saudi visa from bahrain

The Saudi visa for Bahrain residents is a document that allows individuals residing in Bahrain to enter and stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for specific purposes and durations (as stipulated by the type and conditions of the issued visa).

Although citizens of Bahrain are exempt from needing a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, foreigners residing in Bahrain must obtain a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visa (KSA visa) to enter the country for purposes including:

.Tourism

.Transit visa

.Studying visa

.Employment v

.Visiting family and friends visa

.Business purposes visa

.Umrah visa

The majority of Bahrain residents can apply for a Saudi visa online. However, in cases where online applications are not possible, individuals may need to apply through an embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC).

The validity of Saudi visas varies depending on the type of visa obtained. For example, tourist visas (the most popular type of visa) are usually valid for multiple entries in a one-year period whereas employment visas can have longer validity periods, typically ranging from one to three years.

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Saudi Visa Types for Bahrain Residents

There are different types of Saudi visas for Bahrain residents. The type of visa you need will depend on your reason for visiting Saudi Arabia and your intended duration of stay.

The most common types of visas are:

Tourist visa

Intended for individuals who want to visit Saudi Arabia for leisure or recreational purposes. Tourist visas typically allow stays of up to 90 days. For travelers looking for a Saudi multiple entry visa from Bahrain for tourism purposes, a tourist visa is recommended.

Student visa

Intended for foreign students who are enrolled in educational institutions in Saudi Arabia. This visa allows students who are residents of Bahrain to pursue their academic studies in Saudi universities or schools. The visa is usually valid for the duration of their academic program.

Transit visa

Intended for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. Transit visas allow a short stay in the kingdom, typically for up to 96 hours. It allows travelers from Bahrain to explore the country during layovers.

Employment visa

Intended for foreign residents in Bahrain who want to work in Saudi Arabia. Employment visas allow them to legally work in Saudi and are usually issued alongside sponsorship from a Saudi employer and a valid employment contract. The visa allows the visa holder to stay in the country for the duration of the employment contract.

Business visa

Intended for individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, with varying durations based on the specific business needs.

Saudi Arabia visa application

Saudi Arabia has made travel to Saudi Arabia easier than ever. Eligible travelers can now apply online for the Saudi electronic visa at SaudiVisa.com in just a few simple steps.

Complete application form

Fill out application form and submit required documents

Pay visa fee

Pay the visa application fee with a valid credit/debit card

Receive approved visa

If approved, receive visa directly to your email

For those not eligible to apply online for a Saudi electronic visa, Saudi “sticker” visas should be applied for at your nearest Saudi embassy or representation office. You are advised to contact the Saudi embassy for more information regarding their specific visa application procedures that are relevant to your case.

Applying for a Saudi e-Visa from Bahrain

Applying for a Saudi e-Visa from Bahrain is a convenient and efficient option for travelers.

Below is an easy-to-follow guide to the online application process:

Visit the website

Visit the SaudiVisa.com website and click ‘Apply now’ to start your visa application.

Complete the application form

Complete the online visa application form with accurate personal and travel details. Make sure you complete all aspects of the application and that all the information matches your passport. In addition, you will need to upload your personal photo.

Pay the visa fee

You should then proceed to the payment section and pay the applicable visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. The Saudi visa from Bahrain's price is typically USD 199.

Wait for your visa to process

After you submit your application and payment, allow time for the visa processing. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification with the e-Visa attached as a PDF document.

Print the e-Visa

Print a copy of the approved e-Visa to carry with you during your travels to Saudi Arabia. It is recommended that your visa be accessible both digitally and as a hard copy.

Where to Apply

Foreigners residing in Bahrain can apply for their Saudi visa online, via the Saudi Visa website. Applying online offers a quick and easy way to apply for a visa without needing to visit an embassy, consulate, or VAC. Alternatively, you can choose to obtain a visa on arrival. However, this can result in long lines and potential delays at the airport in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is recommended that visa applications are done online in advance.

Saudi Visa Processing Time

The typical processing time for a Saudi e-visa is usually 1-5 business days, with the majority of applications being processed within 24 hours. However, processing times may vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the accuracy of the submitted documents. It is advisable to apply in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid any potential last-minute delays.

Saudi Visa Extension

Saudi e-visas are not extendable, meaning you cannot prolong your stay in Saudi Arabia beyond the validity period specified in your e-visa. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country before your visa expires and apply for a new e-visa if you wish to return. Alternatively, you can apply for another visa (such as a residency visa) while you are in Saudi Arabia, as long as you meet the conditions of that visa. It is essential to adhere to the visa’s validity period to avoid overstaying, which can result in penalties and complications for future travel to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Embassy in Bahrain

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Bahrain is located in Manama.

Embassy address: Diplomatic Area – Manama 1702 through No. 82, Building 317,
Manama, Bahrain.

Embassy contact number: +973-1753-7722

Embassy email address: bhemb@mofa.gov.sa

Bahrain Embassy in Saudi Arabia

The Bahraini Embassy in Saudi Arabia is located in Riyadh.

Embassy address: Diplomatic Quarter, P. O. Box 94371, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia.

Embassy contact number: +966 (11) 488 0044

Embassy email address: riyadh.mission@mofa.gov.bh

FAQ

Can I apply for an e-Visa if I am visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah?

If you are visiting for the Umrah pilgrimage, you can likely apply for a tourist e-Visa. However, during the Hajj season, you may need to apply for a specific Hajj visa from Bahrain

Is there an age limit for the e-Visa?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an e-Visa yourself. Travelers under 18 can apply for a visa with at least one ‘responsible’ adult who will be traveling to Saudi Arabia with them.

What if I am a Bahrain resident with a passport from a visa-exempt country?

There are four visa-exempt countries (excluding Bahrain) for Saudi Arabia – Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. If your passport is from one of these visa-exempt countries, you will not need to apply for a visa, even if you are traveling from Bahrain rather than your country of citizenship.

Is the Saudi visit visa from Bahrain the same as the e-Visa?

The terms visit visa and tourist visa are often used interchangeably to refer to visas issued for short-term stays. However, a Saudi Arabia visit visa can also refer to other types of temporary visit visas, including business visas and family visit visas.