Bahrain announces new six months eVisa for training

TDT | Manama                                                             

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is now offering a new multi-entry electronic visa with a six-month validity for staying in the Kingdom for training purposes. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, said the visa that costs BD60 is also renewable for a similar period. “Those wishing to apply can do that through www.evisa.gov.bh,” he added. Qualification criteria require the applicant for this visa to be a trainer or a trainee in the government or private sector.

Applicants should attach, along with the application, a letter from the employer clarifying the training details and a copy of their passport with a validity of more than six months. The new move is in line with the 24 initiatives launched by the Cabinet in February this year to develop the services of NPRA, including the expansion of instant and electronic visas and the issuance of electronic passports.

The initiatives also include the King Fahd Causeway visa, the introduction of the trusted traveller system and a training visa, the introduction of a residence permit for foreign wives of Gulf nationals, the cancellation of arrival cards, the delivery of passports inside and outside Bahrain, and the reduction in the price of the multi-entry visa.

These initiatives are part of the Economic Recovery Plan to enhance Bahrain’s competitiveness and support development across the economic, investment and service sectors. It is also in line with the directives of Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, to provide high-quality services. According to NPRA, holding a visa does not guarantee entry to Bahrain, for which one should satisfy all mandatory requirements upon arrival at the airport. Authorities will not issue a refund if a visa holder fails to grant an entry.