Travelers to Bahrain will find a blend of modern convenience and traditional warmth, and with a little planning, getting there need not be complicated. Manama, the capital city, is served by Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and is also readily accessible by road from neighboring Saudi Arabia. Visitors should be aware of Bahrain’s entry requirements and transportation options to make the journey smooth. This guide covers the latest visa rules for short-term visitors (including special provisions for Gulf nationals and arrangements for Israeli travelers), and then details the three main ways to reach Manama – by air, by bus, or by car. Practical tips on peak travel times, customs procedures, and what to expect at key transit points will help prospective travelers feel prepared and informed.
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All travelers to Bahrain must have permission to enter, but Bahrain offers flexible arrangements for many nationalities. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (currently Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) enjoy visa-free entry. In fact, since mid-2022 Bahrain permits GCC nationals to cross the border using only their national ID cards or passports, with no prior visa needed. (This reciprocal arrangement for GCC citizens is part of an effort to ease travel within the Gulf region.) Other visitors generally need a visa, but the Bahraini government provides convenient visa-on-arrival and eVisa options for many passports.
Travelers from a large group of countries can obtain a 14-day tourist visa upon arrival in Bahrain. As of the latest information, nationals of 69 countries are eligible for these 14-day visas at Bahrain International Airport or land border crossings. In practice, this includes most Western and many Asian countries: for example, citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Japan, and similar nations can simply arrive with their passport (valid for at least six months) and receive a 14-day entry stamp. A service fee is charged (roughly BD 10 at present). This visa-on-arrival may be extended in-country if more time is needed, subject to approval.
To qualify for the visa-on-arrival, travelers should be prepared to show proof of onward or return travel. (Generally, officials require a confirmed return flight or similar proof that the visitor will not overstay.) Special rules apply for some cases: for instance, UAE, US, UK, Schengen-area, Canadian visas or Saudi residency may sometimes facilitate entry for nationals of other countries, but visitors should always check current lists of eligible nationalities and requirements via official channels before travel.
If your country is not on the visa-on-arrival list, you will need to arrange a visa before travel. Bahrain operates an online eVisa system covering more than 200 nationalities. Many travelers simply apply via the government eVisa portal a few weeks ahead of their trip. The eVisa can cover both short stays and longer visits: single-entry eVisas typically allow a 14-day stay (extendable by application), and multiple-entry visas can be valid for 30 days per visit up to one year. In fact, Bahrain even issues a one-year multiple-entry visit visa (for eligible countries) letting the holder stay up to 30 days at a time. Fees for an eVisa are modest (around BD 7–10, depending on type and processing speed). In practice, holding an eVisa can speed processing at the airport, since the visa is pre-approved, although eligible visitors could alternatively pay on arrival if they prefer the convenience.
Regardless of the mode (visa-on-arrival or eVisa), passport validity of at least six months from date of entry is standard. Travelers should also carry proof of funds and an address in Bahrain, as border officials may ask for these (even for short visits). In recent years, authorities have streamlined these checks, but it is wise to have a hotel booking or host address ready, along with at least BD 100 (or the equivalent) in cash or credit card as evidence of funds.
GCC nationals and residents. Bahrain treats citizens of its Gulf neighbors very leniently. As noted above, citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE require no visa, and they may use a national ID card instead of a passport. (Since late 2022, this “ID-only” travel regime has been fully in place.) Expatriates living in a GCC country (for example, someone with a UAE residence permit but a foreign passport) still must follow normal visa rules of their passport, though having Gulf residency can sometimes help secure a visa more easily, as residency in a first-world country sometimes fulfills Bahrain’s requirement for visa issuance on arrival. In short, only GCC citizenship waives the visa requirement; otherwise visitors must use one of the visa processes above.
