Bahrain visa options for India passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Bahrain

Rules are written for non-GCC foreign nationals. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizens — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE — enter freely with a national ID and are exempt from most visa and insurance requirements.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Tourist eVisa / Visa on Arrival

  Single-entry eVisa/VOA: about 14 days (2 weeks). 1-year multiple-entry eVisa: up to 90 days per visit. Limits and eligibility vary by nationality; verify per passport.

  Insurance

  RequiredTravel/health insurance is recommended for all visitors and is reported as required for some nationalities. Bahrain's SEHATI health programme is expanding coverage to expats and visitors, but as of June 2026 no official universal proof-of-insurance entry requirement for tourists is confirmed. Verify per nationality before travel.

  Good for

  Leisure travellers and remote workers wanting short stays; the eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bh) is open to nationals of 212 countries, with visa-on-arrival available to 60+ nationalities at Bahrain International Airport.

  Requirement

  Passport valid 6+ months; online application via evisa.gov.bh (passport bio-page scan and photo); often return ticket, accommodation and proof of funds.

• Tourist

  Family Visit Visa

  Typically 1 month, extendable by up to 30 days through immigration offices (around BHD 20); verify current limits and fees.

  Insurance

  RequiredTravel/health insurance recommended for the visiting relative; verify whether coverage is required for the sponsored visitor.

  Good for

  Relatives visiting an expatriate resident or Bahraini family member already in the country (spouse, children, parents and some siblings).

  Requirement

  Sponsorship/invitation by a resident with a valid CPR and current Bahraini residence permit (or a Bahraini family member), plus relationship documents; visitor's passport valid 6+ months.

• Business

  Business Visit Visa

  Same eVisa durations as the tourist visa (single-entry ~14 days; 1-year multiple-entry up to 90 days per visit); varies by entry type and nationality.

  Insurance

  RecommendedTravel/health insurance recommended; the same visitor health-coverage trend as tourists may apply. Verify per nationality.

  Good for

  Visitors attending meetings, conferences or exploring investment; no paid employment in Bahrain permitted.

  Requirement

  Online eVisa application via evisa.gov.bh, usually with an employer letter and/or invitation from a registered Bahraini company; passport valid 6+ months; return ticket and accommodation proof.

• Most nomadsWork

  Work Visa (LMRA Employment Permit + Residence)

  Typically 1-2 years, renewable; employer-sponsored.

  Insurance

  Requiredin practice. Under Bahrain's SEHATI scheme (operational in 2026) employers must fund basic health coverage for expat workers, paid through work-permit fees; this is limited mainly to emergency and primary care, so supplemental private cover is commonly needed.

  Good for

  Foreign professionals with a confirmed job offer from a Bahraini employer registered with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

  Requirement

  Employer sponsorship via LMRA (work-permit fees approx. BHD 195 for 1 year / BHD 390 for 2 years plus admin fee); job offer/contract, mandatory biometric enrollment, medical exam and qualifications; residence permit and CPR card then issued via NPRA.

• Study

  Student Visa

  Duration of the study programme; university-sponsored and renewable.

  Insurance

  OptionalHealth coverage is expected and many institutions require it; expats also fall under the SEHATI framework. Confirm with the university.

  Good for

  International students accepted by a Bahraini university or college, which acts as the official sponsor.

  Requirement

  University acceptance letter and sponsorship; proof of financial means; medical certificate; passport valid 6+ months.

• Most nomadsResidence

  Golden Residency Visa (10-year)

  10 years, renewable; no minimum-stay requirement to maintain it.

  Insurance

  Requiredapplicants must submit a valid Bahraini medical insurance certificate via the NPRA portal as part of the application.

  Good for

  Property investors, high-earning resident professionals, retirees and recognised talent seeking renewable long-term residence with work and family-sponsorship rights.

  Requirement

  One of several NPRA pathways: real-estate investment of BHD 130,000 (~USD 345,000, reduced from BHD 200,000 effective Dec 2025); resident professional earning ~BHD 2,000/month with 5+ years in Bahrain; retiree with pension ~BHD 4,000/month (non-resident) or ~BHD 2,000/month plus 15 years' Bahrain work history; or recognised specialised talent. Apply via the NPRA online portal. Verify current thresholds.

• Residence

  Self-Sponsorship Residence Permit (company investor)

  Issued for 2, 5 or 10 years, renewable.

  Insurance

  Requireda valid medical insurance certificate issued in Bahrain must be submitted with the NPRA application.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals who invest in and run their own company in Bahrain and want to sponsor their own residence.

  Requirement

  Per NPRA: minimum company investment of about BHD 100,000 (~USD 265,000) plus a stable monthly income of about BHD 500; commercial register/memorandum showing ownership; apply via the NPRA portal. Verify current figures.

Visa rules change frequently and vary by nationality. Always confirm current requirements with the official Bahrain eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bh), the NPRA (npra.gov.bh) and the LMRA (lmra.gov.bh) before travelling or applying. Figures here are indicative, not legal advice. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

India → Bahrain: frequently asked

Do India passport holders need a visa to visit Bahrain?

e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a India passport holder live or work long-term in Bahrain?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Bahrain has 7 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Bahrain?

Entry to Bahrain never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Bahrain visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.