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Location and Contact Information

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain is located at the following addresses.

U.S. Embassy of Manama, Bahrain

Bldg 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj  Kingdom of Bahrain 

Telephone: +9731724-2700

Fax: +9731725-6242

https://bh.usembassy.gov/

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How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Bahrain

Previously, we discussed about how to apply for a Schengen tourist visa in Bahrain . Today, we’re going to talk about getting a visa for another popular destination:  United States .

Many people dream of seeing the Statue of Liberty in New York, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or gazing up at Mount Rushmore . You often see these landmarks in books or on television, but what if you could see them — for real? With a US tourist visa, of course you can!

Guide to Applying for a US Tourist Visa in Bahrain

To travel to the US, you need a non-immigrant visa; specifically, the B-1 or B-2 visa . The B-1 visa is issued to those who are traveling for business purposes, while the B-2 visa is for recreation or tourism. In most cases, these are combined and issued as one: the B-1/B-2 visa .

Required Documents To apply for a US tourist visa, you need to prepare the following:

• Accomplished Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form ( DS-160 )
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended period of stay)
• Photograph ( 2 x 2 inches , taken within last 6 months )
• Receipt showing payment of visa application fee (around BHD 60 )
• Appointment letter showing that you booked an appointment via the US Embassy website
• Other documents that could serve as supporting information

NOTE: If a tourist visa is issued, you may need to pay an additional “ visa issuance reciprocity fee ,” depending on your nationality.

Visa Application Procedure Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a US tourist visa:

#1 – Fill up the Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160). Visit this link  to know more information about completing the form.

#2 – Pay the visa application fee . Check this link  to learn more about the visa application fee as well as your payment options.

#3 – Schedule an interview appointment through this web page . To do this, you will need to provide your passport number, the bank transaction number from your visa fee receipt, and the 10-digit bar code number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

#4 – Go to the US Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview appointment. Don’t forget to bring your passport, photograph, appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation page, and other important documents.

Additional Reminders During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions about your travel plans. As you answer his or her questions, keep the following tips in mind:

• State clearly that you will be in the US for a temporary visit (i.e. business and/or travel)
• Specify that you will be there for a limited period of time only
• Show evidence of funds that will cover your expenses while in the US
• Cite that you have residence and obligations outside the US , and will be returning abroad after your stay

Contact Information To know more about applying for a visa, contact the US Embassy through: Office: U.S. Embassy Manama Address: Bldg. 979, Road 3119, Block 311, Zinj, Manama, Bahrain Phone Number: +973 17 242700 Website:  https://bh.usembassy.gov/embassy/

Once your visa has been approved, you can now go to your dream US destinations! In the meantime, why not see the sights that are closer to home? Check out our lists of beaches  and sports destinations  that you will find right here, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

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Update April 12, 2024

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided,  please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply  if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

There are no general documents.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Available : At time of birth or after

Fees : Vary depending on how old the applicant is when requesting

Document Name : Birth Certificate

Issuing Authority: Information & eGovernment Authority

Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: White with gold trim, gold seal in bottom left corner from Identity & Population Registry Directorate. Older birth certificates are in paper booklet form.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Directorate of Identity and Population Registry, signature varies

Registration Criteria:  Parents must hold valid identification. Required documents include the newborn’s application, a copy of the parents’ passports or ID, and a copy of the parents’ marriage certificate.  Personal attendance by relatives is required for the issuance of birth certificates for individuals born before 1994, and printing requests for citizens born abroad.

Procedure for Obtaining : All hospitals notify MOH in cases of birth and will issue a Birth Notification Request Number for the parents to use to request a birth certificate online.  All birth certificates are issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The certificate is in both Arabic and English. Birth certificates can be requested through the eGovernment website or through eGovernment kiosks located at government maternity hospitals.  Applicants may call +973-8000-8001 for assistance.

Certified Copies Available: Replacement copies for individuals born in 1994 and later can be requested via the national portal bahrain.bh by clicking “ Replacement of Birth Certificate ” service and following the required steps.  Personal attendance is required for the issuance of birth certificates for individuals born before 1994.

Alternate Documents: Children born out of wedlock and unable to obtain a birth certificate should obtain the birth notification from the delivering hospital and a letter from the delivering doctor.

Exceptions: Children born out of wedlock or born to parents who were married after conception are generally not issued birth certificates.

Comments: Children born to Bahraini fathers will typically have only one name appear on the birth certificate, with the implication that they will take on their father’s names.  The sequential order is first name, father’s name, grandfather’s name, and any tribal names, then surname.

Death/Burial

Fees : Varies

Document Name : Death Certificate

Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: White with gold trim, gold seal in bottom left corner from “Identity & Population Registry Directorate” in English and Arabic.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Directorate of Identity and Population Registry

Registration Criteria: Valid identity card or passport of deceased, death notification form, medical notification for the cause of death by the treating doctor, hospital, or forensic doctor.

Procedure for Obtaining : The requester must be a relative of the deceased.  If using a clearing agent, the relatives of the deceased will need to submit a no objection letter to the agent. Online requests can be done through the eGovernment website .  Those requesting the death certificate will need the medical letter cause of death issued by the hospital or by the public security directorate at the Ministry of Interior.

Certified Copies Available: Yes

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

Comments: If Cremation is required, it is only available at the Hindu Cremation Ground. Contact the Hindu Temple (in the Bahrain Souk area).