Visitors with Israeli stamps or passports. A notable recent change in Bahrain’s policy concerns travelers to or from Israel. In the 2020 Abraham Accords, Bahrain formally normalized relations with Israel, which “removed all restrictions on Israeli citizens’ travel to Bahrain”. In practical terms, Israeli passport holders are welcome to apply for Bahraini visas just like any other nationality. Moreover, Bahrain is one of the few regional countries that will allow entry even if a passport has evidence of travel to Israel. Travel resources explicitly list Bahrain among the places where an Israeli stamp in your passport will not bar entry. (Visa still needs to be obtained or paid on arrival, but the stamp itself is not a problem.) This change reflects Bahrain’s open stance post-normalization. For travelers, the bottom line is: Israeli nationals can visit Manama with the same formalities as others (visas as described above), and an earlier trip to Israel will not cause a visa denial.
For most international visitors, Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is the entry point. The airport is located on Muharraq Island, just east of Manama’s city center, and it has been modernized extensively in recent years. A major expansion is underway: a new 210,000 m² terminal (opened in phases since 2020) will nearly quadruple passenger capacity to about 14 million per year. This $1.1 billion upgrade features state-of-the-art facilities, including extra-long departure halls and streamlined immigration areas designed to handle today’s busy travel volumes. In practical terms, the airport is efficient: international arrivals typically move quickly from the aircraft to immigration counters (often in under 10 minutes during off-peak periods), and the short drive into central Manama takes another 20–30 minutes by taxi.
As the national carrier, Gulf Air has its main hub at Bahrain. Gulf Air operates dozens of flights weekly across the Gulf and the wider Middle East, as well as routes to Asia and Europe (notably a daily or near-daily flight to London). In fact, the airport has “excellent connections throughout the region and London”. Other airlines also serve Bahrain: for example, Air Arabia and Flydubai connect from the UAE, and major carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer daily connections via their hubs. For travelers from eastern Saudi Arabia, Gulf Air uniquely offers through-ticket shuttle bus services: passengers can book Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to regional destinations (or vice versa) and use a coordinated bus from Khobar or Dammam to reach the airport. This convenient link caters to people in the Eastern Province, since Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport is actually in Saudi Arabia – instead, they can fly out of Bahrain with a single ticket and bus transfer.
The passenger terminal features generous amenities. There is a wide array of duty-free shops in both the departures and arrivals areas, selling everything from local handicrafts and perfumes to liquor and electronics. In fact, a new Bahrain Duty Free Company joint venture is creating over 3,300 m² of retail space in the expanded terminal, ensuring ample shopping. Dining options range from fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants serving Middle Eastern and international cuisine. Business and first-class travelers will find modern airline lounges, some with showers and terrace views (Gulf Air’s lounge is even planning to include a terrace).
A curious feature for transit passengers is the Airport Hotel (Transotel). Housed in the airport complex, the Transotel offers day-use rooms, sleeping pods, and shower facilities. These “transotel” units can be rented by the hour or night, providing a quiet spot for weary travelers between flights. (This concept evolved from the old 1980s Transhotel building, which has undergone renovation; today about 24 pods and 17 compact rooms are available for short stays.) According to travel guides, the Transotel allows visitors “to relax and refresh” while awaiting flights, and the airport staff can arrange these rooms upon request.
Customs and immigration at BAH are generally friendly and well-run. During normal hours, the processing time is reasonable — on arrival, flights are often quickly processed, especially if you have filled out any required forms online or in-flight. However, travelers should still allow extra time during peak travel periods. The busiest times at BIA tend to coincide with late evenings and early mornings when many carriers arrive or depart, as well as weekends and holiday seasons (for example, Fridays and Saturdays in Bahrain, or during Ramadan/Eid travel surges). To minimize waits, try to avoid late-night arrivals or departures on Thursdays and Fridays if possible, as this is often when flight loads peak. At security and baggage claim, the lines move steadily; the airport uses modern scanning equipment and multilingual staff. The customs checkpoint is usually low-key (at arrivals, it is common simply to have your passport stamped without additional scrutiny, provided you have no restricted items). Small personal goods or gifts brought in for personal use are generally allowed without duty, but visitors should declare large sums of cash or restricted items (like alcohol beyond personal consumption quantities, or certain prescription medications) to avoid fines.
