Overview
Every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own Bahrain eVisa to enter the country. While each person receives an individual approval letter, families can apply together in a single group application (up to 15 passengers total) through BahrainEmigration.com. Immigration officers will ask for proof of relationship plus parental consent if both parents are not present.
Who Counts as a Minor in Bahrain?
- Minor: Anyone under 18 years of age.
- Infant: Under 2 years.
- Child: 2–12 years.
- Teen: 13–17 years.
All minors must travel with a responsible adult (parent, legal guardian, or authorized chaperone).
Key Requirements for Traveling with Children
- Individual passports valid at least six months beyond arrival.
- Individual eVisa approvals (Tourist or Business eVisa).
- Birth certificate or legal document proving the relationship to accompanying adults.
- Notarized consent letters when one/both parents stay behind.
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from or transiting through risk countries.
Documents Needed for Each Child
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must have its own number and at least one blank page. |
| Photo | Recent color photo on a plain background (JPEG/PNG). |
| Birth Certificate | Shows parents/guardians; provide certified translation if not in English/Arabic. |
| Consent Letter | Required whenever the child is not traveling with both custodial parents. |
| Itinerary & Accommodation | Flights, tour confirmation, or host invitation letter. |
| Vaccination Record | Yellow fever proof if applicable; keep routine immunization card handy. |
| Guardianship/Adoption Papers | Court orders, adoption decrees, or legal custody letters. |
Parental Consent & Guardianship Rules
- Both parents traveling: No consent letter needed, but carry birth certificates.
- One parent traveling: Provide a notarized consent letter from the absent parent plus a passport/ID copy.
- Guardians/relatives: Present legal guardianship papers and consent letters from both parents.
- Adopted children: Carry the adoption decree and a letter from the adoptive parents authorizing travel.
- Deceased/sole custody parent: Bring the death certificate or court order proving custody.
Border officers at airports and land borders routinely inspect these documents.
How to Submit a Child's eVisa Application
You can include children in a family/group application (up to 15 passengers total) or apply for each child separately:
- Gather documents: Passport scan, photo, birth certificate, consent letters, itinerary for each child.
- Choose visa type: Choose the correct visa type (Tourist or Business eVisa) for each traveler.
- Complete the form: Enter each child's information exactly as shown in their passport. If applying as a group, add all travelers (adults and children) to the same application.
- Upload files: Attach supporting documents for each child in JPG/PNG/PDF formats under 2 MB.
- Pay the fee: Complete payment for all travelers in one transaction if applying as a group.
- Track and print: Download each approval letter once emailed and print two copies for each child—airlines may collect one at check-in.
Important: While you can apply together as a family (up to 15 passengers), each child receives their own individual eVisa approval letter. There is no shared "family visa" - each person must have their own approval.
Sample Parental Consent Letter
[Date]
To: Bahrain Immigration Authority
I, [Parent/Guardian Full Name], passport number [XXXXXX], authorize my child [Child Full Name, Passport Number] to travel to Bahrain from [Start Date] to [End Date] accompanied by [Name of Accompanying Adult, Relationship].
I can be reached at [phone/email] in case of emergency.
Signature: ______________________
Notary/Seal (if required)
Print the letter, sign in ink, and have it notarized if your home country requires it for minor travel.
Special Situations (Adoption, School Trips, Split Custody)
- Split custody / divorced parents: Include court orders that define custody plus consent from any parent with legal rights.
- School or sports trips: Each student needs an individual eVisa, parental consent, emergency contacts, and a group travel letter on school letterhead.
- Unaccompanied minors: Bahrain strongly encourages an adult escort. Airlines have strict rules—check with the carrier before booking.
- Medical travel: Attach hospital invitations, medical reports, and an urgent processing request.
FAQs
Can siblings share one application?
Yes! You can include multiple children (and adults) in a single group application on BahrainEmigration.com, up to 15 passengers total. Each child will still receive their own individual eVisa approval letter, but you can submit and pay for everyone together for convenience.
Do babies need passports?
Yes. Bahrain requires each child to have their own passport.
What if my child has dual nationality?
Apply with the passport they'll use to enter Bahrain and carry the second passport if needed for exit.
Do minors pay the same fee?
Yes, visa fees are identical regardless of age.
What if documents are in another language?
Provide certified translations (English or Arabic accepted).
How long does processing take for children?
Processing time is the same for all applicants: 1 to 4 days.
Checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months for each child.
- Digital passport photo.
- Birth certificate + certified translation (if needed).
- Consent letter(s) with signatures and ID copies.
- Flight and lodging proof.
- Yellow fever card (if route requires).
- Adoption/custody papers (if applicable).
- Printed eVisa approval + digital backup.
Preparing these documents before you apply keeps your family's arrival in Bahrain smooth—whether you're exploring Manama, visiting relatives, or attending a school exchange.
