Bahrain is stepping up efforts to make international travel easier for its citizens, with MPs launching a campaign to secure visa waivers, expand visa-free agreements, reduce visa costs and abolish visas on arrival for a number of popular destinations.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, which is seeking to extend China’s visa waiver for Bahrainis beyond its current expiry date of December 31, 2026, while pursuing easier entry arrangements with the Schengen Area, the UK, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Brazil, India and other countries.
Committee chairman MP Dr Hassan Bukhammas said a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani would be held soon to review the latest diplomatic developments and discuss future negotiations aimed at improving travel access for Bahraini passport holders.
In 2026, the Bahraini passport ranks between 47th and 55th globally, depending on the index. It provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to around 87 to 100 destinations.
“Bahrainis are increasingly travelling for business, tourism, education and medical treatment, and easier visa arrangements have become an important priority,” Dr Bukhammas told the GDN.
“When families are faced with complicated visa procedures or high fees, many simply change their plans and choose destinations where visas are not required, such as Thailand and Malaysia.”
Among the committee’s priorities is extending the existing visa-free arrangement with China beyond the end of this year, while seeking reciprocal visa waivers with Schengen countries, the UK, Sri Lanka and Argentina.
It is also calling for Indian visa fees to be reduced or abolished, making one of the world’s most popular destinations for Bahrainis more affordable.
The committee is further seeking to end visa-on-arrival requirements for Bahrainis travelling to Brazil as part of wider efforts to strengthen ties with South America.
“Visas should not become an obstacle to strengthening relations between Bahrain and friendly nations, or even between the GCC and the rest of the world,” said Dr Bukhammas.
“We believe easier travel benefits everyone by encouraging tourism, expanding business opportunities, increasing educational exchanges and bringing people closer together.”
He noted growing interest among Bahrainis in visiting South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, for tourism and commercial opportunities.
“Interest in Brazil and other South American countries has increased significantly in recent years,” he said.
“Bahrain has even established an embassy in Brasília to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations. The next logical step is to make travel easier by removing visa requirements wherever possible.”
Dr Bukhammas stressed that the committee was working closely with the Foreign Ministry, recognising that visa agreements depend on reciprocal diplomatic negotiations between governments.
“We appreciate the Foreign Ministry’s efforts and want to exchange updates on the progress already achieved and identify countries where further negotiations can take place,” he said.
“Our objective is simple: to make international travel easier for Bahrainis while strengthening Bahrain’s global partnerships.”
Dr Bukhammas said if successful, the initiative could significantly expand the list of destinations accessible to Bahraini travellers with fewer restrictions, supporting tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange while enhancing the international mobility of Bahraini citizens.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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