For ground transport, taxis and ride-share apps are readily available just outside the terminal. Fares to Manama center average BD 6–8 ($15–$20) and take 20–25 minutes. Many international visitors rent cars as well; major rental agencies have desks at BIA. The airport is generally safe and comfortable 24 hours a day, with ample seating, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and clean restrooms. It also has counters for Bahraini immigration and work permits (for new hires) in a separate processing area, but tourists do not need to visit those.
In sum, traveling to Manama by air is now more seamless than ever. A brand-new terminal expansion will soon open, making BAH twice as large and adding high-tech features. The airport’s role as Gulf Air’s base means frequent connections, and its amenities (duty-free, restaurants, lounges, and even the transit hotel) create a modern welcome for visitors. Remember to check visa requirements ahead of time — and for many passport-holders, a visa on arrival (14-day stay) or a quick online eVisa will grant entry with minimal hassle.
An increasingly popular way to reach Bahrain is by road from Saudi Arabia, especially from Dammam in the Eastern Province. The King Fahd Causeway (sometimes called the Khalid al-Awwal Causeway) connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia across the Gulf of Bahrain. It is about 25–26 kilometers long and a distinctive series of bridge spans and causeway segments leading to a twin border complex in the sea. For those without a car, SABTCO (the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company) operates regular bus services from Saudi Arabia into Bahrain. On the Bahraini side, the service is often referred to as BASATCO or SABTCO (the two names are used interchangeably for this joint operation).
Passengers can board these buses in eastern Saudi Arabia (typically from the SAPTCO terminal in Dammam or Khobar). As of the latest schedules, approximately 6–8 buses run daily from Dammam via Khobar to Manama. They depart roughly hourly during the day, starting from the early morning (around 6:00–7:00 AM) and continuing until late evening. On the Bahraini end, the bus arrives at the Manama Central Bus Station near the Lulu Hypermarket on Exhibition Road (next to the old Meena Bazaar). This bus journey provides an economical and direct link between Bahrain and Saudi cities like Dammam and Riyadh (since Riyadh passengers can connect via Dammam).
The buses themselves are modern, air-conditioned minibuses with about 15–20 seats and a small luggage trailer for bags. They are comfortable and have dedicated baggage racks, so even large suitcases travel securely. As for the fare, one-way tickets currently cost about SR 50 (Saudi riyals) or BD 5. (Return trips are the same price in the opposite direction.) Tickets can be bought at the bus station in advance, but even walk-up travelers can usually get a seat unless the bus is completely full. No online booking is typically needed for this shuttle; simply show up with your passport (and visa if required) at the station and buy a ticket before boarding.
Travelers should be prepared for the border crossing procedures. The King Fahd Causeway has checkpoints on both sides of the link. In practice, the bus stops twice: once for exit formalities out of Saudi Arabia, and once for entry formalities into Bahrain. There are two passport-control booths (Saudi exit and Bahrain entry) as well as a customs check on each side. Buses usually pull up to the booths, passengers step off (passport in hand) to have their travel documents stamped, and then reboard to continue. The process itself is straightforward and typically polite; officials in both countries are accustomed to mass commuter traffic. However, these checks add time. In normal conditions, the entire crossing (including two immigration stops and two quick customs inspections) takes about two hours from city to city. During this time the driver may also fill in any required arrival/departure forms if not already done. Note that on busy days or holidays, delays can stretch the trip to three or four hours; conversely, during lull periods it can sometimes be as quick as 90 minutes.
