South Africa passport → Bahrain

Bahrain visa for citizens of South Africa

Visa on arrivalVisa on Arrival · Tourist (14 days)

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa on Arrival · Tourist (14 days)
How to apply	Get your visa at the border
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	30 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	On arrival
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement showing sufficient funds (recommended BHD 50 per day)

How to apply

1
Prepare required documents
Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months, print onward ticket and accommodation details.
2
Arrive at Bahrain airport or land border
Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter.
3
Complete visa application form
Fill out the arrival visa form provided at the counter.
4
Present documents and pay fee
Submit passport, ticket, accommodation, and pay the visa fee (if applicable).
5
Receive visa and entry stamp
Visa is issued on the spot; you may proceed to immigration.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Must have at least two blank pages

Travel

Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure within permitted stay
Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
For the duration of stay

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statement or credit card

Supporting

Completed visa on arrival form (provided at entry)
Filled in upon arrival

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: BHD 1500 (approx)

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Cash
Credit card

Proof of funds may be requested at border discretion.

Good to know

Visa on Arrival is granted at the discretion of Bahrain immigration officials
Overstaying may result in fines or future entry bans

Common refusal reasons

Passport validity less than 6 months

Renew passport before travel

Insufficient funds or lack of onward ticket

Carry cash/credit card and a confirmed return ticket

Previous immigration violation or blacklist

Check status with Bahrain immigration before travel

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bahrain?

Citizens of South Africa can get a visa on arrival in Bahrain. Visa type: Visa on Arrival · Tourist (14 days).

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Bahrain?

Up to 30 days.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Bahrain?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity); Return or onward ticket; Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation; Proof of sufficient funds; Completed visa on arrival form (provided at entry).

How long must my passport be valid for Bahrain?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Bahrain

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Bahrain.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides