Bahrain: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Bahrain. You can stay up to 14 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.
Visa required. South Africans can get an e-visa online at evisa.gov.bh before travel. A visa on arrival may also be possible: one South African visa agency says it is only for South Africans who already hold a valid UAE, UK, USA, Saudi or Schengen visa or a US Green Card, while Wikipedia cites the e-visa site as offering visa on arrival to almost all nationalities. Apply for the e-visa in advance to be safe.2453
Before you travel
Purpose of visit
Passport validity
How to apply
Online at evisa.gov.bh (Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs). The South African visa agency GSA quotes BD 5 application fee plus BD 5 visa fee for the 2-week e-visa, and BD 5 for a visa on arrival. Wikipedia cites BD 16 for a 3-month multiple-entry visa and BD 44 for a 1-year multiple-entry visa. Documents listed by GSA: passport copy, confirmed return ticket, hotel booking or host's ID, and 3 months of bank statements showing at least USD 1,000. Processing time not published.43
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Where South Africans apply
Online only for the e-visa. Bahrain has no embassy in South Africa; GSA says Bahrain is accredited to South Africa from its embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.3
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Confirmed return or onward ticket required for the e-visa (GSA).3
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Proof of funds
Bank statements for the last 3 months with a minimum balance of USD 1,000 (GSA).3
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Accommodation or invitation
Hotel booking, or the ID of your host in Bahrain (GSA).3
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
Bahrain requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you arrive from a yellow fever transmission risk country (UK FCDO). South Africa is not a risk country. Bahrain is not a risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Arrival forms
Not published by official sources
Extending your stay and overstaying
Overstaying carries fines and legal penalties. Travel bans can stop you leaving if you have unpaid debts, pending legal cases or custody disputes (UK FCDO).2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
Sources
Other government
Official advice from other governments
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
Commercial
Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies
- 3The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.