Whether you’re a resident of Bahrain planning a trip into Saudi Arabia for tourism, to visit family or friends, or simply curious about the process — this guide is here to walk you through: from eligibility and how to apply, through what to expect if things go wrong, and plenty of travel tips.
By the end you should feel confident about how to apply for a Bahrain e-Visa for Saudi Arabia.
Can you apply for a Bahrain e-visa?
Residents/travellers of many countries are eligible to apply online for a Bahrain entry visa via the online e-Visa portal.
However, citizens of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are exempt from needing a visa for short stays in Bahrain.
If you’re in Saudi Arabia (for example as a resident or working there) and you want to travel to Bahrain, your eligibility to apply may depend on your residency/permit status in KSA. For example, expatriates with Saudi Iqama or GCC residency may have specific conditions.
How to apply for the Bahrain e-visa (for someone residing in Saudi Arabia)
Here are the general steps — you’ll need to check the exact requirements for your nationality and residency status before you apply for Bahrain e-visa through the online portal.
Visit the online Bahrain e-visa portal (“Visas” section on the Bahrain government website).
Check eligibility: your nationality, your current residency permit (if you’re living/worked in Saudi Arabia), passport validity etc.
Gather required documents: valid passport, maybe your Saudi residency/Iqama if applicable, return or onward travel ticket, accommodation details, bank/financial proof in some cases.
Fill in the online application form: personal details, travel details, passport info.
Pay the visa fee (via online payment) and apply.
Wait for approval; once approved you’ll receive the e-visa electronically. Print or save the approval to present on arrival.
Arrive in Bahrain and present your passport + approved e-visa (and any other documents asked).
Which nationalities living in Saudi Arabia are eligible for the Bahrain e-visa?
If you live in Saudi Arabia and want to visit Bahrain, whether you need an e-visa depends on your nationality. Bahrain allows citizens from over 200 countries to apply for an e-visa online. This covers most countries around the world.
If you’re from one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, or Qatar, you usually don’t need a visa for short visits to Bahrain.
However, if you’re a non-GCC citizen living in Saudi Arabia — for example, from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh — your ability to get a Bahrain e-visa may depend on your residency status in Saudi Arabia. Rules can vary, so it’s best to check the official Bahrain e-visa website or speak with the Bahraini embassy to be sure.
To summarize: Saudi citizens don’t need a visa for short stays in Bahrain. Non-GCC residents might need an e-visa, depending on their nationality and residency status. And most other nationalities can apply for the Bahrain e-visa online.
If you want the most accurate info, always check with the official Bahrain government site or embassy before planning your trip.
How long does it take to get the Saudi e-visa if I apply from Bahrain?
Processing times vary. Good news: it can be fast if everything is correct. But given individual cases, it’s wise to allow extra time.
The online portal states that the e-visa is valid for one year, multiple entries, stay of up to 90 days. It doesn’t always list a fixed processing time in hours.
Some private providers suggest the standard Bahrain e-Visa Processing Time within 6-8 business days; express options are quicker.
In Bahrain, some applicants have reported status remaining “Sent to Embassy” for several days or longer.
My recommendation: apply at 8-10 days ahead of your travel plans, to account for any delays or additional checks. If you apply earlier, you’ll have more breathing room.
How many entries does the Saudi e-visa allow (single/multiple) for Bahrain residents?
If you successfully receive the standard Saudi tourist e-visa, here are the key entry and stay details:
The e-visa is multiple-entry unless specified otherwise. The official portal states: “multiple entries, the visa shall be valid for one year… stay does not exceed 3 months (90 days) during its validity period.”
So: you can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times within the validity (typically one year).
You can stay up to 90 days per entry / or up to 90 days total during the visa’s validity (depending on interpretation). Many sources say up to 90 days per visit.
The key point: The multiple-entry nature allows you to exit and re-enter, subject to visa validity and stay duration.
For Bahrain residents: you would apply under the multiple-entry e-visa (if approved), so you benefit from the flexibility. Just make sure you don’t overstay beyond 90 days per entry (or total, depending on your visa version).
Does the Bahrain e-visa allow me to work in Bahrain?
No, the Bahrain e-visa does not allow you to work in Bahrain.
Here’s what you should know:
🚫 Work is not permitted on an e-Visa
The Bahrain e-visa is designed only for tourism, business visits, or family visits.
You cannot take up employment, paid or unpaid, while in Bahrain on this visa.
Immigration authorities may fine or deport anyone found working on a visit or e-visa.
✅ If you want to work in Bahrain
You’ll need to obtain a work visa (employment visa), which is usually arranged through your employer or sponsor in Bahrain.
The process typically includes:
A job offer from a Bahraini company.
The employer applies for work authorization through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Once approved, you receive a work visa and residence permit to legally live and work in Bahrain.
What happens if my Saudi e-visa application from Bahrain is rejected?
When a Bahrain eVisa is Rejected:
You will be informed (via email or through the portal) that your application is not approved. For example, local applicants in Bahrain have reported this outcome.
You may need to re-apply if you still want to travel (and if you meet eligibility).
The rejection reason is not always clear; sometimes additional documentation or nationality is an issue.
