How to apply for a UK visa

Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency and the British Embassy Bahrain work in partnership with a commercial organisation, VFS Global. 

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS Global’s website .VFS Global also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 17215538. All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.

Do I have to pay?

No, all information is provided free of charge in Bahrain

Where can I get advice?

VFSGlobal and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of Scotland
Law Society of Northern Ireland
Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VFSGlobal manages the Visa Application Centre at the Financial Harbour,Manama, where you should submit your application and your biometric finger scans.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UKBorder Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. VFSGlobal and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way. If any member of staff employed by VFS Global say they can influence your application, you should contact the British Embassy Abu Dhabi immediately.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

•If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UKBorder Agency please address your complaint to the Entry ClearanceManager at British Embassy Abu Dhabi, PO Box 248 (Khalid Bin WaleedSt, Street 22, Opposite Khalifa Bin Zayed Mosque), Abu Dhabi, UAE or by e-mail to visa.abudhabi@fco.gov.uk .

•If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFSGlobal, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.