All is set to host Gulf Air Formula 1 Grand Prix between20-22 April 2012 as passengers can only use this visa for entry into Bahrain from 7th April to 22nd April 2012, both days inclusive.
The F1 visa is valid for 2 weeks from the date of first entry and is a multiple re-entry visa. This visa has no physical evidence in the passport. A printout of the visa approval or a letter of invitation from the sponsor may be carried by the passenger.
Passengers can obtain the F1 visa on arrival, or pre-arrange the visa through the internet (http://www.evisa.gov.bh) or NPRA (Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs) Headquarters depending on their nationality and GCC alien residence status.
Visas can be obtained on arrival by the following countries (G37 group): 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, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom United States of America, Vatican City and South Korea. [Additional nationalities that can obtain a visa on arrival are Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Hungary, Panama, South Africa, Taiwan, Venezuela & India] GCC alien residents can also obtain an F1 visa on arrival.
These nationalities can also obtain a pre-arranged F1 visa over the internet.
In order to make the process at the border smoother all the above listed countries should utilize the online service to obtain their visas prior to arrival via the website (http://www.evisa.gov.bh)
All nationalities except for the above nationalities and GCC alien residents must have a sponsor to obtain a pre-arranged F1 visa. The sponsor can be a Bahraini commercial entity or a Bahraini individual.
Sponsored F1 visas can be pre-arranged by the sponsor and obtained at NPRA Headquarters in Manama. Please note that sponsored F1 visas are only available to Bahraini commercial entities, people selling tickets for the event that are outside Bahrain and whose customers are not G46 or GCC alien residents must have a Bahraini sponsor to arrange a F1 visa on their behalf.
GDNPR would like to encourage all Bahraini commercial entities that are involved with the Formula 1 event, whether for ticket sales or providing accommodation facilities, to register online and make use of the internet services offered by NPRA.
Arrival procedures for F1 visitors
All F1 visitors must fill out Arrival cards before proceeding to the designated immigration counters.
NPRA has set up several fast-track lanes at the airport solely dedicated for passports and immigration procedures related to F1.
The Arrival cards will be distributed to the airlines and are available at the information desk before the immigration counters.
A special entry stamp shall be stamped by the Immigration officer into the passport and on the Arrival card.
Conditions for all applicants for F1 visas are:
• Passengers must produce a valid F1 ticket, proof of purchase or identification showing the passenger is officially associated with the F1 event in Bahrain.
• Passport must be valid for length of stay in Bahrain.
• Passenger must have a valid confirmed onward travel ticket to leave Bahrain.
• The visa holder must not violate the security and national welfare of Bahrain.
• The visa holder must not take any type of employment when in Bahrain.
• The applicant must be outside Bahrain, and must apply via sponsor or internet unless eligible for visa on arrival.
• All visa holders must be able to support themselves and any dependents while in Bahrain.
• This visa is not available for applicants with endorsees.
• This visa cannot be extended.
Cost of F1 visas
• [F1 visas will be issued free of charge]
Should there be any questions or queries, please contact the Vetting and Approval Section in NPRA on telephone 17530902, fax 17534490 or email evisa@gdnpr.gov.bh.