen before you pay it.
Bahrain eVisa or Visa on Arrival: Which Should You Choose?
Both routes exist, but the eVisa is the safer choice for most UAE expats.
GCC resident eVisa
Visa on arrival
Where you apply
Online, before you fly
At the Bahrain border
Cost
BD 10, BD 17 or BD 45
BD 5 (stated by NPRA in 2023)
Stay
2 weeks, or up to 90 days per visit on the 1 year visa
Up to 14 days
Entries
Single or multiple
Single
Eligibility check
Before you travel
At passport control
Risk
Low. You know the result in advance
Higher. An officer decides at the border
The Skilled Profession Question
NPRA stated in 2023 that visa on arrival for UAE residents is limited to certain skilled professions.
NPRA does not publish a current list of qualifying professions, so do not rely on a list published by an agent.
What this means for you:
Your UAE residence and profession details may be assessed at the border
Some occupations, such as those classed as labourer, may not be eligible for the GCC resident eVisa
If you are unsure, apply for the eVisa and let the portal show your eligibility
When the eVisa Is the Safer Choice
You do not know whether your profession qualifies
You travel with family and cannot risk a refusal at the border
You want multiple entries
You land late at night and want fewer surprises
Documents Required for the Bahrain Visa
Prepare these before you open the application form.
Passport: valid for more than 6 months
UAE residence permit: a copy that meets the validity rule below
Return ticket: a confirmed flight out of Bahrain
Accommodation details: a hotel booking or your Bahrain address, where required
Staying With Family or Friends
Upload a copy of your host’s passport and resident ID instead of a hotel booking.
Bank Statement
An official Bahrain government service listing asks for a three month bank statement on some visit eVisa applications. We could not confirm whether it applies to your GCC resident visa. The live form will tell you. Keep a recent statement ready in case.
How Long Must Your UAE Residence Stay Valid?
NPRA’s current service page for the two-week GCC resident eVisa asks for a clear copy of your residence permit and a return visa valid for at least three months.
Older guidance that asked for six months is out of date. Check the live eligibility screen before you apply. If your UAE residence has less than 3 months left, renew it first with our UAE residence visa renewal guide.
The application generally follows these steps on the official Bahrain eVisa portal. Button names can change, so follow the labels on screen.
Open the official Bahrain eVisa portal.
Go to the visa services section and start a new application.
Select GCC resident and choose the UAE as your country of residence.
Enter your nationality and choose tourism as your purpose.
Pick your visa type and continue.
Fill in the form and upload your documents.
Pay the application fee by card.
Save your application number.
After approval, pay the visa fee using the instructions you receive.
Download the eVisa from your email and print a copy.
You must apply from outside Bahrain.
Save Your Application Number
You need it to track your status. Keep your payment receipt too.
How to Check Your Bahrain Visa Status
Open the same portal and enter your application number. Also check your inbox and spam folder, because NPRA sends approvals and payment links by email.
How Long Does the Bahrain eVisa Take?
Current NPRA service pages list a processing time of 1 working day for the GCC resident eVisa services.
Older guidance gave 2 to 5 working days, so treat 1 working day as the target, not a guarantee. Apply at least one week before you fly, and two weeks around Eid and school holidays. Weekends and public holidays slow things down.
How Long Can You Stay in Bahrain?
Visa validity
Maximum stay per visit
2 weeks, single entry
Up to 2 weeks
3 months, multiple entry
Check the conditions on your visa
1 year, multiple entry
Up to 90 days
Visa on arrival
Up to 14 days
Count your days on every trip. A long visa validity does not mean a long single stay.
Can You Extend a Bahrain Visit Visa?
NPRA service pages list an extension fee of BD 25. The extension application is submitted at an NPRA service centre with a passport copy valid for more than 6 months.
Extensions are not automatic. Ask NPRA before your visa expires.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying brings fines. NPRA does not publish a penalty table for visitors, so we do not quote amounts.
