Bahrain is making it easier for Indians to apply for visas to the Gulf state.

From 1 October 2014, Indians will be eligible to apply for an e-visa, and then from 2015 Bahrain will start offering three-month visa extensions and new multiple entry visas.

“India and Bahrain have an economic and trade partnership that stretches back hundreds of years,” said HE Dr. Mohan Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Bahrain.

“Indians also make up a sizeable proportion of the kingdom’s population and contribute significantly to Bahrain’s culture and society. Through this new visa policy I hope that Indian businesses will be encouraged to build on existing ties and explore new investment opportunities in Bahrain and the wider GCC region.”

Bahrain’s new visa policy allows citizens from over 100 countries to obtain a visa online ahead of travel. The e-visas will also be accompanied by improvements to the applicant screening process, which Bahrain said would ensure “faster and more effective processing”.

Under Bahrain’s new visa policy, visitors from 66 countries will be able to apply for e-visas or receive visa-upon-arrival in Bahrain. Visitors from a further 36 countries will be eligible for the e-visa service.

“This policy will provide easier and quicker access for businesses with operations in Bahrain and will also help to attract more tourists to the kingdom,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s assistant undersecretary for nationality, passports residence affairs.

“During the build-up phase, we have worked closely with a range of stakeholders in the public and private sectors to ensure the new policy provides immediate benefits to visitors, and are pleased to be in a position to launch the new policy from October 1st 2014. The changes are being implemented as part of wider efforts to continually develop the passport and immigration processes and systems.”