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Have you ever considered exploring the ancient Dilmun Burial mounds or feeling the thrill of roaring engines at the Bahrain International Circuit? For Australians, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a unique blend of traditional Gulf culture matched with extreme modernisation.

The application for the visa is digital, meaning that it is mostly completed online and many steps can be completed through email once it has been processed. For Australian passport holders, the Bahrain e-visa for Australia simplifies the process, allowing easy access to Bahrain with just a few clicks. This guide contains information for Australian passport holders regarding the e-visa to Bahrain.

Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to Bahrain?

Yes, you will need to apply for and obtain a visa before entering Bahrain. Australia is an eligible nationality for a visa, but you must have a valid visa before travelling through Bahrain; i.e. you cannot simply arrive and obtain a visa once there.

While there are other options available to apply for a passport for travel to Bahrain (such as passport control at the airport), the e-visa is generally considered the most reliable method to enter Bahrain. The e-visa is linked electronically to your passport. Therefore, there is no waiting in line to apply for a visa at an embassy or for physical stickers to be sent in the mail to validate your travel documents.

How Can Australians Apply for a Bahrain Visa?

The application process for the E-Visa program is also processed electronically using a secure digital application system, which includes the following steps:

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm your citizenship and intended purpose for traveling to Bahrain (tourism, work or family).



2. Completing an Application Form: You will need to provide personal details about yourself, including passport information, as well as travel dates.



3. Uploading Supporting Documents: You will need to upload a digital copy of your passport and supporting documents.



4. Payment: You will need to pay for the visa using a credit or debit card.



5. Receiving Your Visa: Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email notification regarding an approved visa

What Documents Do Australians Need for a Bahrain Visa?

To prepare for your application, please have the required scanned copies of documents mentioned above. The Bahrain Visa Documents Requirements outline the necessary documentation needed for obtaining a visa to Bahrain, as listed by the Ministry of Interior for the '2024-2025 e-Visa Issuance Period.

• Valid Passport: A standard Australian passport must remain valid for a minimum of six months at the time of travel.



• Round-trip Flight Ticket: A copy of your confirmed round-trip flight ticket should accompany your application.



• Hotel Confirmation or Letter from Host: In order to apply for your visa, you will be required to attach a letter from your hotel confirming your reservation or a letter from your host providing their contact information and address in Bahrain.



• Gulf Cooperation Council Residency Permit or Visit Visa (if applicable): If you are an Australian citizen residing in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman), obtaining your residency permit can often facilitate and expedite the visa application process.



• Recent Bank Statement: A clear copy of your most recent bank statement and the statement must reflect activity for three months before applying for your visa.



• Recent Bank Statement: A clear copy of your bank statements for the last 3 months.
  
  
  
  • Minimum Balance: Official guidelines suggest a closing balance of at least USD $1,000 (approx. $1,550 AUD) or proof of a monthly income between 300 and 500 BHD.
  
  
  
  

Special Requirements for Business, Family, & Minors

• Business eVisa: You will need a Letter of Introduction from your employer in Australia or a formal Invitation Letter from a registered Bahraini company. This letter must clearly state the nature of your business and the duration of your stay.



• Family eVisa: Applicants must provide proof of kinship (such as a marriage or birth certificate) and a copy of their relative's Bahraini ID (CPR).



• Traveling with Children: If you are traveling with minors, you must include a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a signed consent letter from any parent or guardian not present during the trip.

How Long Does Bahrain Visa Processing Take for Australians?

While the digital system is fast, it isn't instant. Plan ahead based on these standard timelines for Bahrain visa Processing Time, which can vary depending on the specific details of your application.

• Standard Processing: 6 - 8 Working Days.



• Rush Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days.



• Super-Rush Processing: 4 - 6 Working Days.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bahrain?

For Australians used to varied climates, timing is everything in the desert:

• Peak Season (November – March): The most comfortable time for sightseeing. This window includes the Bahrain Grand Prix and several cultural festivals.



• Shoulder Season (April & October): Warm but manageable, often with fewer crowds at major tourist sites.



• Low Season (June – September): Extremely hot (often exceeding 40°C). Outdoor activities are difficult, though indoor attractions and malls remain fully operational.

What Photo Size and Format Are Required for a Bahrain Visa?

• Dimensions: 40mm wide by 60mm high (Digital: 944 x 1417 pixels).



• Background: Plain white.



• Format: JPG or JPEG, under 120KB.



• Appearance: Face must occupy 70-80% of the frame. Neutral expression, no glasses.

Bahrain Customs & Prohibited Items

Bahraini Customs Affairs strictly monitors all points of entry. Australians should be aware of the following:

• Currency: You must declare any currency (cash or traveler's checks) exceeding USD $10,000 (or equivalent).



• Duty-Free Allowance: 400 cigarettes (or 50 cigars), and 1 liter of alcohol (non-Muslim travelers only).



• Strictly Prohibited:
  
  
  
  • Illegal drugs (zero-tolerance policy).
  
  
  
  • Culturally offensive material (publications or media contradicting Islamic teachings).
  
  
  
  • Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks.
  
  
  
  • Cultured pearls (natural pearls only are permitted for trade).
  
  
  
  

Local Laws & Safety for Australians

• Public Decency: Extra-marital sexual relations are a criminal offense. Public displays of affection should be kept to an absolute minimum.



• Alcohol: Drinking in public or public drunkenness is illegal and can lead to immediate arrest.



• Medications: Some over-the-counter Australian medications (especially those containing codeine) are restricted. Always carry a doctor's prescription for personal medicines.



• Photography: Avoid taking photos of government buildings, military installations, or local women without explicit permission.

Why Do Bahrain Visa Applications from Australia Get Rejected?

• Blurred Scans: As an automated option, the system fails to read passports that cannot be scanned; thus, these passports would most likely not be reviewed manually by an individual.



• Financial Discrepancy: If there is a significant difference between your bank account balance and the minimum required balance of at least USD $1,000.



• Missing Documents: Either the Host ID (for family visits) or employer's letter (for business purposes) is missing.



• Validity of Passports: Passports must remain valid at least 6-months from date of submission.

What Should Australians Carry When Traveling to Bahrain?

1. When you receive your e-Visa via email, be sure to print out a hard copy of the document. In addition, if your mobile phone runs out of battery power while you are traveling, or if the network is slow, you will need to have a backup plan.



2. Additionally, having proof that you intend to depart is important, so ensure that you keep your return ticket handy.



3. A hotel confirmation is also important to verify your lodging while you are traveling.



4. Occasionally, the border control might ask to see a three (3) month history of your bank statement.



5. Although a travel insurance policy is not mandatory, some agents may request to see proof of accident/health insurance before accepting your application.

Final Thoughts

The eVisa system in the Kingdom of Bahrain is quite efficient, provided that you select the correct category and review your documents thoroughly prior to submitting for approval. 

Having a valid passport for at least six months will allow you to travel comfortably throughout the Kingdom