If your application remains “Sent to Embassy” for prolonged time, it may effectively act like a rejection or indicate extra scrutiny.
Important practical tip: Do not book non-refundable flights/hotels until you have the visa approval in your hand.
Do I need to visit the Saudi embassy in Bahrain, or is it fully online?
One of the benefits of the e-visa system is that you don’t need to visit the embassy in person, in most cases. The process is fully online: apply via portal, upload documents, pay, get decision. According to the Bahrain news article:
“The new decree also no longer requires visitors to visit the country’s embassy before entering Saudi Arabia, allowing potential travellers a more simplified journey.”
That means for GCC residents in Bahrain, the application and decision can happen entirely online. However:
If the system flags your case for extra checks, you may be asked to visit the embassy or a visa centre. Some applicants have reported “Sent to Embassy” status and delays.
It is wise to still keep handy any relevant embassy contact details just in case things go off track.
So yes: for most Bahrain residents eligible for the Saudi e-visa, the process is online and you don’t need to physically go to the embassy.
Is the payment fee refundable if the Saudi e-visa from Bahrain is not approved?
In most cases, the fee is non-refundable. The Bahrain news article specifically says:
“Once applicants have applied for an eVisa, they will not be able to cancel it or request a refund under any circumstances.”
Other sources/FAQs confirm that visa application fees are typically non-refundable.
So if your application is rejected, you will likely not get your money back.
Is travel insurance required for Saudi e-visa applications from Bahrain?
The official Saudi tourist e-visa terms do not always explicitly require travel insurance as a mandatory document for all applicants. However:
Some agents and websites say that proof of medical/travel insurance may be needed or recommended.
If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia (especially by air), having travel insurance is strongly recommended (for medical emergencies, repatriation, etc.).
If you are entering Saudi Arabia via road/bridge (from Bahrain) and staying for a while, insurance might be asked for at immigration. Some Bahrain residents on Reddit mentioned being asked for insurance when applying for on-arrival visas.
So although not always strictly enforced, it’s best practice to purchase travel insurance that covers your stay in Saudi Arabia before you travel.
Travel Tips
Here are some travel and practical tips to make your trip smoother:
Double-check your documents: passport validity (6+ months), Bahrain residence permit validity, photo quality, correct spellings.
Download/print your e-visa: Even though it’s electronic, carry a printed copy and/or have it on your phone. At Saudi immigration, presenting the PDF + passport is wise.
Plan entry and stay: Understand that your stay may be limited to 90 days (per entry or total). If you exit and re-enter, ensure you haven’t exceeded total allowed days. Reddit users report confusion.
Stay aware of nationality/eligibility limitations: If your nationality has historically had higher rejection rate, build in extra buffer time or consider alternatives.
Travel insurance & health coverage: Especially for road/bridge entries from Bahrain (e.g., via King Fahd Causeway) you might face checks; having proof is helpful.
Don’t assume visa allows work: If your purpose is business or employment, apply for correct visa type.
Keep proof of onward/return travel: Though not always mandatory, it helps smooth the process (immigration officers like to see you plan to exit).
Monitor stay duration: Be vigilant about the 90‐day stay rule; overstaying can lead to fines or exit problems. Reddit posts document issues.
Avoid last-minute bookings: Even if e-visa sometimes comes quickly, delays happen. Book refundable or changeable flights/accommodation where possible.
Keep a copy of your residence permit and job letter (if applicable): May help in case of additional checks.
Bahrain e-Visa FAQs
Q: If I am a Bahraini resident with an Indian passport, can I apply?
A: Yes you can apply, but acceptance is not guaranteed—Indian passports have been reported to face higher scrutiny even when resident in Bahrain.
Q: I applied and status shows “Sent to Embassy” — what does that mean?
A: It means your application has been flagged for further review, possibly requiring manual checks. It may take several days or may result in a rejection without refund. Some applicants have had to wait 10 working days or more.
Q: Once I get the e-visa (valid one year), how long can I stay on each entry?
A: The standard rule: up to 90 days per entry (or during the visa validity period). You are free to leave and re-enter while the visa is valid, but always check your days used.
Q: Can I convert the tourist e-visa into a work visa once I reach Saudi Arabia?
A: No, you cannot. If you intend to work you should apply for a specific employment visa. The tourist e-visa prohibits earning employment.
Q: If my visa is rejected, can I re-apply immediately?
A: You may re-apply, but you’ll have to pay the fee again and resolve whatever issue caused the rejection. Make sure to review your eligibility and application details before re-applying.
Q: Do I need to go to the Saudi embassy in Bahrain to apply or collect the visa?
A: Generally no — the process is online. However, in some cases of extra checks you may be asked for additional steps which could involve an embassy or visa centre.
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory when entering Saudi Arabia from Bahrain?
A: It is not always explicitly mandatory for all cases, but many travellers recommend it and some border/immigration officials may request proof. Safe to have it.
Q: Does the e-visa allow me to stay more than 90 days?
A: No — you must not exceed the 90-day stay limit per entry or during the visa validity (check specific terms). Overstaying can incur fines and problems.