Leave before your stay ends. If you cannot, speak to NPRA early.
Bahrain Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents
Visa on arrival is a short, single entry visa for travellers who meet Bahrain’s eligibility criteria.
Conditions
A UAE residence permit that meets the validity rule above
A passport valid for at least 6 months
A profession that meets Bahrain’s visa on arrival eligibility criteria
A return ticket
Proof of accommodation
An officer may also ask for a bank statement. Carry one.
Fee and Stay
Fee: BD 5, as stated by NPRA in 2023, paid to the passport control officer, who issues a receipt. Confirm the amount at the border
Stay: up to 14 days, single entry
What to Carry
Passport
UAE residence permit, printed or on your phone
Return ticket
Hotel booking or address
Cash or card for the fee
NPRA and border officers decide eligibility at the border. If you doubt that you qualify, apply for the eVisa instead.
Bahrain Visa for UAE Expats by Nationality
The GCC resident route depends on your residence permit and your occupation. It does not depend on your passport alone.
That applies to Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian and Bangladeshi residents in the UAE.
You may read claims online that visa on arrival does not apply to some South Asian passports. NPRA has published no such rule.
What to do:
Choose the GCC resident option on the eVisa portal
Enter your nationality and let the portal show the visas open to you
Treat that screen as the final answer
Travelling to Bahrain From the UAE
By Air
Direct flights connect Bahrain with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Check your visa status before you book, since airlines may ask for your eVisa at check in.
Screenshot: Visit Bahrain website on the official visitbahrain.bh website (captured October 2026).
Driving From the UAE via Saudi Arabia
There is no direct road from the UAE to Bahrain. You drive through Saudi Arabia and cross the King Fahd Causeway.
That means you need a Saudi visa first. Read our guide to the Saudi visa for UAE residents before you plan the trip.
Follow this order:
Get your Saudi eVisa
Get your Bahrain eVisa
Check your car insurance covers both countries
Cross at Al Ghuwaifat into Saudi Arabia, then drive to the causeway
Documents for Your Car
Driving licence
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
Insurance that covers the countries you enter
Written owner permission if the car is not yours
Causeway toll figures differ across sources. Check the official causeway information on the day you travel.
NPRA service pages list BD 5. Older reports used BD 4
Processing time
NPRA service pages list 1 working day
Fourth phase visa policy
Reported online in September 2026. Not confirmed on an NPRA page
GCC Grand Tours unified visa
Not yet confirmed as live
The Fourth Phase Visa Policy
Reported update: not independently confirmed by NPRA.
Some websites reported in September 2026 a fourth phase of Bahrain’s visa reforms, including more eVisa and visa on arrival nationalities and longer stays for some visitors.
We could not find this announcement on an official NPRA page, so treat it as unconfirmed and check the portal for what applies to you.
Is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa Live?
Not yet confirmed as live. The GCC Grand Tours visa would cover six countries with one permit. Reports in January 2026 pointed to a late 2026 launch, but no start date has been confirmed.
Agents add their own fee on top of the official price.
Option
What you pay
Official 3 month GCC resident eVisa
BD 17, about AED 166
Official 1 year GCC resident eVisa
BD 45, about AED 440
Agency price
Official fee plus the agent’s own service fee
You can apply directly through the official portal without an agent.
When an Agent Can Help
You are not comfortable with online forms
You want someone to check your documents
You need help after a refusal
If you use an agent, ask for the official fee and the service fee in writing.
Red Flags
The price is many times the official BD fee
The agent asks for your card number or a one time code
The agent promises a guaranteed approval
The site has no link to the government portal
Official Bahrain visa pages are on evisa.gov.bh and npra.gov.bh.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Bahrain Visa
Paying the BD 5 application fee before checking eligibility
Missing the deadline to pay the visa fee
Applying with a residence permit that is close to expiry
Using visa on arrival without being sure you qualify
Paying an agent far above the official fee
Planning to work on a visit visa
Driving to Bahrain without a Saudi visa
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bahrain Visa for UAE Residents
Do UAE residents need a visa for Bahrain?
