Saudi Arabia Visa for Bahraini Citizens

Bahraini citizens don’t need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for visits up to 90 days, thanks to an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

This privilege allows Bahraini nationals to travel visa-free for tourism and business between all GCC states, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Because of the GCC agreement, citizens of Bahrain can travel without a Saudi visa but with a valid GCC ID or passport.

Additionally, travelers should be aware of Saudi Arabia’s customs regulations – there are restrictions on certain goods such as alcohol, pork products, and prohibited materials that apply to all visitors.

Familiarizing yourself with the entry rules of Saudi Arabia can help prevent any issues at the border.

NOTE: Before your trip to Saudi Arabia, always confirm the latest entry conditions via official resources like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

What Is the Gulf Cooperation Council?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional alliance of six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Founded in 1981, it aims to foster cooperation, integration, and stability among its members.

The GCC focuses on creating political, economic, and social collaboration, providing a platform for addressing common challenges and strengthening ties among member states.

One key achievement of the GCC is the visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens to move freely within member states without visas.

In the future, it’s possible that new countries will be invited to join the Gulf Cooperation Council membership, including Jordan, Morocco, and Yemen.

Visa-Free Travel to Saudi Arabia for GCC Citizens

Under the GCC visa-free agreement, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are granted unrestricted access to each other’s territories for visits up to 90 days.

The mutual agreement simplifies cross-border travel while promoting stronger economic, cultural, and social ties.

For Bahraini citizens, this means easier access to Saudi Arabian tourist attractions, business hubs, and entertainment.

Bahrain residents still need a valid visa to enter Saudi Arabia – they can apply for a visa at the embassy or online through ksavisa.sa.

IMPORTANT: While Bahraini citizens can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa, residents of Bahrain need a valid visa.

Entry Requirements to Saudi Arabia for Bahraini Citizens

Although no visa is required, Bahraini citizens must stay informed about the latest entry requirements and documentation needed for the Saudi Arabia border crossing to travel problem-free.

Compliance with visa policy helps avoid unnecessary complications during travel.

Documents required from Bahraini citizens to enter Saudi Arabia include:

• A valid national ID card or
• A valid passport (proving GCC citizenship)*

Children must travel with their own GCC ID or passport and should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the journey.

*The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of travel to Saudi Arabia.

Visa-Free Stay in Saudi Arabia

Once in Saudi Arabia under the visa-free agreement, citizens of Bahrain can engage in various activities, including exploring cultural landmarks and conducting business ventures.

As a Bahraini national in Saudi Arabia, you are allowed to do the following:

• Sightseeing and exploring the landmarks of Saudi Arabia.
• Engaging in business meetings to strengthen professional collaborations.
• Participating in educational events and research, including seminars and workshops.
• Engaging in recreational activities such as visiting entertainment centers.
• Experiencing Saudi Arabia’s nature through outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife observation.
• Participating in religious and spiritual activities, including visiting mosques.

As you embark on your journey to Saudi Arabia, staying updated with the latest travel advisories and guidance from official sources is recommended for hassle-free travel.

Additionally, it is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or emergencies during your visit.

Traveling to Saudi Arabia as a GCC Resident

The GCC residents need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, and there are several visa options for them to choose from.

The most popular choice for GCC residents is the Saudi Arabian eVisa, which can be obtained through https://visa.visitsaudi.com/, making the application quick and convenient.

The electronic visa permits multiple entries and a total stay of up to 90 days in the country.

For some travelers arriving directly at Saudi ports of entry, the Visa on Arrival is another convenient choice. It’s particularly useful for last-minute plans, eliminating the need for pre-arranged paperwork.

Alternatively, all GCC residents can apply for a Regular Visa through Saudi Embassies or Consulates.

If traveling for tourism purposes, they only need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel date and a recent photo of their face taken on a white background.

While visiting Saudi Arabia en route to another destination, travelers can also obtain a Transit Visa, which can be issued upon purchasing flight tickets and allows for a 96-hour visit.

Health Requirements for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

When traveling to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain, you must comply with health requirements to have a smooth and safe journey.

Before traveling, check the vaccination requirements – currently, required vaccines include Chickenpox, Pertussis, Flu, Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.

Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are in good health and receive any necessary medical advice.

Remember to stay updated with the latest health advisories and guidelines – by adhering to health requirements and precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable journey to Saudi Arabia.

Although health insurance isn’t mandatory for GCC citizens visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, it’s highly recommended that they purchase it to travel without stress.

NOTE: Recent updates about health requirements can be found on the official Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health website.

Official Saudi Arabia Resources

For a hassle-free travel experience, visit these official Saudi Arabian websites to read updated information or use the available services.

• MOFA: Tracking the progress of submitted applications and checking visa eligibility website.
• My GOV: Platform for efficiently accessing government services and information.

• Visit Saudi: Comprehensive portal showcasing Saudi Arabia’s attractions and culture.
• Nusuk: Platform designed to simplify planning and managing Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Staying updated minimizes potential travel issues and allows you to make the most of your visit to Saudi Arabia.

Thanks to frequent updates, you can be aware of any new developments or government directives, providing safe and secure travel.

For GCC citizens who are allowed visa-free entry to Saudi Arabia, including Bahraini nationals, these platforms are equally beneficial as they offer resources to plan cultural, religious, or leisure trips.

Contact Information for Embassies

While Bahraini nationals are granted visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia, visiting a Saudi Embassy in Bahrain can still provide numerous benefits for those seeking personalized assistance.

Embassies serve as centers of information, guidance, and support, ensuring travelers are well-prepared for their journey to Saudi Arabia.

• Address: 82 Road Number 1702, 317 Diplomatic Area Manama, Bahrain
• Phone: 00 973 175 377 22
• Email: bhemb@mofa.gov.sa
• Working Hours: Sunday–Thursday, from 9:00 to 15:00

For Bahraini citizens planning Hajj or Umrah, embassy officials provide insights into religious travel protocols and the latest guidelines for pilgrims.

Additionally, the embassy offers information on Saudi cultural norms, event updates, and travel advisories, making it a valuable resource for first-time visitors.

FAQs

• Do Bahraini citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
  No, Bahraini citizens do not require a visa under the GCC agreement for trips up to 90 days.

• Can Bahraini citizens engage in employment during a visa-free stay?
  For work-related activities in Saudi Arabia, a suitable Work Visa is required from the embassy.

• Can residents of Bahrain travel visa-free to Saudi Arabia?
  No, they must apply for a visa at the embassy or online.

• Are family visit permissions included in visa-free entry?
  Yes, visiting family is permitted for Bahraini citizens who are on visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia.

• Can I bring my vehicle to Saudi Arabia?
  Yes, but ensure all documentation, such as vehicle registration and insurance, is valid.

• Is Hajj or Umrah allowed under visa-free access?
  No, pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia require specific visas (obtainable in person or online).

• Are there any fees for visa-free travel to Saudi Arabia?
  No, visa-free travel does not involve any entry fees for Bahrain citizens.

• Can children enter Saudi Arabia without a visa?
  Yes, minors can visit Saudi Arabia visa-free if they are GCC citizens.

Conclusion

Visa-free travel between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia offers convenient opportunities for Bahraini citizens.

Following the specific regulations of visa-free entry is important to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience – prepare a GCC ID or a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Always check the latest updates on the official websites and channels before starting your journey.

Whether for business, family visits, or leisure, the visa-free arrangement strengthens cultural exchange between GCC member states.

Sources:

• https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
• https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/eservices/Pages/default.aspx
• https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa
• https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
• https://ksavisa.sa/