Middle East and North Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• Demonstrations and protests continue across various parts of Bahrain, some of which are violent.  We cannot confirm where or when any such activity or resulting disruption will take place, but you should maintain a high level of security awareness, exercise caution, particularly in public places and on the roads, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
  
  
• The Government of Bahrain has imposed a curfew on the waterways around Bahrain between 18:00 and 04:00. You are strongly advised to respect the curfew.
  
  
• Passengers arriving at Bahrain Airport may experience delays at immigration due to more stringent checks being carried out by officials. Also, the Bahraini authorities have indicated that visa requirements for foreign nationals, including British Citizens, may change soon. British visitors are advised to check the website of the Bahraini Embassy in London for updates.
  
  
• Visitors must have legal status in Bahrain when they depart. You may be prevented from departing Bahrain if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt, or are a child subject to a custody dispute. Visitors can incur heavy fines if they overstay or fail to extend their legal residency.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in Bahrain. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
  
  
• If travelling to or from Bahrain, we advise you to keep up to date with our travel advice, monitor the local media and stay in touch with your travel agent if you have one. You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Demonstrations and protests continue across various parts of Bahrain, some of which are violent. Such violence is not targeted at UK nationals.  We cannot confirm where or when any such activity or resulting disruption will take place, but you should maintain a high level of security awareness, exercise caution, particularly in public places and on the roads, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Please be aware of the following planned demonstrations:

• Thursday 24 May at 17:00, in Malkiya and Diraz.
• Sunday 27 May at 17:00, in A’ali.

We also expect other protests and disruption in various areas of Bahrain to continue through the coming days. As a result, we continue to advise British nationals in Bahrain to maintain a high level of security awareness and to exercise caution, particularly in public places and on the roads, and to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Our assessment remains that travel on the main routes on the island during daylight hours is generally orderly and functions at normal levels. Police checkpoints remain but have been reduced around the main highways. You should exercise caution, in particular on any routes you use to get to these main routes, and consider carefully the situation in your local vicinity.

If travelling to or from Bahrain, we advise you to keep up to date with our travel advice, monitor the local media and stay in touch with your travel company if you have one.

Visitors must have legal status in Bahrain when they depart. You may be prevented from departing Bahrain if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have upain debts, or are a child subject to a custody dispute. Visitors can incur heavy fines if they overstay or fail to extend their legal residency.

The British Embassy in Bahrain is located in central Manama. For enquiries on the situation in Bahrain please call the Embassy on 17574100 during working hours, 17574151 out of hours, or =44 (0) 20 7008 1500 in the UK. The normal working week is Sunday to Thursday, 07:30 - 14:30 local time; 04:30 - 11:30 GMT.

We recommend you register with the British Embassy in Manama on LOCATE. To do this visit https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal - or ask family in the UK to do so for you.  We will update messages on the Embassy's Facebook page concerning known demonstrations and events.  This can be accessed through the Facebook link on the website: http://ukinbahrain.fco.gov.uk/en/.  We will also update those registered by email.

Bahrain Country Profile

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and against Western, including British, interests, as well as against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf regions. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

On 4 December an explosion occurred close to the British Embassy. There were no reported casualties or injuries. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. British nationals who are travelling to, or are currently in Bahrain are advised to register with the British Embassy.

See our terrorism abroad page. Please also check the Bahrain: British Embassy Manama website.

Safety and Security - Crime

Some 8,000-10,000 British nationals live in Bahrain, and thousands more visit each year.  Most visits are trouble free. Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies.

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Developments in Syria, Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might also trigger public disturbances. 

Safety and Security - Local travel - Road travel

Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence for three months, and indefinitely on a UK issued international driver's licence.

Bahrain operates a zero tolerance to drink/driving. If you are caught you will be arrested, put into the drivers prison and your case will not be heard until the next working day. First time offenders will have to pay a minimum £900 fine and could be banned from driving in Bahrain. British visitors from Saudi Arabia will subject to the same punishment but with the addition of a driving ban there also. For repeat offenders the costs and ban will be more serious.

