The GSA
All country guides

Country guide

Bahrain

Visa

Visa required

Vaccinations

Conditional

Currency

Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Time zones

GMT / UTC +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 973

Best time to go

November - March

Drinking water

Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is available and may be preferred by travellers. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.

Travel tips

It is important to take sun protection measures.

Visa guide

Entry requirements

You must not take up any paid or unpaid employment during your visit to Bahrain.
You must be able to support yourself (and any dependents) during the visit.
Passport must be valid for length of time you will be in Bahrain, or the length of the visa, whichever is longer.
Visitor must have a valid confirmed onward ticket to leave the Kingdom of Bahrain.
You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds
You may be asked for proof of accommodation
For other visa types / visit lengths, refer: www.evisa.gov.bh

Visa requirements

Visas are required by South African Passport Holders.

E-VISA Requirements (2 week visit visa):

Applications via: www.evisa.gov.bh
Passport must be valid for at least six months.
Copy of the applicant’s passport. (Family Page and any additional information page).
Copy of valid confirmed return air ticket.
Copy of hotel booking in Kingdom of Bahrain. Alternatively, in case you are staying with a relative/friend, please provide a copy of their ID reader's printout.
Copy of a bank statement under the visitor's name covering the last three months with an ending balance of not less than the equivalent of USD 1000.

Visa on Arrival

South Africans with a valid visit visa to UAE, UK, USA, KSA (excluding Hajj & Umrah visa), Schengen or USA Green Card may get a visa on arrival.

Visa cost

Fees - 2 week visit visa:
E-Visa: BD 5 (application fee) + BD 5 (visa fee). Application fee is payable on application, visa fee is payable after visa is approved.

Visa on arrival: BD 5

SA representative

Representation accredited from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

2026: Jan 1; Mar 20-22; May 1, 26-29; Jun 17, 26-27; Aug 26; Dec 16-17

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 8 June 2026