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificate

Document Name : Marriage Certificate

Issuing Authority : Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format : White with gold trim. Gold ministry seal in bottom center.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title : Varies – certified by either Sunni, Shia, or civil court depending on religion of registrants.

Registration Criteria : Any two individuals can complete marriage procedures in Bahrain, regardless of religion and nationality, provided the main requirements are met and one of the individuals is a resident of Bahrain.

Procedure for Obtaining : The following steps are required to contract marriage in Bahrain:

• Conduct a premarital medical examination;
• Choose a solicitor licensed for marriage registration, i.e., a marriage officer from the Sunni or Jaffari Endowments.
• If applicable, secure a letter of approval from employer for employees in the security field.
• Issuance of official marriage certificate and accreditation from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments .

Required documents:

• Medical examination certificate from one of the accredited hospitals in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Passports of both individuals.
• ID cards of both individuals.
• If applicable, the agreed upon dowry.
• Proof of current or previous social status, i.e., prior marriage and/or divorce certificates.
• Letter of approval from employer only for employees in the security field.

Only a specialized judge can sign and accredit marriage contracts where one of the individuals is a Bahraini and the other is an expatriate, or where both individuals are expatriate Muslims residing in the Kingdom. Marriage officers who do not have the rank of Judge are not allowed to perform this task.

Required marriage documents for non-Bahraini couples:

• Medical examination certificate from a hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• If one or both of the individuals is non-Bahraini, approval must be obtained from the embassy of the non-Bahraini, provided the Judge documents the details of this approval in the marriage contract.  U.S. citizens may make a notary appointment online to obtain this.

Certified Copies Available : Yes

The divorce process in Bahrain depends mainly on the individual’s religion and depends on whether someone is Muslim or non-Muslim.

For Muslim couples , getting a divorce is applicable through Bahrain’s Family Law even for expatriates — provided that the individuals were married through a Sunni marriage contract.

For non-Muslims , the process is different and more complicated.  Divorce can only be applied for through the Bahrain Civil Courts, whose jurisdiction will be based on the provisions of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law. The court will apply the laws of the individual’s nationality. For instance, if someone is a non-Muslim woman married to a Muslim man, take note that the court may favor the laws of the husband’s nationality.

In the case of non-Muslim expatriates, the individuals will be asked to provide the court with certified copies of the laws in their home country, along with the Arabic translations.

Document Name : Divorce Certificate/Decree

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format : Varies

Procedure for Obtaining :

• Required Documents
• Two copies of the original marriage contract.
• The original identity of the couple.
• The presence of the parties involved.
• The presence of two witnesses.
• The parties agree to divorce, and agreement can also be documented on issues arising from divorce.
• Fill out the application form.

Other Requirements:

• The age of both witnesses must be 21 years and above.
• There should be agreement between both parties on: wife and children’s alimony, visit, custody and residence. In the case of disagreement, a legal statement of claim is required.
• Attendance of both the husband and wife before the court is required.
• Attendance of two witnesses from the wife’s and husband’s family, before the court.

To apply for a divorce, the individuals must visit the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf located in Diplomatic Area, Courts Directorate, Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 450.  The service is available from Sunday to Thursday, between 7:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

1. Submit all the required documents and information. Make sure that these are complete; otherwise, your application may be rejected and returned pending missing requirements.

2. Upon completion of requirements, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf will forward your request to the judge for approval.

3. Once approved, the Ministry will contact you on how to collect the divorce certificate.

4. Go to the Ministry to collect your divorce certificate.

Notes: The foreign document must be issued by an Islamic authority and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bahrain) or (apostille) certification, and all documents must be translated into Arabic.

Adoption Certificates

Unavailable.

Identity Card

Fees: Varies

Issuing Authority : Information and eGovernment Authority

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format :  In line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  Contains PKI chip.  Fingerprint associated with card.

Color : Red trim on top, grey middle, white bottom.  Photo with grey background.  In both English and Arabic.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title : Information and eGovernment Authority, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Registration Criteria :  Applicants should be prepared to show proof of residency, including electricity bills and/or leases in their name.

• It is compulsory to update the address of anyone holding an electricity account on the address of the account.  Head of households are required to update the address of all family members and should bring their identity card at the time of the update.
• If the applicant would like to use/update an address that does not belong to him/her, the owner of the residence is required to attend the appointment and sign a no objection approval to add him/her on the desired address.
• If a person is renting a property but not owning an electricity account, it is required to bring a statement from the area’s municipality to update his/her address information.
• Non-Bahrainis under LMRA can update their address through LMRA e-service.
• In event an applicant owns multiple electrical bills, he/she can choose to update the address to any of them on the condition of having full ownership of the property.
• If an individual has Eskan housing, it is compulsory to register on the same property.

Procedure for Obtaining :  Appointments can be booked online .

Alternate Document s: N/A

Exceptions : N/A

For more information, please visit the Information and eGovernment Authority website.

The identity card is known as the “CPR” card.  The validity period is five years from the date of issue and 10 years for those above 70 years old.

The identity card validity period is not related to the validity of any other cards or documents such as a passport or driving license, each card/document has its own expiry date, which is not related to each other.  Passports must be valid at the time of renewing the identity card or applying for a replacement for a lost/damaged one.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police certificates.

Fees : 1 BD

Document Name : Good Conduct Certificate

Issuing Authority : Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Crime Detection & Evidence, Department of Criminal Information

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format : White paper, English on left, Arabic on right, stamped and signed at the bottom of the paper in the middle. Photo of applicant included.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title : Varies, typically Director General

Registration Criteria : Must be a Bahrain citizen or resident with valid CPR card/residency permit.