For more general information see the driving abroad of the FCO website.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air travel

Passengers arriving at Bahrain Airport may experience long delays at immigration due to more stringent checks being carried out by officials.

Although alcohol is available at Bahrain airport, Bahraini Public Security officers and airline staff deal firmly with passengers believed to be intoxicated - even those solely in transit through Bahrain airport. Such passengers are denied boarding and are detained and fined by Bahraini Public Security.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea travel

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities including 12 British nationals. Exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. Ensure that life jackets are available.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

For more general information see the river & sea safety of the FCO website.

Bahrain is a socially liberal state, but many Bahrainis are conservative and find revealing clothing or immoderate behaviour in public offensive. It is best to dress conservatively except within the confines of hotels or clubs, at least until you know your way around.

Religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected, especially during the religious festivals of the Shia community when black flags and banners may be in evidence. Be aware of significant Muslim holidays, and note that Bahrainis observe a number of religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in neighbouring Gulf countries.

Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

See our travelling during Ramadan page.

Do not bring video cassettes or DVDs into the country, as these may be withheld on arrival at the airport.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Bahrain. 

Always carry identification. You might be asked to produce it at any time.

See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

While visas can be issued on arrival, it is recommended that visitors obtain either an e-visa online prior to departure, or a visa from the Bahrain Embassy in the UK.

There is a website on which anyone can check eligibility and apply online. Where possible, visitors should use this website for visit e-visa applications in advance in order to ensure a smoother process at the border in Bahrain.  Alternatively, the Bahrain Embassy in the UK can issue visitor visas valid for six months prior to departure.  On arrival in Bahrain, visitors can be issued visas for 24 hours, 72 hours, two weeks or three months, depending on their need and at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.  

After arriving in Bahrain renewals can then be sought at Nationality Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) at the Ministry of Interior; and residency, if related to work, can be sought through Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

General immigration rules for visitors to Bahrain are:

• Visitors should be able to provide evidence of their visit.
• Visitors must be able to support themselves (and any dependents) during the visit.
• Visitors must provide an address of residence during their visit or copy of hotel booking.
• Visitors must have a valid confirmed onward ticket for departure.
• Passports must be valid for the length of time the visitor will be in Bahrain.
• And visitors must not take up employment during their visit.

In addition to this, it is recommended that:

• Business visitors to Bahrain, planning to get a visa on arrival, if asked by the Immigration Officer, be able to provide evidence that they are genuinely seeking entry as a business visitor. It is recommended that business visitors carry with them a letter of invitation from their host entity in Bahrain.  While not mandatory, a letter would facilitate smooth processing at immigration on arrival.  The alternative would be to apply for a business visa from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in London prior to departure or apply online via the above-mentioned website.
  
• Journalists or representatives of NGOs visiting Bahrain should obtain their visas in advance. Approval for these will need to be cleared through the Information Affairs Authority or the Ministry of Social Development and Human Rights respectively.”

The Bahraini authorities have indicated that visa requirements for foreign nationals, including British Citizens, may change soon. British visitors are advised to check the website of the Bahraini Embassy in London for updates.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Bahrain. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Bahrain. You can use an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to exit the Kingdom of Bahrain, but cannot use one to enter. If you face difficulties using an ETD to depart the country, contact the British Embassy for assistance.

Entry Requirements - Exit Requirements
Visitors must have legal status in Bahrain when they depart. You may be prevented from departing Bahrain if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt, or are a child subject to a custody dispute. Visitors can incur heavy fines if they overstay or fail to extend their legal residency.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Bahrain Embassy in London.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Emergency medical treatment is not free. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our travel health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Weekend in Bahrain

The local weekend in Bahrain is Friday and Saturday.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

35 British nationals required consular assistance in Bahrain in the period 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident:  11 deaths; five hospitalisations; and 12 arrests, for a variety of offences.