Importantly, the buses enjoy one key advantage: at peak times they can use dedicated priority lanes at immigration. During traffic jams (which are common, as explained below), bus passengers often breeze through in a separate lane while cars queue. As a result, “at congested times, buses may actually be slightly faster than private cars, as they can use separate lanes at immigration and customs”. It is not uncommon for bus riders on a weekday evening to sit and wait in the bus bay while car lines extend for kilometers. This is one reason many Saudis and others choose to travel by bus to Bahrain and back, especially if leaving on a Thursday or returning on a Friday (see below on timing).
When crossing the causeway, be sure to have your travel documents handy and organized. For Saudi passport-holders, this means exiting Saudi Arabia (with border agents on the bus checking passports) and then showing the passport and Bahrain visa or residence permit to Bahraini officials. For other nationalities, the procedure is essentially the same: first a Saudi exit stamp (if applicable; some passports may not be stamped, as the Saudis often only do exit stamps for foreigners) and then a Bahraini entry stamp. Keep any immigration forms (if given during the journey); while the passport stamp is your main proof of legal entry, a separate visa card or sticker is normally not issued to Bahrain visitors (entry is granted by the stamp in the passport).
The customs checks are usually informal. Buses typically have the passengers remain on board while luggage is scanned or examined by customs agents. For ordinary travelers, the agents glance at baggage and allow most personal items through. If you have duty-free alcohol (permissible in Bahrain for non-Muslim residents), it will be checked and a small duty may be charged (around BD 1 for each liter over the allowance). Generally, do not bring agricultural produce, narcotics, or large sums of currency without declaring them, as strict laws apply. Conversely, small quantities of clothes, gifts, and personal electronics are fine. Customs agents in Bahrain usually treat bus passengers with courtesy; only a few travelers per day are pulled aside for more thorough inspection, often for no more reason than random checks.
Travelers should be mindful of timing for crossing the causeway. By Bahraini-Saudi convention, the weekend runs Friday-Saturday (in Bahrain) and Friday-Saturday (in Saudi), which leads to heavy flows on certain days. In practice, the worst congestion is often on Thursday evenings (Saudi Thursday is a workday, so many Saudis leave for Bahrain for a short holiday) and on Saturday evenings (as people return to Saudi Arabia before the new week starts). Wednesday evenings can also see spikes because Saudi official weekend begins Thursday morning. In short, avoid early Friday or late Thursday travel if you can. Conversely, late-night or early-morning crossings (e.g. 1 AM–6 AM) are usually much quieter, though fewer buses run overnight.
The buses themselves run regardless, but if you can, try to travel outside of rush-hour windows: for example, catching a midday (11:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM) bus may save you time versus a Thursday 6 PM bus which may sit in long lines. Likewise, in the return direction from Bahrain, early Saturday morning and Sunday (Midnight Friday into Saturday) are high-traffic times. Overall, plan to add an extra hour or two to your estimate during holiday periods or peak times.
Riding the bus across the causeway has several pleasant features. It is economical – only about BD 5 one-way – making it far cheaper than a plane ticket or a taxi. It is also straightforward – you only need to show up at the terminal and your driver will guide you through stamping. The journey is relatively scenic: you cross a long bridge with the Persian Gulf on either side, offering nice views of sunrise or sunset over the water. Many find the experience enjoyable and relaxed, compared to airport hassles. Finally, as noted, buses often move faster in heavy traffic. Some travelers even use the causeway bus as a way to fly Gulf Air cheaply: they will book a Gulf Air flight from Bahrain and then take a bus from Khobar to connect, avoiding an expensive Saudi airport tax and providing door-to-door service.
The SABTCO buses (sometimes called BASATCO in Bahrain) are reputed to be safe and reliable. Seats are plush enough for the 2–3 hour trip, and the air conditioning runs strong (especially welcome in hot weather). Drivers are typically experienced with the border processes. The authorities in both countries coordinate the service well, so delays are infrequent if you travel at off-peak times.