General Requirements :

• Copy of a valid passport
• Personal photo with white or grey background
• Letter from the entity wishing to employ the applicant or the requesting party.  In the case of an immigrant visa applicant, U.S. Embassy Manama does not provide this letter.  Applicants may simply use the information packet sent from NVC.
• Original fingerprints of the fingers and palm if the applicant is outside the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Special Requirements for Non-Bahrainis (in addition, to the general requirements)

• Copy of the Bahraini ID Card (CPR)
• Copy of the residence permit (residence permit in Kingdom of Bahrain is required for 6 months in continuous manner)

Alternate Documents : N/A

Comments : Available through Bahrain embassies abroad.  For those abroad, this service is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Information can be found on their website .  May be issued in electronic format, and can be verified through their website .

Court Records

Prison records.

Available. Write to: Officer in Charge, Prison Division, Manama Prison, P.O. Box 13, Manama, State of Bahrain.

Military Records

Available. Write to: The Bahrain Defense Force, P.O. Box 245, Manama, State of Bahrain.

Passports and Other Travel Documents

Bahraini Passports

Types Available :  Regular, Diplomatic, and Special (official)

Fees : BD 10

Issuing Government Authority : Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs – Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Bahrain

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format : Regular (red), Diplomatic (light green), and Special (dark green).

Issuing Authority Personnel Title : Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs – Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Bahrain

Office : Immigration, Exhibition Road, DQ area

Procedure for Obtaining :   

Visit one of the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs offices or branches to submit the required documents.

Applications can also be completed on the Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs website.  Select the directorate and service type and fill the areas allocated for the service. Attach all required documents, the service request form, and acknowledgement letter. If your request is approved, you will receive a text message to your mobile phone and an email will be sent that includes the payment link.

• Bahraini Passport Application Form
• New front view colored personal photo size 6x4 with a white background
• Original and copy of the birth certificate
• Original and copy of the father, mother, and grandfather’s Identity Cards
• Original and copy of the marriage certificate
• Copy of the death certificate if the mother or father are deceased
• Original and copy of the father and mother’s or grandfather’s passports
• If you applied online, when the passport is ready a text message will be sent to your mobile phone to go to the Isa Town branch. It is necessary to show the original documents that were attached during the submission of the request.

Alternate Documents: Travel Permits (this service is limited to Bahraini citizens and children of citizens eligible to transmit citizenship born outside of Bahrain).

Comments : Possession of a Diplomatic passport does not necessarily indicate an official position within the government.

Non-citizen residents of Bahrain can now obtain travel documents valid for two years provided they can document their ties to Bahrain. Holders of these travel documents may also be able to obtain multiple re-entry permits valid for up to two years in Bahrain or at Bahraini embassies and consulates abroad. Posts may issue visas into these travel documents only if the alien possessing the documents also holds a re-entry permit to Bahrain or some other country valid for at least 6 months from the date of expiration of the alien's contemplated stay in the United States. 

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Non-citizen residents of Bahrain can now obtain travel documents valid for two years provided they can documents their ties to Bahrain. Holders of these travel documents may also be able to obtain multiple re-entry permits valid for up to two years in Bahrain or at Bahraini embassies and consulates abroad. Posts may issue visas into these travel documents only if the alien possessing the documents also holds a re-entry permit to Bahrain or some other country valid for at least 6 months from the date of expiration of the alien's contemplated stay in the United States.

Other Records

Not applicable.

• Visa Issuing Posts

Manama, Bahrain  (Embassy)

Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119 Zinj District Tel: 00973-1724-2700

Visa Services

U.S. Embassy Manama conducts all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services.  Information on nonimmigrant visa services can be found online .

U.S. Embassy Manama Bldg 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj P.O. Box 26431 Manama – Kingdom of Bahrain

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

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Apply for a U.S. Visa

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Bank and Payment Options/Pay My Visa Fee

Instructions to pay your visa fee, fee payment options.

Most applicants, including children, are required to pay a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee to initiate their U.S. visa application. This US Government-mandated fee is a visa processing fee that is payable whether or not a visa is issued.

The MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable . Applicants should first determine whether or not they require a visa to travel to the US before submitting their applications.

Examples of individuals that may not require a visa include, but are not limited to:

• If you are applying for an A or G visa for official travel, you do not need to pay the MRV fee
• If you are applying for a J visa to participate in a U.S. Government-sponsored program (programs beginning with G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7), you do not need to pay the MRV fee
• If you already hold a valid visa for your intended purpose of travel, you may not need a visa
• If you are a citizen of Canada or Bermuda (but not applying for an A, E, G, K or V visa category), you may not need a visa

If you do need to apply for a visa, please follow the payment instructions below. Applicants must make a successful payment before they are permitted to schedule their interview appointment. Applicants who do not pay the correct fee for their visa type may be restricted from scheduling an interview.

Once the initial interview is scheduled, applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointment. If you miss your scheduled appointment time, you may be required to pay the MRV fee again in order to schedule another interview. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay an additional visa application fee. Visa application fees are non-refundable .

Remember: Applicants are limited to the number of times they can reschedule their appointments. Please plan accordingly so that you are not required to pay another visa application fee. Visa application fees are non-refundable.

