UK ETA for Bahrain citizens: How to apply and what mistakes to avoid

From February 2024 onwards, the UK ETA is mandatory for countries that are now visa-waiver-listed, including Bahrain. Here’s everything you need to know about the new requirement, including common mistakes.

Do Bahraini citizens need an ETA for the United Kingdom?

Yes. From February 2024 onwards, Bahraini citizens traveling to the UK must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation. This new ETA makes visa-free travel easier and replaces the previous UK Visa Waiver.

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UK ETA for Bahraini citizens

The UK ETA is the way to go if you're a Bahraini citizen planning travel to the UK from 2024 onwards. It replaces the Visa Waiver for UK visa-free travelers and is available for many countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes the following Middle East countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

This ETA ranks low in our difficulty index, making it a simple process for travelers from Bahrain to the UK.

Difficulty rating: 5/100

The UK government is working towards strengthening border security and maintaining proper records of incoming visitors. By 2025, the government plans to fully digitize the UK border control, ensuring robust security checks. So, when you arrive in the UK, all you'll need to do is scan the same passport you used when applying for the ETA. However, every member of your family will need their own UK ETA, including babies and children.

Benefits of a UK ETA for Bahraini citizens

The UK ETA is far more convenient than a visa, because it:

• Can be all done online: Complete the ETA application process entirely online from the comfort of your home.

• Is flexible: With the ETA, you can make multiple trips to the UK within the validity period. So you can easily plan your visits and be free to come and go.

• Has simplified the process: Applying for the ETA involves fewer documents and a streamlined process than traditional visa applications. It's straightforward and efficient.

How long can Bahraini citizens stay in the UK?

As a Bahraini citizen with a UK ETA, you can stay in the UK for up to six months per visit. The actual length of stay will be determined during the registration process.

The ETA will be valid for two years and will allow multiple entries. If your passport expires before the travel authorization, you must apply for a new ETA.

How to apply for your UK ETA

Before starting your UKA ETA application form from Bahrain, please ensure you have the following documents and details ready:

• Valid Bahraini passport: Your passport must not be out-of-date. You’ll need to provide your passport number alongside the expiry date

• A passport-sized photograph: this must be a clear photograph of your face with a plain background. Please ensure photos are not blurry, and avoid taking photos of photographs as this increases the chance of being rejected.

• Your travel itinerary: including entry dates to the UK.

• Your payment method for the application fee: Such as a credit card.

• A valid email address: This is how you’ll access your UK ETA. See our step-by-step guide to the UK application process for more information.

iVisa Top Tip: Double-check all details to ensure accuracy, particularly your passport number, as this is a common source of error that can lead to delays and rejections.

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iVisa top tips for a successful UK ETA application in Bahrain

• Review and double-check the application form: Carefully review all the information in your ETA application form. Ensure that your details, passport information, and travel itinerary are accurate and up to date.

• Apply in advance: Submit your application well in advance to account for potential processing delays and allow ample time to address any issues. Applying early also provides the opportunity to select a more affordable processing time.

• Be accurate and truthful: Provide accurate and truthful information in your application. Answer all questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge.

• Keep track of application status: Note the reference number or tracking information provided and periodically check the status of your application.

• Seek professional assistance if needed: If you encounter difficulties or have questions during the application process, contact our customer service team. Our iVisa Experts are always available to provide guidance and assistance.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect city of birth: A frequent error is entering the wrong city of birth, leading to delays or rejections.

• Expired Passports: Ensure your passport is valid for the required period beyond your departure from Bahrain.

• Wrong passport number: Please ensure that your passport number is accurate, as this is a common mistake with applications.

• Check you have the right passport: You must use the passport you applied for the UK ETA with as the two are linked. We’ve seen lots of instances of people losing or having their passports stolen and forgetting to reapply for their ETA.

What can I do if I make a mistake on my UK ETA application?

If you discover an error on your UK ETA application after submission, contact our customer service team. If your application has not been processed by the UK government, we can help you correct the mistakes.

Why choose iVisa for your UK ETA from Bahrain?

Using our platform means you benefit from an application process that is 11% less likely to be rejected than direct submissions through the UK government’s portal.

“Everything was very organized and smooth. It’s very easy and made our life easier. Thank you so much” - Bahraini Traveler

• Multi-Language applications: We have a variety of multi-language applications in case English is your second language. The government application both in web and app is only available in English.

• You can take your time: You can pause your application and resume whenever you want without losing your progress. The UK Government times out after 20 min without activity. You'll have to start over if you close your application or exceed the time limit.

• Human customer service: We have human customer service agents available 24/7. Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through the UK ETA process. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.

• Apply for multiple applicants at once: You can apply for the whole family. With iVisa our customers can apply for more than one person in the same process. In the UK Government platform, it has to be done by one applicant at a time (from start to finish, including all payments). This includes individual ETAs for babies and children.

• Easier passport scans: To upload your passport information with iVisa you don’t need a phone with NFC enabled, plus, our expert team reviews your applications to ensure everything is compliant with government standards. At iVisa we have an easier passport scan upload process than the government web and app.

• Fewer steps: Complete your application in fewer steps, with no need for face scanning or a security code.

• Use the payment method that suits you: We have plenty of options: Paypal, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and credit/debit card. The government only offers Google Pay, and credit/debit cards. Customers have complained about the payment process in the government’s app reviews.

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