Traveling the causeway.

Since the last 2 months or so, it is NOT a "case by case" but a blanket refusal.  ANY visa which states "AIR" is not being allowed for travel via the causeway.  Nationality and type does not matter - there was also a post from an American in similar situation to yourself who was disallowed from travelling via the causeway.

There are NO options for you while this is in effect.  You WILL be turned back at the causeway - you can try and argue that you have a Bahrain residence permit but that may or may not work.  It has not for a lot of people as Saudi immigration do not let them exit Saudi on visas saying "AIR" - the question of Bahrain residence does not even arise at that stage.

The only real option is for you to cancel your visa and apply for one from Bahrain.  The ones granted in Bahrain are "OPEN" visas.

And to be a bit pedantic; AIR visas have ALWAYS been for travel via the AIR only.  They were just not enforcing that rule if you had entered the first time via AIR.   Now they are - no change in policy or rules, only in enforcement.  So I don't see much hope in this changing unless they redraft the policy or adjust visa types.

My theory (theory only) as to why this happened now is due to the recent developments in Saudi.  With the push behind Saudisation, exit of hordes of expats and difficulty getting visas; a lot of people are doing what you are doing (i.e. working on business or commercial visit visas which they are not supposed to be working on) and they want to make it difficult for them - especially the ones who don't live in Bahrain and can't apply for an "OPEN" visa.  Also recently, in Bahrain, the Saudi consulate is not granting 2 year visas easily (for nationalities other than US), which they used to before quite easily.   Now most are refused; unless you are an employee of a company in Bahrain which is also in Saudi, your chances of getting one are remote.

@XTang

Have there been any updates to this situation that you or anyone else is aware of?

I was able to get my Saudi visa cancelled and reissued as an "open" visa while back in the US. So I'm good (I've now made the drive a number of times, with no issues). What I'm curious is if coworkers/friends of mine who's visa still says "air" if they could travel with me over the causeway. I'd be driving, the car would be in my name, so I wouldn't have an issue, but would they as a passenger be denied entry/exit. Any ideas on this one? Couple of colleagues in KSA would love to come over for the weekend with me, but aren't sure if we want to "risk it" and the complexities if I'm able to get through, but they couldn't.

Well so far it is the same for most people that I have spoken to.  One American guy posted recently that he was able to drive through on an AIR visa but that it was a special exception for Americans only.   But this is unconfirmed as I know of other US nationals (including yourself) who were denied.

In all probability, if they are not US nationals or the officer is not in a good mood, they will not be allowed to exit.  But worst case, all that happens is that you turn around and drop them at the center island where the cafes are and go back - you don't lose much time.   Sometimes, they allow them to get out and walk back as they haven't gone through any immigration yet.  If it happens at Bahrain passport then they have you turn around the car for sure.

Ok, sounds still uncertain.

Just to clarify. I'd be coming (along with my colleague if they came with me) from Riyadh, driving to Bahrain. So KSA -> Bahrain. I believe you do the Riyadh drive regularly as well, so as you know definitely don't want to have to turn around on that direction, that'd be a long detour. If they got denied the other way, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. They'd almost all be Americans, so sounds like we'll just have to try it at some point. I was never actually denied, I just didn't even try to drive when I heard about the change, I just ended up having the visa cancelled and then reissued.

Yes I do this drive every weekend and it is a pain - but less time than a flight and you can sleep in the car

If you weren't denied then maybe it may work for you according to what that guy says.

I was wondering if there is any update on this matter.

My wife is American national and living with me here in KSA on 5 year multiple-visit visa. I was hoping to go to Bahrain with her through causeway.

Is there any exception for American national as her visa travel mode is "Air", any chance that they may allow it ?

Heard that they are relaxed about it for Americans. So try your luck. Depends on the officer at the counter though.

Thanks XTang, I will try it this weekend and will update you all ..

Can you please confirm, Can Pakistan Iqama holder can go through causeway with on-arrival visa ? I heard they must obtain e-visa ?

No if they have iqama then no need for evisa.

Hi Ahmedmasu,

I'm reading your thread and I'm just wondering if you and your wife were successfully accepted? I have the same situation also, my father (US national) is with me now for a family visit visa. We are planning to go to Bahrain with my father during Ramadan break and at the same time renew his visa for another 6 months. Your reply would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Archi,

We didn't face any problem, I paid 100 riyal for Bahrain visa fee for my wife and we were good to go.

wow that's good news! did they ask any documents from your wife? like return ticket? because when i try to apply evisa online they require me to upload return ticket of my father.

No need for e-visa, just go by your car through causeway.

American passport holder can get on-arrival visa, just like iqama holders. You only need to pay 100 riyal fee on the causeway.

Thank you!