Issuance Fee (Reciprocity Fee)

Depending on your citizenship and the type of visa you are applying for, you may also have to pay a visa issuance or “reciprocity” fee. This fee is not an MRV Fee and cannot be used to schedule an appointment. Please make sure that you pay the reciprocity fee in advance only if you are renewing your previous and submitting your application through interview waiver channel. If you are scheduling your interview appointment, do not pay the reciprocity fee in advance; the fee should be paid at the time of your interview at the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy/Consulate General.

Please  check this page  to find out the applicable reciprocity fee amounts.

You must first register on the applicant site and choose the ‘schedule your appointment’ option to access the payment option details. See below for the steps.

Log-in  to our online applicant system and create a profile. This will ensure the proper amount is paid and activated in timely manner. Values are shown in U.S. Dollars (USD); however the Fee payable is in Bahraini Dinar (BHD). This page  has more information about the different visa application fees.

Click on Schedule My Appointment option on the left-hand side of your screen. Complete steps for Visa Type, Post, Visa Category and Visa Class.

The BHD amounts are based on the consular currency exchange rate determined by the U.S. Department of State. Applicants who do not pay the correct fee for their visa type may be restricted from scheduling an interview.

After you have paid the visa application fee, you will be prompted to schedule your interview.

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Visa Fees are not refundable.  If you have encountered an error with your payment or you believe your payment was not successful, DO NOT PAY THE FEE A SECOND TIME AS IT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.  Please email our support center at  [email protected]  with your concern and we will investigate.  Be aware that if you request a chargeback that reverses the charge or payment, your case will be promptly investigated which may lead to fines and/or other legal action.

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Visa Requirements to Visit Bahrain as a U.S. Citizen

Do i need a visa to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what types of visas can i get for bahrain as a u.s. citizen, do i need an visa interview to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what are the required documents to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what are the steps to apply for a visa to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, are there special instructions to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what is the visa fee to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what is the processing time to get a visa to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what to do in case of a visa denial to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen, what are the frequently asked visa questions and answers to visit bahrain as a u.s. citizen.

Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, are set to benefit from extended travel privileges as the European Union (EU) announced the issuance of five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.

The announcement was made by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation held in Luxembourg.

He said, “I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow to harmonise the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries.”

Borrell expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by harmonising visa rules.

The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens👇 pic.twitter.com/gV87IyhITx — EU in the GCC (@EUintheGCC) April 23, 2024

Schengen visa changes

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, allowing them to make multiple visits to Schengen Area countries within a calendar year.

However, travellers must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, limiting stays to a maximum of three months within any six-month period.

While specific details are yet to be officially released by EU authorities, it is anticipated that first-time applicants and eligible passport holders from the mentioned countries will benefit from the extended visa validity as well.

Notably, citizens of the UAE are currently the only GCC nationals who enjoy a visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, while discussions are ongoing between other GCC nations and the EU to further ease visa requirements.

Read: Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Earlier this year, talks saw EU countries consider the lifting of visa requirements for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar based on several key criteria, as revealed in a recent report:

• Irregular migration
• Public policy and security
• Economic benefits
• EU relations with the countries

The European Union Commission’s assessment concluded that both Kuwait and Qatar present a low risk in terms of irregular immigration.

Should the European visa requirements for these GCC countries be lifted, travellers would be eligible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Indian nationals benefit from new Schengen visa rule change

In addition to the visa changes for Gulf citizens, the EU has also adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals.

Eligible Indian travellers with an established travel history and prior Schengen visa usage will now be granted multiple-entry visas with extended validity, starting from two years and potentially extending to five years, subject to passport validity.

Previously, the standard rules of the Visa Code applied.

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Bahrain Solved

Tourist Visa In Bahrain: A Simple Guide

Embark on a journey to the heart of the Arabian Gulf with a key step: obtaining your tourist visa for Bahrain. Stranded in tourist visa complexities? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll guide you through the golden dunes of the Bahraini visa process , ensuring your passage to this island nation is as seamless as the pearl diving heritage it’s known for. Whether you’re drawn by its rich history or modern allure, let’s set the stage for an unforgettable Bahraini adventure.

Let’s dive in!

• Types Of Visas In Bahrain
• Tourist Visa: Tourist visas are provided for two weeks to citizens of the European Union, Australia, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, the United States, and New Zealand.
• Visitor Visa: This Visa is for other foreign nationals. It needs sponsorship from a Bahraini national. This Visa is only valid for one month.
• 72-Hour And 7-Day Visa: This visa is primarily available for business visitors visiting for a short period; a return ticket is required to obtain this visa.
• Visa For Business: This Visa is also for business purposes but only for stays of more than a week. This is valid for a period of up to four weeks. This visa requires a letter of authorization from a Bahraini sponsor.

How To Apply For A Bahrain Visa?

The steps of application differ depending on the type of Visa asked for.

• Check your eligibility for a Bahrain visa.
• Apply for the necessary Visa online.
• Check the status of your E-VISA application.

What Exactly Is A Bahrain Tourist E-Visa?

The Bahrain Tourist Visa, also known as the Bahrain Visit Visa, is an electronic travel document that may be applied entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.

 Your passport is digitally linked to your electronic visa rather than being stamped or stickered. Bahrain Tourist e-visas are available in two varieties: 

• Multiple-entry.
• Single-entry.

You can visit Bahrain without an invitation letter if you have a valid visa. This does not apply to Bahrain visas issued at ports and airports.

Bahrain Tourist e-Visa allows you to do the following:

• Explore the country, attend a Formula 1 race , and participate in other tourist activities.
• Visit relatives and friends who live in the country.
• For business purposes.

