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Bahrain, a group of islands located in the Arabian Gulf, is positioning itself to become the easiest and most welcoming destination for tourists visiting the Middle East. An important development in the diplomatic relationship between Costa Rica and Bahrain is the introduction of the eVisa system. With the eVisa system, "Pura Vida" (live in peace) tourists from Costa Rica can more easily travel between Central America and the Arabian Gulf.

Using the eVisa system, you can easily obtain your eVisa electronically; the Bahrain eVisa for Costa Rica Citizens' digital approval will be embedded into your passport, streamlining your arrival process at Manama's modern airport for all types of travel, including leisure, family, and business trips.

Do Costa Rica citizens need a visa to travel to Bahrain?

Prior to entering the Kingdom of Bahrain, all Costa Rican nationals must apply for a visa. However, this process is much easier compared to standard procedures. Costa Rica is designated as one of the nationalities eligible for the eVisa, allowing you to  avoid going to a physical consular or embassy office where the visa application would normally be done. Rather than visiting a physical location to receive your vetted legal authorization before travel; you can simply log into a secure website and complete the application electronically from your home or workplace location.

How can Costa Rica citizens apply for a Bahrain visa?

The eVisa application process is designed for maximum efficiency. To ensure your application is processed without delay, follow these steps:

1. Information Entry: Enter your personal data exactly as it appears on your passport. Pay close attention to the spelling of names and your passport number.



2. Document Upload: You will need to attach high-quality digital scans of your passport’s bio-data page and other requested supporting documents.



3. Payment: Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the non-refundable government and service fees.



4. Electronic Delivery: Upon approval, your eVisa is sent directly to your registered email address. It is mandatory to print a physical copy to present at the immigration counter in Manama.

What are the visa requirements for Costa Rica citizens visiting Bahrain?

To help in verifying both who you are, as well as your finances, the requirements for a Residence Visa to the Kingdom are specific for Costa Ricans. You’ll need to follow the Bahrain Visa Documents Requirements and submit at least the following documents

• Your Passport must be valid for no less than 6 months after your arrival date in Bahrain.



• Evidence of a confirmed ticket for travel back home or onward from Bahrain.



• Evidence of Accommodations may include a hotel confirmation or, if staying with a person in Bahrain, a copy of their Bahraini ID and an invitation letter.



• Providing a GCC residency permit (this is optional) may help speed up or make the application process easier if you are a resident of any of the GCC countries (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or UAE).



• You will need to provide at least one copy of your three most recent bank statements. Your bank statements should show a consistent ending balance of approximately $1,000 USD or 380 BHD to support your ability to sustain yourself while in Bahrain.

Can Costa Rica citizens get a tourism visa for Bahrain?

Absolutely. Tourism is a primary pillar of Bahrain’s "Vision 2030," and the Kingdom offers diverse eVisa tiers to accommodate various lengths of stay:

How long does Bahrain visa processing take for Costa Rica citizens?

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose from three different types of processing speeds, which determine the Bahrain eVisa Processing Time and how quickly you’ll receive your approval.

• Standard Processing - 6 to 8 working days



• Rush Processing - 5 to 7 working days



• Super-Rush Processing - 4 to 6 working days

Most eVisas will be processed much faster than this but it is important to submit your application at least 14 days before you expect to depart to allow for local holidays (Friday and Saturday) or requests for further documentation.

Is a business visa available for Costa Rica citizens traveling to Bahrain?

Costa Rican professionals and entrepreneurs are invited to come and invest in trade and investment opportunities. If you are looking at doing business in Bahrain for example, you may want to travel to Bahrain for board meetings or to sign contracts or to examine potential new locations to expand your business. The cost of doing business in Bahrain continues to remain among the lowest in the area, and many sectors allow for 100% Foreign Ownership. The Business eVisa is not designed for you to be employed as an employee; you must apply for a Work Permit if you wish to be employed in Bahrain on a Long-term basis.

What passport type is needed for a Bahrain visa for Costa Rica citizens?

You must hold a Standard (Ordinary) Passport. Diplomatic or Special passport holders may be subject to different bilateral agreements and should consult the nearest embassy. Your passport must be in good condition with at least one blank page for the entry stamp. If your passport is near expiry (less than 6 months), you must renew it before initiating the eVisa process.

Are there specific photo requirements for a Bahrain visa for Costa Rica citizens?

While the application is largely based on your passport scan,The specifications are:

• Dimensions: 40mm x 60mm.



• Background: Solid white (no patterns or shadows).



• Appearance: Front-facing, eyes open, neutral expression, and no glasses that obstruct the eyes.



• Recent: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

What are common reasons a Bahrain visa for Costa Rica citizens gets rejected?

In order to avoid rejection from application for Business eVisa, make sure you understand these common pitfalls:

1. Incomplete Financial Statements - Submitting only 1 month of Bank statements instead of 3 months.

2. Incorrectly inputting your Passport Number - A typo of even a single digit difference between the number submitted on your Business eVisa application and that which is shown on your Passport photo can result in rejection.

3. Not providing an Address/Confirmation Number for your Accommodation - Many applications have been rejected because the Address wasn't supplied or a Reply Email wasn't provided.

4. Having Dual Applications For The Same Visa - Submitting a new Business eVisa application while holding an active and valid Business eVisa in the system will automatically result in the new application being rejected.

Is travel insurance required for Costa Rica citizens applying for a Bahrain visa?

Although not required to apply for the eVisa, travel insurance is encouraged due to the high costs of emergency treatment, especially for non-residents. Although Bahrain has exceptional healthcare services, the expense associated with them can be considerable. Look for policies that include coverage for "international medical emergencies" and "repatriation."

What documents should Costa Rica citizens carry when traveling to Bahrain with a visa?

To provide a "Pura Vida" experience upon arrival in Manama, you should keep a physical folder with the following items:

• The Printed Version of Your eVisa Approval; do not rely on having just the       digital copy on your phone.



• Your Passport (the one used on your online application).



• Your Return Flight Information. Immigration Officers will often ask for evidence of when you are leaving.



• A Printout of Your Hotel Voucher with its address and telephone number(s).



• A 3-Month Bank Statement (which is sometimes required at the border as proof of self-sufficiency financially).

Pro-Tips for your Bahraini Adventure

• The Best Time to Visit Bahrain is from November to March due to the pleasant temperatures and the opportunity to experience the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) and others.



• Although some parts of Bahrain may be relatively liberal compared to other regions of the world, it is recommended that you dress in a modest manner when visiting religious sites (Al-Fateh Grand Mosque) or Souqs) by covering your shoulders and knees.



• Transportation Options: Uber and Careem are widely available. Renting a car to explore the tree of life in the desert can be done for a modest rental fee of $15-$20 US per day.