Bahrain gears up for F1 Grand Prix

Manama, Apr. 10 (BNA): Bahrain is gearing up for F1 Grand Prix, scheduled to be held this year on April 17-18-19. Meanwhile, the customs authorities are sparing no efforts as the countdown began for the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, annually hosted at the Bahrain International Circuit, the home of motorsport in the Middle East. "We are working at full capacity to ensure the smooth flow of fans who will flock to Bahrain to watch the race", said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Visa and Residence Director Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa. In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), he said that special counters staffed by highly-competent personnel had been allocated to process expedite procedures. Meanwhile, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)officials opened additional counters for F1 fans to buy tickets before allowed access to passport-monitoring checkpoint for final scrutiny. "The directorate takes all the preparations and works at full capacity along with other competent authorities to contribute to the success of the annual global motor sporting event", Shaikh Ahmed said. Bahrain customs authorities have also streamlined procedures, issuing two-week multiple entry visas, which will be valid for the period April 5-19. F1 fans who hail from countries featuring on the list of sixty-six (66) states will be issues with visas on arrival at the entry points. Fans living in any of the countries cited in the list of 102 states can obtain their two-week entry visas to Bahrain online. Other categories of fans can access the portal of the Visa and Residence Directorate www.evisa.gov.bh to apply for the necessary visa. A Bahraini guarantor or the endorsement of a private company operating in Bahrain would still be needed to process the visa issuance procedures.