Bahrain has published a list of African countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for an online visa, simplifying entry for qualified travellers into the Gulf nation without requiring a visit to a diplomatic mission before submitting applications. Nigeria is among the qualifying nations.
Online Visa Programme Covers All African Regions
The kingdom stated that the electronic visa facility is available to eligible nationals from several African countries, spanning West, East, Central, North and Southern Africa. However, all applications remain subject to specific terms, conditions and eligibility requirements that vary by nationality.
According to Bahraini authorities, citizens of the following African countries are eligible to apply for an online visa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Eswatini, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Eligibility Does Not Guarantee Visa Approval
Bahrain emphasised that eligibility to apply online does not automatically guarantee that a visa will be issued. Applicants must satisfy the relevant immigration requirements and provide the necessary documentation before approval can be granted.
The authorities also advised intending visitors to check the specific conditions applicable to their nationality before starting an application, as visa eligibility and supporting document requirements may differ from one country to another.
The online visa system is part of Bahrain's efforts to simplify travel procedures for eligible foreign nationals while maintaining its immigration and security requirements.
Similar Initiatives by Other Gulf Nations
Earlier, the United Arab Emirates published its updated entry guidelines, confirming that citizens from at least 70 countries can enter the nation without a pre-arranged visa. The policy facilitates smoother access for international visitors as the UAE handles millions of arrivals across its major airport networks.
