Let’s be honest: when you look at a globe, trying to link the bustling souks of Marrakech, the monumental pyramids outside Cairo, the modern skylines of Riyadh, and the island charm of Manama in a single itinerary seems like a delightful but impossible fantasy. It’s a bold vision, one that stretches across continents and cultures, demanding serious logistical muscle. But I’m here to tell you, as someone who spends far too much time obsessing over multi-country adventures, this is not just possible—it’s the perfect showcase for how modern travel documents have opened up the world.
Combining these four spectacular destinations—Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain—is a true journey of contrasts. You’ll swap Atlantic breezes for desert heat, ancient pharaonic history for powerful Arabian heritage. The biggest key to unlocking this massive trip? Electronic Visas (eVisas). We’re going to walk through the entire process, from setting up the route to navigating the nitty-gritty of your entry permits, including the crucial topic of Costs and processing time. This isn't a report; it’s the travel plan I’d send to my best friend, broken down step-by-step.
🧭 The Four-Nation Itinerary: Making the Route Work
The geography here is the main challenge. You have North Africa (Morocco and Egypt) and the Gulf (Saudi Arabia and Bahrain). You’re not going to take a bus between these spots, so smart flight planning is everything.
A Sensible Flow for Your Journey
My advice is to tackle the continents logically to save on airfare and time.
Start in Morocco (The Far West): Fly into Casablanca or Marrakech. This sets a fantastic tone with its unique blend of African, Berber, and European influences.
Jump to Egypt (North Africa's Heartland): Direct flights exist between major Moroccan cities and Cairo. This makes the continental hop straightforward. Dive straight into the Nile.
Cross to Saudi Arabia (The Peninsula’s Anchor): Look for air links from Cairo to Riyadh or Jeddah. This is a well-established route and puts you right in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula.
Finish in Bahrain (Island Ease): The short distance and excellent air connections between Saudi Arabia (especially Dammam) and Bahrain make this the perfect final stop—a neat, modern finish before your flight home.
🔑 Every Traveler Needs a eVisa Guide: Your Digital Passport
The absolute cornerstone of this adventure is getting your electronic entry documents sorted. The beauty is that, for many passport holders, you don't have to visit a single consulate! This whole process can be handled from your couch.
Morocco: Embracing Digital Entry
Morocco has streamlined its system beautifully for many nationalities, shifting away from tedious sticker visas. The eVisa is your ticket to the Atlas Mountains and the vibrant chaos of the medinas.
Morocco eVisa: What You'll Need
Typically, travelers need to upload a clear scan of their passport's main bio-data page (make sure it’s valid for six months beyond your departure date), a recent, passport-style photograph (digital copy, naturally), and proof that you’re leaving Morocco—a confirmed flight booking out of the country.
Your Stay: The standard tourist permit generally grants you up to 30 days in the country. Plenty of time to get lost (in a good way!) in Chefchaouen's blue streets.
A Personal Note on Timing: While they quote a short turnaround, my personal rule for any visa application is never to rely on the minimum quoted time. Send your eVisa request in at least three weeks before you fly to Morocco. Better safe than sorry!
Saudi Arabia: The 90-Day Game Changer
Saudi Arabia's shift to a dedicated tourist eVisa has genuinely transformed global travel possibilities. It's the most flexible piece of the puzzle.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements: The Essentials
This is the big one. Most travelers can get a fantastic multiple-entry tourist eVisa, valid for one full year, allowing up to 90 days of stay within that year. This incredible flexibility is what makes this grand tour so feasible.
What to prepare digitally:
A high-quality scan of your current passport.
A recent photograph that meets the standards (usually white background, head-on).
Details of your planned travel, including your first accommodation.
The nice thing about the Saudi process is that the mandatory travel protection is usually bundled right into the fee, simplifying things further.
Your Step-by-Step eVisa Deep Dive: Saudi Arabia
Check Your Passport's Status: First, confirm your nationality is eligible for the tourist eVisa scheme (most major traveler nationalities are).
Fill the Form Carefully: This isn't a race. Double-check every single character against your passport. A typo here is the fastest way to delay your application.
Upload Documents: Ensure your scans are clear and correctly sized. The system is particular about the photo specs.
Submit and Remit: Once submitted and the payment is successful, you wait.
Print and Save: When the eVisa arrives in your inbox (which is often surprisingly fast—think 24 to 48 hours, though I'd budget five working days), print two copies and save a digital one on your phone and in a cloud service.
Egypt: Pyramids and Permit Planning
Egypt, with its timeless appeal, also offers a user-friendly eVisa. While some travelers qualify for a permit upon arrival, obtaining the eVisa beforehand is the savvy move for a complex itinerary like this.
Egypt Visa Extension: What If I Want to Stay?
The standard tourist eVisa options are typically:
Single-entry: Allows one entry for a maximum of 30 days.
