Any visitor to a GCC country will be eligible for a one-month multiple-entry visa to Bahrain under new rules coming into effect next Wednesday (April 1).

The new rules also allow GCC residents and citizens of 102 countries to obtain three-month multiple-entry visas, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

However, recipients will only be able to stay for two weeks at a time.

The aim is to attract more tourists and investors and the decision has been taken ahead of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which is taking place from April 17 to 19.

Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) assistant under-secretary Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday explained the new visa system during a Press conference at the Officers Club, in Gudaibiya.

"Our goal is to support the businesses and tourism sector in Bahrain and the new visa policy will attract more visitors once it goes into effect from April," said Shaikh Ahmed.

GCC residents and people from the 102 countries who stand to benefit were previously entitled to a single entry visa for a two-week stay.

"Bahrain will now start offering a multiple entry visa valid for three months for the same fees (BD25/$65), which means GCC residents and businessmen can visit Bahrain more frequently," explained Shaikh Ahmed.

"We came up with a unique idea to stand out and attract visitors by introducing for the first time a one-month multiple-entry visa for tourists visiting any GCC state and businessmen."

Expatriates visiting any GCC country and businessmen can apply for a Bahrain visa online, which will be processed in three to five working days.

"We need to be competitive in the region and are now offering for the same fees longer validity multiple-entry visas," said Shaikh Ahmed.

Visa applicants can also apply for extensions, while those who overstay their visas will be given assistance.

"It's standard practice around the world for people to overstay their visas and in Bahrain we have a follow-up section that will judge each case on its merit before taking any action," added Shaikh Ahmed. - TradeArabia News Service