Bahrain will give visas on arrival to citizens of 66 countries and e-visas to nationals of 102 countries starting from Oct. 1, aiming to boost the Gulf country's economy and making it a regional tourist hub.

The new visa policy allows citizens from 66 countries, including Russia, China, India and Pakistan, to receive visas upon arrival in Bahrain. They will also be eligible to apply for an online visa ahead of their visit.

Visitors from another 36 countries will be able to obtain electronic visas, which brings the overall number of countries eligible to receive e-visas to 102.

The new policy also allows visitors to apply a two-week visa online and then extend it to a maximum of 90 days. Multiple-entry visas will also be issued.

For a visa on arrival travelers should pay visa fees at the port of entry, including Bahrain International Airport, King Fahd Causeway and the Khalifa bin Salman Port, and claim the purpose of stay.

"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," a senior official with the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs said, adding that it's a "bold step" to "benefit our economy in terms of foreign direct investment and attract tourists."

Bahrain's economy has been recovering steadily since the 2011 protests across the Arab world. The Gulf state attracted around 114 million US dollars of foreign direct investment in 2013, up 12 percent from 2012, according to Bahrain Economic Development Board.