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Bahrain Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens can apply for a Bahrain e-visa online via evisa.gov.bh; a single-entry 2-week e-visa costs around USD 23-30, with multi-entry and longer options available, and standard processing takes around 3-5 business days.

Guide last updated October 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • Digital passport photo and scanned passport bio-data page
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • A valid email address and payment card for the online application - no physical embassy visit or biometrics required for the e-visa

Visa types

  • eVisa 2-week single entry - for short tourism or business stays, approximate fee USD 23-30
  • eVisa 1-month multiple entry - approximate fee USD 60-80
  • eVisa 3-month multiple entry - approximate fee USD 110-130
  • Longer-stay or work visas must be sponsored by a Bahraini employer or resident and are applied for separately through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority or General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence

How to apply online

  • Visit evisa.gov.bh and select the appropriate visa category and duration
  • Complete the online application with passport and travel details
  • Upload the passport bio-data page and a digital photo
  • Pay the fee online by card
  • Receive the approved e-visa by email as a PDF to present on arrival at Bahrain International Airport

Fees & processing time

  • 2-week single entry: approximately USD 23-30
  • 1-month multiple entry: approximately USD 60-80
  • 3-month multiple entry: approximately USD 110-130
  • Standard processing time: around 3-5 business days
  • No separate agency fee if applying directly through the official evisa.gov.bh portal

Tips for South African travelers

  • Apply only through the official evisa.gov.bh site, as third-party sites often charge significant markups for the same service
  • There are no direct flights from South Africa to Bahrain - most routes connect via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Addis Ababa
  • Print a physical copy of the approved e-visa in addition to having it on your phone, as this speeds up the airport arrival process
  • Confirm hotel bookings before applying, since some applications require a valid accommodation reference number

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.