In summary, crossing by bus is a comfortable and efficient option for many travelers on a budget or those who wish to combine visits to both countries. With immigration formalities handled on board, the bus effectively becomes a moving gateway. The key advice is to be patient during peak periods and enjoy the ride – the separate lanes for buses usually reward you with smoother passage through immigration when it matters.
For travelers driving their own vehicle from Saudi Arabia, the King Fahd Causeway offers direct car access. The drive is roughly 26 kilometers one-way, mostly over high motorway elevated causeway. The highway leads to border control plazas that serve both nations. If you have your own vehicle registered in Saudi Arabia, crossing into Bahrain is possible but comes with some paperwork. A 2021 rule change generally prohibits rental cars from leaving the kingdom; tourists often cannot take a hire car from Saudi into Bahrain. However, owning or leasing your car legally in Saudi allows you to drive into Bahrain. Be prepared to show car ownership documents (or rental agreement with cross-border permission) and Saudi car registration at the Saudi checkpoint. On the Bahraini side, you must purchase a temporary car insurance and entry permit (motor insurance and traffic insurance) at the customs plaza. This is a quick formality at a kiosk (typical fee is under BD 2 for daily insurance).
For those who cannot or prefer not to bring their own car, the other road option is to hire one-way taxi services across the causeway. The Saudi-Bahraini Transport Company’s newer service “BahrainLimo” is popular. These are large, air-conditioned cabs (up to 4 people) operated in conjunction with SABTCO. They operate from the bus stations and major hotels on both sides. The fare for a BahrainLimo taxi ride from Dammam (or Khobar) to Manama starts at about SR 300 (≈BD 30) for up to four passengers. It is recommended to book these in advance by phone or through a travel agent for guaranteed pickup times, though sometimes one can flag a taxi in the terminal as well. This provides a door-to-door service that is more expensive than the bus but still less than a private transfer; it is comfortable and allows luggage in the car.
Alternatively, unofficial private taxis are often available near bus stations on both sides of the causeway. These local drivers will offer to drive across for a similar price (often slightly lower than the official BD 30 rate). Such rides are common, especially late at night or when buses have stopped. One should confirm the price up front (it should not exceed the official fare by much). Note that unofficial taxis are not metered and may not have the same regulated oversight as SABTCO’s, so use caution on long trips. For family groups, a private taxi might be more convenient than separate bus tickets, but always agree on the fare before starting and ensure the vehicle is comfortable and in good condition.
In either case, crossing by car (whether private, hired, or taxi) involves the same two-stop immigration process. The main advantages of driving include flexibility (you are not tied to bus schedules) and the privacy of your own vehicle. However, traffic delays can be more pronounced for cars since they join general queues at immigration. Therefore, at busy times the bus advantage of priority lanes makes driving slightly slower. If you choose to drive, be sure to carry both your passports and your visa/permit for Bahrain with you. Keep in mind that if you have driven a long distance, border officials may ask about your travel itinerary or reasons for crossing, so having hotel and travel details written down is helpful. Lastly, check traffic updates: the causeway often publishes live traffic information due to its heavy use.
When preparing to cross into Bahrain by any mode, remember these general tips:
Finally, a word on post-2020 travel trends: Bahrain, like much of the world, saw travel dip during the pandemic and is now welcoming tourists again. The tourism sector is actively reviving, with new hotels and resort projects (like the Bahamas-themed Amwaj Islands developments) making travel more attractive. Gulf nationals make up the majority of tourists, and many Saudis take short shopping or leisure trips to Bahrain. Expect modern conveniences (almost all businesses accept credit cards, Wi-Fi is ubiquitous) along with genuine Bahraini hospitality when you arrive. By blending up-to-date travel formalities with local customs of politeness and patience, visiting Manama can be a smooth, enjoyable part of your regional adventure.
Each traveler’s situation is unique, so verify visa rules and travel advisories before departure. But armed with this information – on visas, airport entry, bus and car crossings – you can choose the mode that suits your budget and schedule, and arrive in Manama ready to explore Bahrain’s attractions. Safe travels!
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