Who Needs To Obtain A Bahrain Tourist E-Visa In Order To Enter The Country?

Citizens of over 100 countries , including Australia, New Zealand, numerous European countries, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, can apply for the Bahrain e-Visa.

To apply online, you must be located outside of Bahrain. If they are from an eligible country, children and minors also require a valid Bahrain visa; parents or legal guardians are in charge of their application.

What Is The Validity Period Of The Bahrain Tourist E-Visa?

Bahrain Visas are available in two kinds:

• A multiple-entry Visa is valid 90 days after arrival and permits you to stay in Bahrain for 30 days per entry.
• A single-entry visa valid for 30 days after arrival permits you to stay in Bahrain for two weeks .

Before you can apply for another Bahrain visa, you must have utilized your prior visa, or it has to be no longer valid. It is not acceptable to have more than one visa granted per passport for Bahrain simultaneously.

What Are The Bahrain Tourist E-Visa Documentation And Requirements?

You must provide the following papers and information to begin the online application procedure for the Bahrain Tourist Visa:

• Your current passport. Check that the validity period is at least 6 months , beginning when you arrive in Bahrain. It must also have at least one blank page.
• A copy of your valid passport’s photo page. In addition, if you have a passport, a copy of the last page is required.
• Obtain a copy of your return flight ticket.

Please remember that, depending on your nationality, you may additionally be required to submit the following supporting papers with your Bahrain Visa application:

• A copy of the confirmation of hotel booking or a printout from a relative’s CPR Reader. The dates on this paper must correspond to the trip dates chosen throughout the application procedure.
• Copies of stamped bank statements from the last three months in the traveler’s name, with an end balance of at least  US$1000 .
• A copy of a valid resident permit valid for at least three months.
• A copy of a valid visit visa for the UAE, the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia (excluding Hajj and Umrah visas), a Schengen Member state, or a US Green Card.

How To Apply For A Bahrain Tourist E-Visa Online?

Some websites help you apply online easily for instance iVisa . You may obtain your Bahrain Tourist Visa in three simple steps:

• Fill out the simple online Bahrain Visa application form first. Then, select your preferred processing time. Tip: For a more seamless mobile experience, use the iVisa app for iOS or Android.
• Second, double-check and validate your data. Then, pay the iVisa processing charge (for further information on service prices, see below).
• Third, upload the required documents and submit your application for a Bahrain Tourist e-visa.

It will notify you of the status of your Bahrain e-Visa after the online application has been submitted. Once approved, your Bahrain e-Visa paperwork will be confirmed by email. 

Your e-visa will be electronically connected to your passport as well.

Nevertheless, we recommend that you print a copy and save it to your electronic device if you need to show it at Bahrain International Airport.

Please remember that you must be outside Bahrain when applying for this visa.

What Is The Bahrain Tourist E-Visa Cost And Processing Time?

We are prepared to assist you in obtaining your Bahrain e-Visa prior to travel. 

We provide three processing times to select from, based on your budget and how quickly you need your Bahrain e-Visa:

• Standard Processing Time:  This option has a maximum processing time of  7 days  and  costs USD 117.99 . It is an excellent choice for travelers whose arrival date is at least a few weeks out.
• Rush Processing Time:  For  USD 195.99 , you can obtain your e-Visa faster than the usual option, in just 5 days.
• Super Rush Processing Time:  If you need the document quickly before traveling, you can utilize the expedited option, which takes only  4 days  and costs  USD 289.99 .

Please remember that a government tax of US$79.00 is included in the total online price so you can pay everything at once.

The prices shown in this section are for reference only. They may differ depending on your nationality.

Is A Bahrain E-Visa Required If I’m Passing Via The Kingdom Of Bahrain?

You do not need to apply for a Bahrain e-Visa to transit at the airport if you have confirmed plane tickets and the travel documentation for your destination country.

A transit visa is required if you plan to stay at the airport for longer than 8 hours . For more information, contact your nearest Bahrain Embassy or Consulate.

Other Bahrain Visas

Bahrain provides a variety of visas to accommodate various travel purposes. Here are some of the most prevalent visa types:

• Bahrain Tourist E-Visa:  This visa, which is available online, is appropriate for persons who plan to visit Bahrain for family visits, tourists, or business meetings. It is usually valid for a limited period, such as two weeks or one month, and can be extended if necessary.
• Bahrain Business Visa:  This visa is intended for persons traveling to Bahrain for business purposes and allows them to attend meetings, conferences, or trade shows. It often has a more extended validity period than a Tourist Visa.
• Bahrain Work Visa:  This visa is intended for persons who have found employment in Bahrain and are often sponsored by their employer.
• Bahrain Family Visa:  The Bahrain Family Visa enables spouses, children, parents, and other close relatives to accompany a primary visa holder to Bahrain.
• Bahrain Student Visa:  This visa is only available to international students admitted into a Bahraini educational institution.
• Bahrain Transit Visa:  Depending on the circumstances, travelers transiting through Bahrain to another destination can apply for a Transit Visa for 48 or 72 hours .

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on long-term visa possibilities, it is best to consult the Bahraini authorities’ official website or call the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate.

Is It Possible To Extend My Bahrain Tourist E-Visa?

For qualified tourists, an extension of the Bahrain Tourist e-Visa is possible. You can extend your visa by entering your passport number and other information on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s web portal.

What Else Should I Consider Before Visiting Bahrain?

