The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced the rules and regulations for the Formula 1 event in Bahrain which will be held from 19-21 April 2013. Passengers can only use this visa for entry into Bahrain from April 7th to April 21st 2013, 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 guarantor may be carried by the passenger.
Passengers can obtain the F1 visa on arrival, or pre-arrange the visa through the internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) or NPRA (Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs) Headquarters depending on their nationality and GCC expat 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.
In addition nationalities that can obtain a visa on arrival are Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Hungary, Panama, South Africa, Taiwan, Venezuela & India] GCC expat 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 (www.evisa.gov.bh)
All nationalities except for the above listed nationalities and GCC expat residents must have a guarantor to obtain a pre-arranged F1 visa. The guarantor can be a Bahraini commercial entity or a Bahraini individual. Pre-arranged F1 visas can be obtained by the guarantor at NPRA Headquarters in Manama. Therefore, companies that are marketing the tickets for the event whose clients are outside Bahrain and are not part of the above listed nationalities or GCC expat residents must have a Bahraini guarantor to arrange a F1 visa on their behalf.
NPRA 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 in 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 guarantor 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.
*F1 visas will be issued free of charge.
Should there be any questions or queries, please contact the eServices section in NPRA on telephone 17530902, fax 17534490 or email evisa@gdnpr.gov.bh