Preparations are in full swing to implement a Bahrain’s Cabinet decision to grant citizens from 66 countries instant and e-visas and enable nationals from 102 countries to apply for e-visas online.

The move is part of plans to ease entry visa procedures in a bid to attract tourists and investors and revitalise the national economy, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence has revised visa fees based on operating costs of visa issuance procedures.

Pre-arranged visas cost BD30 ($77.7) and may be extended for another month for BD30.

Pre-arranged one-week visas cost BD25 and maybe extended for another week for BD50. Visa applications cost BD4.

Instant visas issued at all entry points to GCC residents for one week cost BD25 and may be extended for another week for BD25.

Instant visas issued to visitors from the 66 countries for two weeks cost BD25 and may be extended for BD25. Instant visas issued to UK and Ireland nationals for three months cost BD20 and may be extended for BD20.

The new electronic visa issuance system will take effect on October 1. - TradeArabia News Service