Bahrain is an exquisite Middle Eastern commercial and tourist destination. 

While Bahrainis welcome foreigners and visitors of different faiths, as in many other Middle Eastern countries, visitors must familiarize themselves with the country’s culture and local regulations to avoid offending their hosts.

• Bahrain has a formal dress code.
• Avoid breaching cultural and religious standards, and dress conservatively in public, just as you would in any other country with a Muslim majority.
• Women should cover their shoulders, knees, and midriffs and avoid wearing anything that reveals their bodies. While men face fewer restrictions, wearing shorts in public is often considered inappropriate.

What Are The Required Documents To Apply?

• Passport Scan. Make sure it is valid for at least 6 months, starting when you arrive in Bahrain.
• Copy of your return flight ticket.
• Copy of your hotel booking in Bahrain (if needed).
• Copy of relative/friend’s ID reader (if needed).
• Copy of your bank statements from the last three months.
• Copy of at least 3 months valid GCC residence permit (if needed).
• Copy of a valid visit visa to the UAE, UK, USA, KSA (excluding Hajj and Umrah visa), Schengen, or USA Green Card. (For certain nationalities.)

Sometimes, it is important to upload a few additional essential documents.

Additional Information

The Bahrain e-Visa allows for multiple entries.

• The Bahrain e-Visa is valid for around 90 days from arrival, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
• If your visa is approved, you must use it within 30 days, or it will expire. When you enter the country, the validity of this visa will be recognized.
• This visa allows you to visit family and engage in tourist and business activities.
• You are not permitted to engage in remunerated activities (work) in Bahrain.
• Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Bahrain to apply.
• When applying for this visa, applicants must be outside the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• You will not require this visa if you are a citizen of the Golf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates).
• This Bahrain Tourist e-visa is also required for children.
• You must enter Bahrain via an airport. This visa cannot be used to enter Bahrain via the King Fahad Causeway.
• To depart Bahrain, you must have a valid/confirmed onward travel ticket.
• Before you can apply for another visa, your current one must expire. It is important to note that visas are only issued one at a time.

As we conclude our journey through the Bahraini visa process , remember that this is just the beginning of your Arabian adventure.

Equipped with this knowledge, you’re ready to dive into the cultural and natural riches of Bahrain, from ancient forts to contemporary skylines. Safe travels as you embark on an unforgettable exploration of this Middle Eastern gem.

Desert Gateway!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following:

• Tax Refund In Bahrain
• Temporary Residence In Bahrain

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EU announces five-year Schengen visas for Saudi, Omani and Bahraini citizens

Multiple-entry permits announced by bloc's foreign policy chief at forum in luxembourg.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, left, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the EU-GCC Forum on Regional Security and Co-operation in Luxembourg, on Monday. EPA

The EU has announced five-year Schengen visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia , Oman and Bahrain that allow them to visit the bloc several times during the period.

The announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, during the opening session of the first high-level Forum on Regional Security and Co-operation between the bloc and the GCC in Luxembourg.

“I welcome a decision adopted by the European Commission this morning to harmonise the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the GCC countries,” he said.

The visa regulations have been standardised for all GCC countries whose citizens require permits to visit the Schengen Area.

The changes are a significant step forward in strengthening relations between the EU and Gulf countries.

UAE citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area and are allowed to stay for up to three months at a time. However, Qataris are required to apply for the visa.

President Sheikh Mohamed, Bahrain's King Hamad, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister Sayyed Fahd bin Mahmoud, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Salem Abdullah Al Sabah and Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC at the summit in Doha. Abdulla Al Neyadi / Presidential Court

In 2022, EU announced plans to offer visa-free travel to Kuwaitis and Qataris .

However, a new visa “cascade” regime was unveiled for Kuwaiti only last September, allowing eligible applicants, including first-time travellers, to obtain five-year permits.

The Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries, was expanded last February to include Bulgaria and Romania, eliminating all air and maritime border controls.

Citizens from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia have been exempted from the UK's pre-entry visa requirements.

In November, Gulf countries announced plans for a unified tourist visa similar to the Schengen permit in a move to ease travel for residents and tourists.

• Politics & Security
• Economy & Business

What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean?

This week, the European Union (EU) announced a relaxation of Schengen visa rules for the citizens of Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia , making it much easier for nationals of the Gulf countries to visit Europe. 

Background: At the EU- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation in Luxembourg on Monday, the European Commission adopted three implementing decisions to update the Schengen rules for issuing multiday visas for the three Gulf states. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud headed a delegation from the kingdom in the European country, which also included Ambassador to the EU Haifa Al-Jedea and the Foreign Ministry’s adviser, Manal Radwan.

Announcing the visa rule change during the opening session of the forum, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “I welcome a decision adopted by the European Commission this morning to harmonize the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the GCC countries.”

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

At the forum, officials discussed security and strategic cooperation between the GCC and the EU, as well as the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the wider region. 

What are the new visa rules? 

Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. The area expanded in February 2022 to include the two non-EU states, removing all air and maritime border controls. A decision on whether to remove land border controls will be made at a later date. 

Those who have the visa will be able to visit Schengen area countries multiple times over five years with the same visa. The visa will also apply to first-time travelers to Europe from the three Middle Eastern countries.

Holders of the visas will enjoy the same travel rights as visa-free nationals. 

Other members of the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, have different rules regarding getting a Schengen visa. UAE citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area, but Qataris must apply for one. 

