Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), an agency under the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior, announced on March 12 the introduction of “exceptional measures” concerning visit visas.
According to NPRA Undersecretary Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the measures come amid disruptions to air traffic following regional tensions and the temporary closure of airspace.
Authorities stated that holders of visit visas currently in Bahrain whose authorized stay expired on February 28, 2026, or after that date, will not be subject to the usual overstay fines.
This exemption will remain in effect for one month after the reopening of airspace.
Three-month extension for certain unused visas
The NPRA also announced a measure targeting travelers who were unable to travel to the kingdom.
Visit visas that were valid as of February 28, 2026, will be extended for an additional three months for individuals who are outside Bahrain and who obtained their visa before that date but were unable to use it due to the exceptional circumstances.
Authorities said the measures are intended to ensure that travelers are not penalized for situations beyond their control, particularly flight cancellations and restrictions affecting air transportation in the region.
NPRA affirmed its commitment to streamlining procedures for travellers and addressing exceptional circumstances, calling on all to follow the official channels for updates.
NPRA – Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Similar measures across several Gulf countries
The government agency added that travelers can obtain additional information through its call center (17077077), via WhatsApp, through the NPRA’s virtual assistant on its electronic channels, or by email at info@npra.gov.bh.
The decisions announced by Bahrain are part of a series of measures recently adopted by several Gulf countries in response to the difficulties faced by travelers in the current context.
In recent days, comparable initiatives have been observed in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, where authorities have also granted visa extensions or temporarily suspended certain penalties for visitors stranded due to air travel disruptions.
