Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
  • About
    • Locations & Coverage
    • Press Releases
    • Awards and Accolades
    • Pro Bono
  • People
  • Services
    • Column 1
      • Auditing
      • Business Visas
      • Citizenship
      • Comparative Country Analysis
      • Compliance
      • Consular Services
      • Consulting
      • Covid-19 Task Force
    • Column 2
      • Data Analytics
      • Document Acquisition and Authentication
      • Employment Visas
      • Forecasting
      • Government Strategies
      • Knowledge Management
      • Management Reporting
      • Outsourcing
    • Column 3
      • Passport Services
      • Permanent Residence
      • Program and Policy Services
      • Sports and Entertainment
      • Strategic Planning
      • Technology Solutions
      • Training
  • News
  • Resources
    • Global Trends
    • Events
    • Advisor
    • Country Overviews
    • BAL Perspectives
    • BAL’s USCIS Fee Calculator
    • DACA Resource Center
  • Careers
  • Share
  • Client Login
Client Login
  • Home
  •  /  Resources
  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Bahrain
  • Country Overviews

Bahrain

At a Glance

Capital Manama
Language Arabic
Population 1,702,000
GDP Total $37.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $24,133.50
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Bahrain, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Bahrain, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business and sales meetings
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Tour a company facility
  • » Attend a trade show or seminar convention
  • » Establish a business venture or explore possibilities to set up a business venture

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Bahrain?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and most European countries, will be required to obtain a Business Visa (also called a Visit Visa) to enter Bahrain. Depending on the traveler’s nationality, visas may be obtained from a Bahraini Consulate or Embassy prior to travel, online as an e-visa, or upon arrival. Nationals of select countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), may be eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities without a visa. Please verify your eligibility for a visa on arrival, visa waiver status, or an e-visa prior to travel.

 

Working in Bahrain

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Bahraini law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Bahrain, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • » Performing technical repairs
  • » Facilitating or receiving technical training
  • » Market integration
  • » Participating in an inventory evaluation

 

If I am traveling to Bahrain for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Bahrain. The most common form of work authorization in Bahrain is the Work Visa and Residence Permit.

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Nationals of eligible GCC member states are exempt from obtaining work authorization and may work indefinitely in Bahrain.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

9 Nov 22

Flexi Permit program suspended

Bahrain

20 Sep 22

Multi-entry training visa launched

Bahrain

10 Feb 22

Golden Residency Visa launched

Bahrain

31 Aug 21

COVID-19: Entry restrictions updated

Bahrain COVID-19

29 Oct 20

Ten-year multi-entry visa for US nationals announced

Bahrain

24 Sep 20

COVID-19: Visa on arrival services resume

Bahrain COVID-19

1 Sep 20

Labor market testing process details announced

Bahrain

6 May 20

COVID-19: Visit visa validity extended

Bahrain COVID-19

6 Apr 20

COVID-19: Visa and travel restrictions announced

Bahrain COVID-19

10 Oct 18

Mode of entry now enforced for Saudi visit...

Bahrain Saudi Arabia

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

At a Glance

Capital Manama
Language Arabic
Population 1,702,000
GDP Total $37.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $24,133.50

Related News

  • Flexi Permit program suspended

    BAHRAIN   9 Nov 22

  • Multi-entry training visa launched

    BAHRAIN   20 Sep 22

  • Golden Residency Visa launched

    BAHRAIN   10 Feb 22

  • COVID-19: Entry restrictions updated

    BAHRAIN   31 Aug 21

  • Ten-year multi-entry visa for US nationals announced

    BAHRAIN   29 Oct 20

  • COVID-19: Visa on arrival services resume

    BAHRAIN   24 Sep 20

  • Labor market testing process details announced

    BAHRAIN   1 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: Visit visa validity extended

    BAHRAIN   6 May 20

  • COVID-19: Visa and travel restrictions announced

    BAHRAIN   6 Apr 20

  • Mode of entry now enforced for Saudi visit...

    BAHRAIN, SAUDI ARABIA   10 Oct 18

  • Dependent sponsorship salary minimum increases

    BAHRAIN   26 Mar 18

  • Health care costs now included in visa fees

    BAHRAIN   11 Feb 15

  • Work Permits, Renewals Now Offer Choice of Duration

    BAHRAIN   23 Oct 13

{{ text }}
  • Contact Us
  • BAL Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Legal Notice
  • Disclaimer

©2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden. All Rights Reserved. 2400 N. Glenville Dr., Bldg A, Richardson, TX 75082. Jeremy Fudge, Managing Partner.