In 2022, the EU said it planned to offer visa-free travel to Kuwait and Qatari nationals. A new visa “cascade scheme” was unveiled for Kuwaitis last September, allowing for all eligible applicants, including those travelling for the first time, to obtain five-year permits.

Know more: The move by the EU comes after the UK government announced in February that nationals from the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, could apply for Electronic Travel Authorization visas , making it easier for them to come to the UK, even on very short notice. The EU decision will allow the 27-nation bloc to remain competitive in providing access to their countries to Saudi nationals, as European countries vie for new investment from wealthy Gulf countries.

On the Gulf side, the Riyadh-headquartered GCC in November announced plans for a unified tourist visa similar to the Schengen visa.

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Implementing decision of the european commission establishing adapted rules for the issuance of multiple entry visas to bahrainian citizens residenting in bahrain who apply for a short-stay visa in bahrain..

• Publication date: April 24 2024
• Tipology: News

Commission Implementing Decision C (2024) 2692 of 04/22/2024 amending Article 24, paragraph 2, letters a) and b) and c) of Regulation (EC) No.  810/2009 is attached to this web page.

The amendment allows a five-year multiple-entry short-stay visa to be directly issued to Bahraini citizens residing in Bahrain who meet the requirements and conditions for issuing a short-stay visa.

Only Bahraini citizens who apply can benefit from this concession at an EU diplomatic-consular representation in Bahrain. The art.  24 of the EU Visa Code will continue to apply to foreign citizens regularly residing in Bahrain.

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World Cup 2026: Concerns over fans’ U.S. visa wait times – ‘Your window might already be closed’

Concerns have been raised with the United States government, including an official meeting in the White House, over fears supporters may be deterred from the 2026 men’s World Cup owing to excessive wait times to process visa applications to visit the country.

The tournament begins in 777 days and it will be at least another 18 months before many countries will be assured of qualification, yet the wait times for U.S. visa interviews in two Mexican cities are already in excess of 800 days, while it is 685 days in the Colombian capital of Bogota.

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In a statement to The Athletic , the U.S. Department of State (which oversees international relations) insisted it is determined to reduce wait times but also encouraged supporters in affected countries to start applying for visas now, over two years out from the tournament and with the line-up still unknown.

The 2026 edition of world football’s governing body FIFA ’s flagship tournament will include 48 nations for the first time and will be held in 16 cities in the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

It will also be the first World Cup without an overarching local organising committee, which means FIFA is tasked with pulling everything together, in conjunction with the many layers of stakeholders and bureaucracy across three nations and 16 host cities, each of which have differing levels of private and taxpayer support.

The three host countries also have differing entry criteria for visitors, which has the potential to create visa confusion for fans seeking to follow their team deep into the tournament across multiple borders.

Several host cities, including the location for the final — New York/New Jersey — are also concerned about the wait times for visas, and the potential impact on income from tourism during the tournament, but the cities are currently allowing FIFA and the travel industry to lead the conversations with the government. Some of those who have spoken to The Athletic wished to remain anonymous, owing either to sensitivity around discussions or to protect working relationships.

Travis Murphy is the founder of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment and a former American diplomat who also once ran international government affairs for the NBA .

“My concern is this could be a disaster (in 2026),” he said. “The concerns are absolutely there on the city level. The cities are thinking, ‘They are FIFA, so they must have it under control.’ But when you realise how FIFA worked in the past with previous hosts in Qatar and Russia, it doesn’t necessarily work in the United States.

“We’re just a completely different animal in terms of how our government operates and how we communicate. And frankly, the emphasis that we place on soccer as a sport in our country.

“If this was the Super Bowl, the World Series or the NBA finals, we’d be having a different conversation. Soccer is not the biggest sport in our country. And I think that’s a fundamental lack of understanding by FIFA, perhaps just taking it for granted that it is the case everywhere in the world. But it’s not yet in the United States.”

In recent months, U.S. travel industry representatives and FIFA have raised concerns with the U.S. Department of State and the White House as the respective groups seek to organise how millions of tourists will enter the U.S. during the five-week tournament in June and July 2026. In January 2024, FIFA strengthened its staff in D.C. when it hired Alex Sopko, the former chief of staff for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, to be its new Director of Government Relations.

In a statement to The Athletic , a FIFA spokesperson said the organisation is working closely with U.S. Government in the planning and preparation for the World Cup, including regular discussions on critical topics such as immigration and visas, and adding it recognises “the urgency of these matters.”

The visa delays ahead of the World Cup were raised in a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, April 17, with senior administration officials in conversation with the United States Travel Association (U.S. Travel).  

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel, was present in the meeting. He describes visa wait times as a “massive issue” but added: “We came away confident that the White House recognises the significance of the 2026 World Cup and will take concrete steps to streamline aspects of the travel experience for the more than eight million anticipated visitors.”

Freely available data on the website of the Department of Consular affairs details the lengthy wait times currently impacting visitor visas from markets that may be highly relevant during the World Cup, which begins in 778 days.

Forty-one countries, including much of Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia, are part of a visa waiver programme — ESTA — to enter the United States, which means citizens of these countries can travel without obtaining a visa, so as long as their trip for tourism or business does not exceed 90 days.

However, many people, estimated by U.S. Travel to represent 45 per cent of those who visit the States, do require visas for entry. These documents, called a B1/B2 visa, also require in-person appointments at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to take digital photographs and fingerprints, as well as an interview, in which the candidate must state their intention to return to their home countries and explain their reasons for visiting the United States.

