UK Visa for Bahraini Citizens
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- What is a UK Visa for Bahraini citizens?
- What is the UK ETA for Bahraini Citizens?
- How to Apply for the ETA
- UK Visa Types for Bahraini Citizens
- UK Visa Requirements for Bahraini Citizens
- Additional Documents by Visa Type
- UK Visa Application Process for Bahraini Citizens
- UK Visa Processing Time for Bahraini Citizens
- UK Visa Fees for Bahraini Citizens
- UK Visa for Bahraini Residents
- Visitor Statistics from Bahrain to the United Kingdom
- FAQ
What is a UK Visa for Bahraini citizens?
A UK visa for Bahraini citizens is an official document that allows Bahraini citizens to travel to the United Kingdom for various purposes, such as work or study.
If you're planning to travel from Bahrain, you might be wondering how to get a UK visa from Bahrain. Bahraini citizens don’t need a UK visit visa from Bahrain for short visits. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The new system, UK ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for Bahraini citizens in 2024 when it became a requirement for them starting February 2024.
Most Bahraini travelers now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they visit the UK for up to six months. It covers trips for tourism, short study programs, business, or visiting family and friends.
What is the UK ETA for Bahraini Citizens?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital entry permit that allows you to enter the UK without going through a full UK visa application process.
With an ETA for the UK, you can:
- Stay up to six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, or short study courses
- Stay up to three months on a Creative Worker visa concession
- Join a paid event, like speaking at a conference
Here’s what makes the UK ETA helpful:
- The application is online and takes about 10 minutes
- Most people get a decision within 3 working days
- It costs £16 per application
- Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
- You can enter the UK multiple times
- Each visit can last up to 6 months
- Covers tourism, business, short-term study, and family visits
- Also works if you’re transiting through the UK (as long as you go through border control)
- Replaced the EVW for Bahraini travelers
- Helps speed up the entry process with pre-travel checks
How to Apply for the ETA
As mentioned earlier, Bahraini citizens do not need to apply for a UK Visa from Bahrain for short visits. All you need is an Electronic Travel Authorisation. To apply, go online to the UK ETA application platform. You’ll need:
- A valid passport (the one you’ll travel with)
- Your personal details
- A digital photo of your face
- An email address
- A way to pay (Debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)
If you’re not confident doing it yourself, you can use a professional service. Although using a provider may raise the total cost, it can also help lower the chance of mistakes or delays.
UK Visa Types for Bahraini Citizens
Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand the different choices for a UK visa for Bahraini applicants.
- Skilled Worker Visa
For those with a job offer from a UK employer in an approved job field. You’ll need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and must meet the salary requirements.
- Health and Care Worker Visa
Made for doctors, nurses, and other medical workers with jobs in the NHS or adult care. It comes with lower fees and quicker decisions.
- Global Talent Visa
For people who are already leaders or show strong potential in areas like science, tech, arts, or research. You’ll need an endorsement from a UK organization.
- Innovator Founder Visa
If you’re planning to launch a unique business in the UK and have support from an approved endorsing body, this visa is for you.
- Graduate Visa
If you’ve just finished a UK degree, you can stay for up to two years, look for work, and even work and apply for a Skilled Worker visa. PhD graduates get three years.
- Student Visa
A UK student visa is a popular choice for anyone 16 or older who is accepted into a UK school or university. You’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to apply.
- Child Student Visa
For students between 4 and 17 attending a UK private school. It allows younger students to study in the UK full-time.
- Family Visa
If you're joining family in the UK for more than six months, this category covers several options:
Spouse or Partner Visa – For those joining a British or settled spouse or partner
Parent Visa – For parents of a British or settled child
Child Visa – For kids joining parents who are living in the UK
Adult Dependent Relative Visa – For adults who need long-term care from a relative in the UK - Fiancé(e) Visa
If you’re engaged to a UK resident and plan to marry within six months of arriving, this visa allows entry for that purpose.
- Visit Visa
For short visits up to six months. You can travel for tourism, visiting family or friends, short study programs, or business meetings. Bahraini citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for these types of trips.
- Business Visa
For business-related travel, such as attending meetings, training, or conferences. Bahraini travelers can use the ETA for the UK for business stays up to six months.
UK Visa Requirements for Bahraini Citizens
If you’re applying for a UK visa from Bahrain, there are certain required documents you’ll need to prepare. The exact documents may vary depending on the visa type, but here’s a general list to help you get started.
This list covers the basic UK visit visa requirements as well as those for work, study, and family visas.
Valid passport
You must have a current passport that’s valid for the full length of your stay. It should also have at least one blank page.
Visa Application Form
Complete the correct online form based on the visa you're applying for.
Photographs
Submit recent passport-sized color photos that meet the UK’s photo guidelines.
Proof of Financial Means
Provide bank statements or payslips showing that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
Accommodation Details
You’ll need to show where you’ll be staying, such as a hotel booking or a letter from someone hosting you.
