Manama: Bahrain is looking into imposing visas on foreigners coming into the country, the undersecretary for nationality, passports and residence said on Wednesday.
The move comes after some visa-exempted foreigners abused the privilege to enter Bahrain and to engage in activities that were incompatible with the stated purpose of their visits, Shaikh Rashed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said.
However, the visa requirement would not include diplomats, official delegations, tourist groups and business people who can still benefit from the various facilities offered within Bahrain's open policy, Shaikh Rashid said.
Bahrain currently offers visas upon arrival to nationals from Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens do not need visas and foreigners working in any of the other five GCC countries can apply for an e-visa that allows them to stay in Bahrain for three or seven days if they are travelling through Bahrain International Airport. The e-visa can be extended.