Travel To Bahrain: Flying Options Amidst Covid-19

If you're considering a trip to Bahrain, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and plan your journey accordingly. While the country offers a range of attractions, from the vibrant city of Manama to the historic Seef Mall, there are safety and health considerations to keep in mind. Terrorist attacks and protests pose a threat, with targets including tourist sites, transportation hubs, and markets. Regional tensions can also lead to travel disruptions, including flight cancellations. Additionally, there are cultural and legal differences to be mindful of, such as conservative dress codes and restrictions on alcohol consumption. In terms of health, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel, and it is essential to stay updated with the latest government guidelines and requirements.

COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures

As of March 2024, there are no active COVID-19-related restrictions on travel to Bahrain. However, it is recommended that travellers remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to ensure their own safety and that of others.

Before You Fly

Before booking a flight, travellers are advised to check for any travel bans or restrictions in their country of origin and destination. It is also important to stay updated with the latest information by checking government websites.

At the Airport and During the Flight

According to guidelines, travellers must wear face masks throughout their journey, including at screening checkpoints. However, they may be asked to lower their masks for identification purposes. To reduce contact with TSA agents, travellers should place their boarding passes on the scanner themselves and then hold them up for inspection.

Travellers are permitted to carry one container of hand sanitiser, up to 12 oz (350 ml), in their hand luggage. This will need to be removed for screening. To minimise handling during screening, travellers are advised to remove personal items such as wallets, coins, and keys from their pockets and place them in their carry-on bags.

Any food being carried should be separated for screening, as food items often trigger the alarm. It is recommended to place food items in a clear plastic bag and then into a bin to reduce the need for TSA officers to touch and inspect these items.

Passport and visa requirements

To enter Bahrain, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave. U.S. citizens will also need a visa, which can be obtained through the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival. Tourist visas are valid for two weeks, but you can also apply for ten-year multiple-entry visas through the Bahrain embassy. If you are a journalist, you must have a journalism visa, which must be obtained in advance of your travel.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for an e-visa on the Bahrain e-visa website. You will need your passport, confirmation of your airplane ticket, and you must use the visa within 30 days of approval. You will also need to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay.

If you are a Canadian citizen, you should obtain a visa from the nearest Bahraini government office or online before arrival.

If you are a U.S. diplomatic or official passport holder, you should coordinate your arrival with Embassy Manama. If you are an official passport holder, follow your chain of command for DoD-specific guidance.

If you plan to work in Bahrain, you must have a local identification card and a valid work permit, which you should obtain before arriving in Bahrain. Your employment contract should clearly state provisions related to relocation expenses, type of housing and the number of occupants, any visa fees to be paid by the employee, salary payment schedule and any salary penalties, terms of the probation period, and who pays transportation expenses if the contract is terminated.

Safety and security concerns

COVID-19

As of February 2024, there are no active COVID-19-related travel restrictions for Bahrain. However, it is important to stay informed with the latest updates by checking government websites. Requirements state that you must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, even at screening checkpoints. You should be prepared to lower your mask for identification purposes when asked.

Terrorism

Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. The U.S. Department of State advises travellers to Bahrain to exercise increased caution due to terrorism. It is recommended that travellers enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.

Crime

While the crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare, thieves and pickpockets are known to operate in the old market areas. Common sense security precautions are generally effective in countering the risk of crime. However, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in locations frequented by tourists or Westerners.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Demonstrations occur regularly in specific areas of Bahrain and can sometimes turn violent. Participants have been known to throw rocks, Molotov cocktails, and use makeshift explosive devices. Police have used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. It is recommended to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Local Laws and Customs

It is important to abide by local laws and customs when travelling to Bahrain. For example, extra-marital sexual relations are a criminal offence, and possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties, including long jail sentences and heavy fines. Additionally, it is illegal to photograph certain buildings in Bahrain, and failure to produce photo identification when asked is considered an offence.

Road Safety

Road travel in Bahrain is generally safe, but drivers are often aggressive. It is recommended to use caution when driving and to be aware of potential hazards such as drifting sands and roaming animals.

Health

Adequate medical services are available in Bahrain, but immediate payment is required. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays. Additionally, some illnesses, such as hepatitis A and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), have been reported in Bahrain, so it is important to take necessary precautions and stay informed about health risks.

Local customs and laws

Religion

Bahrain is an Islamic country, and its laws are based on the teachings of the Quran. It is forbidden to try to convert a Muslim to another religion, and non-Muslim visitors should avoid open displays of non-Muslim religious beliefs, as these can be seen as offensive. The import of religious material may also be questioned.

Islamic religious values are highly respected in Bahrain, and disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and is likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religions are respected in Bahrain and can be followed freely.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Throughout this month, eating, drinking, smoking, playing loud music, and dancing in public places during daylight hours are strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslims.

Clothing

It is recommended that you dress conservatively in public places, especially religious sites. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body, or display offensive pictures or slogans. Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. These rules are even more closely observed during Ramadan when modesty is promoted.

Behaviour

Bahrain has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving. Even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system can lead to imprisonment. Offensive language, spitting, and aggressive behaviour (including 'road rage' hand gestures) are viewed as seriously offensive and can result in imprisonment and deportation.

Public displays of affection, such as hugging and kissing, are likely to offend local people. Homosexuality is considered an offence in Bahrain, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Although same-sex activity between consenting adults over 21 is not criminalised, sodomy is illegal, and there are some reported cases of individuals being punished for homosexual behaviour.

Drugs

There are very strict penalties for drug offences in Bahrain. Possession can result in a custodial sentence or even the death penalty.

Photography

Photography is an area where cultural sensitivities mean that visitors need to exercise caution. In particular, people do not like to be photographed, especially women. It is best to ask before taking photos, as there have been reports of locals becoming angry with visitors who try to take photographs without permission. Photographing sensitive buildings, such as military installations, is forbidden.

Identification

All residents and visitors must carry photographic ID. Under Bahraini law, it is an offence not to be able to present photographic ID if asked by a member of the Bahraini authorities, and you may be fined up to 300BHD.

Debt

Those in debt are forbidden to leave the country, and under Bahraini law, someone with a travel ban cannot get a work permit renewed and, therefore, cannot secure employment. Unpaid debt is punishable by imprisonment.

Transport options

Flying to Bahrain

Flights to Bahrain are available from various locations, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in the United States. The cost of flights varies depending on the origin and season. For example, flights from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Bahrain range from $581 for a one-way ticket to $1,083 for a round trip.

Travel within Bahrain

Bahrain has a newly expanded public bus system that covers most of the country. However, a car is still needed to access many locations. Taxis are also available and can be arranged by phone, while some rideshare apps also operate in Bahrain.

Maritime Travel

There is a curfew in place on the waterways around Bahrain from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., and vessels may be inspected or detained even outside these hours. Vessels travelling in certain areas, such as the Northern Arabian Sea, may be subject to detention, inspection, and attacks, so increased caution is advised.

Driving in Bahrain

Road travel in Bahrain is generally safe, with highways and major roads in the northern part of the country being wide and well-maintained. However, roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow, congested, and twisting. Drivers in Bahrain are often aggressive, and drifting sands and roaming animals can pose hazards. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, although this is a common practice. Always carry a form of identification, such as a passport or driver's license, when driving.

Travel Advice

It is recommended to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities when travelling in Bahrain, as protests and demonstrations occur regularly and can lead to travel disruptions. Increased security measures may be implemented with little notice.

Frequently asked questions