Travel Itinerary
Include your travel plans—this can be flight bookings and a rough schedule of your trip.
Biometric Information
For visas over six months, you’ll need to visit a visa application center to give fingerprints and a digital photo.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt
You must show proof that you’ve paid the application fee. Make sure to always check the UK visa fees from Bahrain (check the fees table below), as this depends on the visa type you’re applying for.
Certified Translations
Any document not in English or Welsh needs a certified translation attached.
Additional Documents by Visa Type
Work Visas
- Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer
- Job title, salary, and employment details
Student Visas
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
Family Visas
- Marriage, birth, or adoption certificates
- Proof that your UK-based relative can support you financially
Business Visas
- Invitation letter from the UK company you’ll visit
- Details about meetings, events, or conferences
Visitor Visas
- Invitation letter from a host in the UK (if staying with someone)
- Evidence that you plan to return to Bahrain, such as a job letter or property documents
Keep in mind that every visa case is different. Your required documents may vary depending on your situation.
It’s always best to double-check the latest UK visa requirements or get help from a visa center to avoid delays or rejections.
UK Visa Application Process for Bahraini Citizens
Are you wondering how to apply for a UK visa from Bahrain? The process is online and includes a few visits to the visa application center in Manama. Below is a simple breakdown of what to expect.
- Determine Visa Type
Figure out which visa you need. The type of visa depends on your reason for travel—whether it’s for work, study, or a long-term stay.
- Complete Online Application
Go to the official UK government website and fill out the visa application form. Make sure you select the correct visa category.
- Pay Visa Fee
Once the form is complete, pay the visa fee online using a valid payment method like a credit or debit card. The amount depends on the visa type you’re applying for.
- Schedule a Biometric Appointment
Book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Manama. You’ll need to give your fingerprints and a photo as part of the process.
- Attend Appointment
Show up at your scheduled time to provide your biometric data. Bring your passport and any other required documents with you.
- Wait for Decision
After your appointment, the UK Visas and Immigration office will review your application. You’ll get an update once a decision is made.
- Collect Passport
When your visa is ready, you can pick up your passport from the Visa Application Centre. Some locations may also offer courier delivery.
UK Visa Processing Time for Bahraini Citizens
Most visa types follow a standard processing timeline, but it can vary depending on the visa category.
1. Visit Visas – 3 weeks
2. Study Visas - 3 Weeks
3. Family Visas - 12 Weeks
4. Work Visas – 3 Weeks
6. Work Visas Without a Job Offer - 3 Weeks
7. Work Visas to Start a Business - 3 Weeks
8. Work Visas for Overseas Employers - 3 Weeks
9. Other Visas and Permits - 3 Weeks
UK Visa Fees for Bahraini Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) |
| Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) | £127 |
| Visit (valid up to 2 years) | £475 |
| Visit (valid up to 5 years) | £848 |
| Visit (valid up to 10 years) | £1059 |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | £127 |
| Short Term Student Visa - English Language Courses | £214 |
| Student Visa | £524 |
| Child Student | £524 |
| Family Visa (Spouse, Parent, or Child) | £1938 |
| Family Visa (Adult Dependent) | £1938 |
| Investor Visa | £2000 |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary based on exchange rates. Always refer to the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information.
UK Visa for Bahraini Residents
Residency in Bahrain does not exempt an individual from UK visa requirements. UK visa requirements are determined by nationality, not residency.
Therefore, non-Bahraini residents of Bahrain must obtain the appropriate UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) based on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.
For instance, nationals of countries that require a UK standard visitor visa to enter the UK must apply for a visa, regardless of their residency in Bahrain. Conversely, nationals of countries eligible for the UK ETA must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK for short visits.
Residents of Bahrain should check the specific UK entry requirements applicable to their nationality before planning travel to the UK.
Visitor Statistics from Bahrain to the United Kingdom
Between 1st February and the end of June 2024, 8,474 ETA applications from Bahraini nationals were received, with 8,399 approvals.
That means the visa approval rate is one of the highest. Only 38 applications were rejected, and just 8 were refused. These numbers show that most Bahraini travelers meet the requirements and complete the process correctly.
In 2024, people from Bahrain took 2.3 million trips to other countries and spent around US$1.44 billion.
In 2023, there were 40,000 visits from Bahrain to the UK. During these visits, travelers spent a total of £77.9 million, which comes out to about £1,938 per person.
FAQ
You can track your ETA using the mobile app, but other visa types can't be tracked through the UK immigration website.
There’s no fixed amount, but you should show enough funds to cover your stay. Around £1,800 to £3,600 per month is a common guideline.
Bahraini citizens need permission to enter the UK. For short visits, an ETA is required. For longer stays, a traditional visa is needed.
The two-year visit visa costs £475; the five-year visa costs £848; and the ten-year visa costs £1,059. However, Bahraini citizens travelling to the UK for a short stay can apply for a UK ETA for £16.