Multiple-entry: Allows multiple entries over a 90-day validity period, with a maximum 30-day stay per entry.
But what if you fall in love with Luxor? If you reach the end of your 30 days and want more time, you must arrange a Egypt Visa Extension through the appropriate governmental department in a major city like Cairo. You must do this before your original period of stay expires. Don't leave it until the last minute; it's a process that needs a few days and a formal visit. Failing to secure the extension in time can result in penalties, which nobody wants!
Bahrain: The Hassle-Free Island Finish
Bahrain is arguably the easiest of the four. Their government has been very proactive in welcoming tourists, and the electronic system is a breeze.
Bahrain eVisa Types: Picking Your Window
The Bahrain eVisa Types are flexible, offering a few options depending on your itinerary length:
Two-Week Single Entry: Great for a quick jaunt to see the Grand Mosque and the Formula 1 track.
One-Month Multiple Entry: Ideal if you think you might pop over to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and come back.
One-Year Multiple Entry: The ultimate option if you plan to return to the Gulf region.
Application Simplicity:
The information needed is simple: passport details, a ticket out of Bahrain, and where you'll be staying. Often, the approval is near-instantaneous or within a day—it feels like a welcome mat laid out just for you. Still, give yourself a solid week of lead time, just in case.
💡 Practical Travel Wisdom: Beyond the Documents
Getting the entry permits right is half the battle. The other half is making the actual travel smooth and memorable.
Handling Multi-Destination Documentation
You’ll be carrying four different travel authorizations. Here is how I handle this when I’m on a massive trip:
Digital Folder: Create a dedicated folder on your phone and Google Drive named "Visas and Entry" containing PDFs of all four eVisa approvals, plus your flight confirmations for each leg. Access them offline!
Physical Copies (Crucial): Always print two copies of each eVisa. I keep one set folded inside my passport and one set in a separate folder in my luggage. Border officials often prefer a clean paper copy, and having a backup is a lifesaver if your phone dies.
Navigating Local Customs and Interaction
Each of these nations holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, and respect goes a long way.
Dress Smartly: While Morocco and Bahrain are quite modern and open, dressing modestly, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt outside of resorts, is a sign of respect. This means covering the shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. You’ll just feel more comfortable and welcomed.
The Pace of Life: Don't expect things to move at a breakneck speed, particularly in Morocco and Egypt. The pace can be slower than what you're used to. Embrace it! That slow, unhurried feel is part of the experience. Patience is your best travel companion here.
Digital Connections: Don't rely solely on airport WiFi. Grab a local SIM card in the first few hours of landing in each country. It’s affordable and absolutely essential for navigation, booking rides, and staying in touch.
Between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
This is your shortest hop. While many people fly, remember you can also cross the King Fahd Causeway. If you're renting a vehicle in Saudi Arabia and your Saudi Arabia eVisa Requirements permit land exit/entry, this can be a fun, novel way to make the transition. However, be prepared for a border crossing process that takes significantly longer than the 30-minute flight. Always check with your rental company and the border agency regarding vehicle insurance and crossing procedures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I apply for all my eVisas at the same time?
Absolutely. Initiate the process for Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain simultaneously, roughly 30 days before the start of your entire trip. The one-year validity of the Saudi visa gives you massive peace of mind, and the shorter windows for the others will be comfortably covered. The key is to start early so you aren't rushing.
What happens if my travel authorization expires while I'm in a country?
This is a serious issue you must avoid. If you are in Egypt and your allowed stay is about to end, you must proactively apply for a Egypt Visa Extension locally before that date. For other countries, if you overstay, you can face substantial financial penalties and detention, which can ruin a trip and complicate future travel. Always use your eVisa approval notice to note the exact date you must depart.
Is the eVisa the only way to get permission to travel to these countries?
No, but it is the easiest for tourists. For many nationalities, Egypt and Bahrain offer a permit upon arrival, but the eVisa is less risky for a complex journey. For Morocco and Saudi Arabia, depending on your passport, you might need a traditional sticker visa from an embassy, but for the majority of global travelers, the eVisa is the streamlined, modern standard.
I'm concerned about the time and effort required for all these applications. Is it worth it?
The initial setup might feel like a lot of form-filling, but think of the reward: four completely different worlds accessed through one well-organized digital folder. A little effort now—getting your documents, checking Costs and processing time, and getting your approvals—is a small price to pay for a lifetime of stories spanning the Strait of Gibraltar to the Persian Gulf. It’s definitely worth the effort.
What proof of funds is needed for these applications?
While the terms are generally not specific, the governments need reassurance that you can sustain yourself. They usually ask for travel details like confirmed return flight tickets and reserved accommodation, which serve as proof of a genuine tourist intention and financial capability without specifying a particular minimum balance. Focus on demonstrating a well-planned itinerary.