Yes, if you are not a GCC citizen. Eligible UAE residents apply for the GCC resident eVisa online, and some travellers can use visa on arrival. Emirati citizens do not need a visa.
How much is a Bahrain visa for UAE residents?
Current NPRA service pages list BD 10 for the 2 week single entry GCC resident visa, BD 17 for the 3 month multiple entry visa and BD 45 for the 1 year visa. All include a BD 5 application fee. That is roughly AED 98, AED 166 and AED 440.
Can UAE residents get a Bahrain visa on arrival?
Eligible travellers can. The visa costs BD 5 according to NPRA’s 2023 statement, allows up to 14 days and is single entry. Officers decide eligibility at the border.
What is a skilled profession for the Bahrain visa on arrival?
We found no current official NPRA list. Do not rely on an agent’s list. If you are unsure, apply for the eVisa.
What documents do UAE residents need for a Bahrain visa?
You need a passport valid for more than 6 months, a UAE residence permit, a return ticket and accommodation details. A bank statement may be requested.
How long does a Bahrain visa take for UAE residents?
Current NPRA service pages list 1 working day. Older reports cite 2 to 5 working days, so apply at least a week early.
How long can I stay in Bahrain on an eVisa?
The 2 week visa allows a single stay of up to 2 weeks, and the 1 year visa allows up to 90 days per visit. For the 3 month visa, check the conditions printed on your visa.
Does my UAE residence need to be valid for 3 or 6 months?
Current NPRA information refers to 3 months. Older guidance said 6 months. Check the live eligibility screen, and renew your residence first if it is close to expiry.
Can I drive from Dubai to Bahrain?
Yes, through Saudi Arabia and the King Fahd Causeway. You need a Saudi visa as well as a Bahrain visa.
Can I extend my Bahrain visit visa?
NPRA service pages list a BD 25 extension fee. Extensions are not automatic, so ask NPRA before your visa expires.
Why do agents charge more than the official fee?
Agents add their own service fees to the official BD fee. You can apply directly on the official portal without an agent.
Can I work in Bahrain on a visit visa?
No. A visit visa covers tourism only. Work needs a separate work visa sponsored by an employer.
Can children get a Bahrain eVisa?
Yes. Each child needs their own passport and visa application. Parents usually complete the form and upload the documents.
Can I apply for the Bahrain eVisa from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
Yes. The eVisa is online, so it works from any emirate. NPRA checks your UAE residence permit and passport.
Conclusion: Your Bahrain Visa Checklist for UAE Expats
Getting a Bahrain visa from the UAE is simple when you pick the right route. Apply for the GCC resident eVisa on the official portal. Check your residence permit and passport dates first. Read every fee on the screen before you pay.
Three habits save time and money:
Apply at least one week before you travel
Keep your application number and receipts
Compare any agent price against the official BD fee
Planning a Bahrain trip from the UAE? Check your residence validity and passport validity before you go. If you plan to drive, get your Saudi visa first.
How We Verified This Guide
Last verified: 8 October 2026
Source order: official Bahrain and UAE sources first, then official statements reported in the media
Not confirmed: the skilled profession list, overstay penalties and the fourth phase details
Next review: when NPRA changes fees or rules, and before major holidays
Fees and rules can change, so confirm every figure on the official portal before you pay
Anees is a UAE-based content creator, writer, and SEO professional with over 12 years of experience. Since 2014, he has published research-backed guides on UAE visas, labour laws, jobs, traffic fines, and government services, all verified against official sources. He is certified in SEO by HubSpot Academy and Digital Marketing by Google Digital Garage.
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Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only, based on publicly available UAE laws and regulations. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official UAE government sources or a qualified legal professional.
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