Bahrain’s new visa policy, which was implemented last year has attracted more than 2,300 visitors from 36 countries, according to latest figures released yesterday (March 31).

The Economic Development Board (EDB) said the country was attracting business visitors and tourists, who could now spend longer periods because of the issuance of multiple-entry visas, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Starting today, visitors to any GCC country will be eligible for a one-month multiple-entry visa to Bahrain under new rules.

GCC residents and citizens of 102 countries can also obtain three-month multiple-entry visas.

However, recipients will only be able to stay for two weeks at a time. A large number of tourists are expected to visit the country ahead of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which is taking place from April 17 to 19.

The EDB said data from October 2014 to February 2015 showed that more than 1,400 visitors from 32 new countries eligible for visa on arrival and more than 2,300 visitors from 36 new countries eligible for eVisas benefitted from the new policies.

"The new visa policy is an important development that places Bahrain among the countries with most flexible visa policies in the region," said EDB chief executive Khalid Al Rumaihi.

"It enables expatriates who do business in Bahrain to easily travel in and out of the kingdom, as well as boosting the tourism industry, and will help contribute to the economic growth."

Echoing a similar view, Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs assistant under-secretary Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa said,

"We are pleased that a significant number of people has already benefitted from easy access into Bahrain." - TradeArabia News Service