The FIFA World Cup will take place right beside Bahrain. So why not travel from Bahrain to Qatar to watch these epic matches? It's also an awesome opportunity to explore the neighboring country. iVisa will help you get all the information you need for this trip!
Doha is a cultural village, where modern architecture and Islamic art live side by side. You'll find beautiful scenery on the Eastern Coast, and you can enjoy shopping in the West Bay. But out of Doha, there are also cities in the Persian Gulf worth visiting to dive into Qatari culture.
The two countries restored diplomatic relations in 2021. Once Bahrain is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), it will follow the same travel requirements of the group. So, you'll need a few travel documents, such as the Qatar Entry Registration Form.
FIFA World Cup
It is the first time that the FIFA World Cup will take place in the Middle East. Qatar will host the sporting event from November 1 to December 18, 2022, with matches in Doha, Al Wakrah, and Al Khor. Tourists from all around the world will visit the country to cheer and explore amazing Qatar attractions, like museums, markets, and the desert.
Bahrain citizens have to apply for the Hayya Card to travel during the event, even if they won't attend the matches. This is a tourist identification that will give access to stadiums and public transport. It's mandatory for travel to Qatar.
Bahrain to Qatar: Travel requirements
Bahrain passport holders must comply with some travel requirements to enter the Qatari territory. But since Bahrain is a Gulf Cooperation Council country (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), there is some flexibility. It's eligible for the Qatar Waiver, for example. Please read the requirements below.
Qatar Visa for Bahrain citizens
Bahrain is a GCC country eligible for a Visa on Arrival. So Bahrain citizens don't need to go to a Qatari embassy to apply for a visa; they can get the document once they enter the territory. But this is a visa for tourism purposes. For business or medical visas you should check the protocols in the nearest embassy.
The Visa Waiver is free-cost, valid for a one-month stay, and it can be renewed for two more months.
Meanwhile, there are a few requests to get the Visa Waiver:
- Passport (at least three months validity),
- Resident permit card issued by GCC,
- Return ticket,
- Confirmed hotel booking.
- The profession listed on the resident permit card has to be one of Qatar's government list of approved professions for GCC residents to obtain this Visa.
Qatar Entry Registration Form
Qatar's Entry Registration Form, also known as Ehteraz Pre-Entry Registration Form, was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help the local authorities to control the virus' spread. It is not mandatory anymore to fill out this document.
COVID-19 travel restrictions
Qatar has recently dropped all COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements. You are also not obliged to quarantine.
Since information may change quickly, we advise you to follow up on the latest Qatar travel updates and/or contact your local embassy.
How to travel from Bahrain to Qatar
Qatar's location makes it easy for Bahrain citizens to enter the territory by land or air (even by water if possible). But prices vary depending on which transport you choose.
Airlines with International Flights
There aren't direct flights from Manana or Jeddah to Doha (Qatar's capital), so you probably will have flights with one or two stopovers. So sometimes the time traveling by plane is the same as traveling by car.
- Air Arabia,
- Etihad,
- Flydubai
- Oman Air,
- Kuwait Airways
- Turkish Airlines.
Boat from Bahrain to Qatar
The countries are very close, it would be an easy sea route, but currently, there's no ferry service operating in this region. There was a project to launch a Qatar-Bahrain ferry. The estimated travel time was around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, but it isn't available now.
Can you drive from Bahrain to Qatar?
It is possible to travel from one country to another by car, crossing Saudi Arabia. The driving distance from Bahrain to Qatar is 453 km, which takes around 5 h, 25 min. So, it's an accessible destination for a road trip and also the cheapest.