Wait times for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in the Mexican cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara are currently 878 days and 820 days respectively, so an application made today may not be approved before the World Cup begins. In the Colombian capital of Bogota, the current wait time is 685 days, while Panama City is 477 days and Quito in Ecuador is 420.

The 2026 World Cup is guaranteed to include the U.S, Mexico and Canada as hosts but five more nations may yet qualify from North and Central America, while up to seven may enter from the South American Football Confederation. Wait times are also dramatic in the Turkish city of Istanbul, where it takes 553 days for an appointment, as well as in Morocco, semi-finalists at the World Cup in 2022, where the wait time is 225 days.

In a statement to The Athletic, the state department said: “We encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now – there is no requirement to have purchased event tickets, made hotel reservations, or reserved airline tickets to qualify for a visitor visa.”

Freeman attributes the current visa delays to the shutdown of consular offices during the coronavirus pandemic but also outlines long-standing issues.

“The U.S. is the world’s most desired nation to visit, but our market share is slipping and it’s in a large part due to long visa wait times,” he said. “If you are Colombian and want to come and bring your kids in 2026, your window might already be closed.”

A World Cup is further complicated because many supporters may wait until their nations have secured qualification to organise their trip. For the Americas, this will largely be in winter 2025 — the play-offs may be as late as March 2026 — while nations will only know the cities in which their teams will be competing following the draw, which is usually held eight months out from the tournament.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, visitors were able to expedite their entry into the country by applying for a Hayya card, effectively a fan pass for World Cup ticket holders that acted as a visa for the tournament. A repeat pass is not expected to be approved by the U.S, particularly at a time of global tensions both in the Middle East and following Russia ’s invasion of and continued war against Ukraine .

Freeman warned: “The U.S. is not going to change its visa policies in the short term to frankly cater to FIFA. I think where you may see the U.S. adjust some of its approach is in cooperation with Mexico and Canada . So once teams have qualified within the tournament, how do we streamline their ability to cross borders and attend games in other markets later in the tournament? I believe that’s where there will be greater cooperation and some of those discussions are already taking place.”

The answer may simply be additional staff and investment, such as deploying more consular officers at embassies, a method which has helped significantly reduce wait times from Brazil and India over the past year. Congress set aside $50million for the U.S. State Department to “reduce passport backlogs and reduce visa wait times” in a bill signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in March but it was not specified how and where the money will be invested.

There is a precedent for visa issues causing delays at major international sporting events in the United States. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who set the African 100metres record of 9.77 seconds in 2021, only received his visa documentation the day before the men’s 100 metres heats began at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in 2022.

After securing his visa in Kenya, he took a five-hour flight to Qatar, endured a six-hour layover, then a 14-hour flight to Seattle, another three-hour layover and last of all, a one-hour flight to Oregon. He landed at 4.15 pm and immediately went to the track, where the heats commenced at 6.50pm.

The sprinter said: “If you are hosting a championship, you need to waive (visa requirements) for athletes. It’s a lesson for the host country in the future, and the U.S. is hosting the Olympics in 2028 (in Los Angeles), so they need to learn from this and do better next time.”

Murphy added: “There were hundreds of athletes who were unable to travel. The World Athletics Championships was was a relatively small event compared to the magnitude of what we’re talking about with the 48-team World Cup and the millions and millions of people involved, in terms of what needs to happen.”

Playing rosters are usually only approved in the final months before a tournament, but the U.S. is expected to expedite processing to ensure players and support staff from federations are able to arrive in time for the World Cup.

The U.S. Department of State attributes the issues at World Athletics to the pressures felt by consular officers coming out of the pandemic and told The Athletic that wait times for “P-visas”, generally used by members of professional sports teams coming to participate in athletic competitions, are “low worldwide”.

Murphy said the National Security Council has established a working committee on the matter for the White House but caveated his optimism with a reminder that more instant priorities are Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. He said: “This is not a priority beyond the host cities, FIFA itself and the members of Congress who represent those host cities. But in terms of there being a broad approach that is all-encompassing and has a wide swath of support in Congress, there’s just nothing there. There’s no bills or initiatives in Congress that are focused on this.”

He added: “The conversations that needed to have started a year plus ago are not at a point where they need to be. And when you’re talking about the U.S. Government, it is essentially at a state of standstill in terms of any major movement that needs to happen from now until November of this year (when there is a Presidential election).”

The Department of State insisted it is “committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining high national security standards.”

Its statement continued: “We are pleased to be an active participant in a working group with FIFA and other stakeholders on plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bureau of Consular Affairs recognizes the importance of international inbound tourism, including for mega sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, and is working tirelessly to facilitate secure travel to the United States. We have significantly reduced visa wait times over the past two years.”

One of the peculiarities of the U.S. political system is that there is no sports ministry to facilitate such discussions. In its absence, Murphy calls for a special envoy to be appointed, with the World Cup likely to be followed by the women’s edition in 2027 before the Olympics in LA in 2028.

He said: “There has to be somebody centralised to organise those conversations. That’s relatively easy to do. If it’s somebody that has the respect and attention of the cabinet agencies, they can have a conversation with Capitol Hill and that’s going to go a long way to getting things done.”

(Top photo: Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Adam Crafton covers football for The Athletic. He previously wrote for the Daily Mail. In 2018, he was named the Young Sports Writer of the Year by the Sports' Journalist Association. His debut book,"From Guernica to Guardiola", charting the influence of Spaniards in English football, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2018. He is based in London.

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