Yes, you can travel to Bahrain without a vaccine. Since February 20, 2022, travellers no longer need to provide proof of testing or vaccination to enter the country. However, masks are mandatory in public areas.

Other countries that do not require proof of vaccination for entry include Afghanistan, Armenia, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, India, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, the Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Can I travel to Bahrain without a vaccine?

Entry requirements for unvaccinated travellers

As of February 2022, Bahrain has removed all travel restrictions, meaning that travellers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter the country. However, it is important to note that mask-wearing is mandatory in public areas.

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Bhutan
• Brunei Darussalam
• India
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Maldives
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam

Europe:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Faroe Islands
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jersey
• Kosovo
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

North & Central America:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Grenada
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Jamaica
• Martinique
• Mexico
• Panama
• Saint Barthélemy
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

South America:

• Argentina
• Aruba
• Bonaire
• Cuba
• Curaçao
• Ecuador
• Falkland Islands
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Trinidad and Tobago

Australia and Oceania:

• Australia
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Samoa
• Vanuatu

Africa:

• Algeria
• Benin
• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Congo
• Egypt
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Namibia
• Reunion
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tunisia

Quarantine rules for unvaccinated travellers

As of 20 February 2022, Bahrain has lifted all travel restrictions. Unvaccinated travellers no longer need to provide proof of testing or vaccination to enter the country. However, masks are mandatory in public areas.

General quarantine rules for unvaccinated travellers

International travel for unvaccinated travellers may present more obstacles, especially due to different rules and potential language barriers. Some countries don't allow unvaccinated travellers to enter at all. If you are unvaccinated, make sure the country you want to visit will allow you entry.

In addition, before returning to the U.S., you’re required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of the flight's departure. While abroad, you’ll need to go to a COVID-19 testing centre. Unlike getting tested in the U.S., COVID-19 tests abroad aren't covered by insurance, so you'll need to budget for the out-of-pocket cost.

Furthermore, you should book your accommodations wisely. Does the hotel you want to stay at allow unvaccinated guests? Will you be able to dine at the hotel restaurant? Can you use the spa or gym facilities? These are important questions you’ll need to consider before booking an international hotel stay.

Scrutinize your access to activities and other places you’d like to visit during your trip, too, like restaurants and museums. On my recent trip to Germany, I had to show my proof of vaccination and identification in every bar, restaurant, shop and hotel I entered.

If you’re unvaccinated, you may be refused entry to all these places, which can ruin your trip.

The risks and downsides of unvaccinated travel

While it is possible to travel to Bahrain without a vaccine, there are several risks and downsides to unvaccinated travel that you should be aware of. Here are some key points to consider:

Health Risks

• Increased Risk of Infection: Unvaccinated individuals are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and other travel-associated infections and diseases. This risk is further elevated when visiting areas with high infection rates or inadequate healthcare facilities.
• Severe Illness: If an unvaccinated individual contracts COVID-19, they are more likely to experience severe illness or complications, which may require hospitalization or intensive care.
• Prolonged Recovery: Unvaccinated individuals who become infected may also experience prolonged recovery periods, impacting their ability to work, study, or engage in other activities.
• Spread of Infection: Unvaccinated travellers increase the risk of spreading the infection to others, including family, friends, and vulnerable individuals they may encounter during their travels.
• Impact on Immunocompromised Individuals: Unvaccinated individuals can pose a significant risk to immunocompromised people they come into contact with, as they may be more susceptible to infection and experience more severe health outcomes.

Travel Restrictions and Requirements

• Limited Destination Options: Many countries have implemented vaccine requirements for entry, reducing the number of destinations available to unvaccinated travellers.
• Testing and Quarantine: Unvaccinated travellers often face additional testing and quarantine requirements, which can be costly and impact their travel plans and experiences.
• Changing Entry Requirements: Entry requirements can change rapidly, and a country that previously allowed unvaccinated travellers may suddenly impose restrictions, disrupting travel plans.
• Reduced Access: Unvaccinated individuals may face reduced access to certain venues and activities, such as restaurants, bars, museums, and other attractions that require proof of vaccination.
• Insurance and Cancellation: Travel insurance and trip cancellation policies may be affected by unvaccinated status, and coverage for COVID-19-related expenses may be limited.

Financial Implications

• Increased Costs: Unvaccinated travellers may incur additional costs for testing, quarantine, and medical treatment, especially if they become infected during their trip.
• Travel Disruptions: In the event of a positive COVID-19 test, unvaccinated travellers may need to extend their stay or make alternative travel arrangements, resulting in unexpected expenses.
• Missed Activities: Unvaccinated individuals who test positive may have to miss out on planned activities, tours, or events, potentially incurring financial losses if these are non-refundable.

Planning and Preparation

• Complex Planning: Travelling while unvaccinated requires more complex planning and preparation, including researching entry requirements, testing options, and potential quarantine procedures.
• Uncertainty: The constantly evolving nature of the pandemic and travel restrictions can create uncertainty and stress for unvaccinated travellers, potentially impacting their overall travel experience.

In conclusion, while it is possible to travel without a vaccine, there are significant risks and downsides associated with unvaccinated travel. These include increased health risks, travel restrictions, financial implications, and complex planning requirements. It is essential for individuals to carefully consider these factors and make informed decisions to protect their health and well-being, as well as the safety of those around them.

Countries that allow unvaccinated travellers

As of May 2022, unvaccinated travellers can visit Greece without proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test. However, arrivals may be required to undergo a rapid Covid test on arrival and self-isolate for at least five days if they test positive.

Portugal and Madeira are open to unvaccinated travellers who can provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. For Madeira specifically, travellers must also register on the Madeira Safe travellers platform and download a QR code to present to airport staff.

Unvaccinated adult travellers can enter Spain with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 24 hours before entering the country. Children aged 12-17 will need a negative PCR test.

Unvaccinated travellers can enter Croatia without showing proof of a vaccine or negative test.

Unvaccinated travellers visiting Cyprus must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Travellers over 12 may be asked to take another PCR test upon arrival at an additional cost of €15-€19.

Unvaccinated travellers over 12 years old must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours before departure for France.

All travellers to the Maldives must fill in a Traveller Declaration form in the 72 hours prior to departure. No PCR test is required, regardless of vaccination status.

Unvaccinated tourists entering Italy from the UK must show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before entering, or a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours before entering.

Unvaccinated travellers can visit Dubai and the United Arab Emirates without proof of vaccination. However, they must present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure, and travellers from the UK may be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test on arrival.

Unvaccinated British travellers to Slovenia must provide a Digital Passenger Locator Form, but are not required to show proof of a negative test or vaccination to enter.

Turkey allows unvaccinated travellers to enter without restrictions. However, they must show proof of a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours), a rapid antigen test (taken within 48 hours), or proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months. Arrivals will also be subject to a medical evaluation for coronavirus symptoms, including a temperature check, and may be subject to random PCR testing on arrival.

Mexico does not require visitors to show a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival. However, resorts can request that guests fill in a health questionnaire.

Since March 2022, travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, recovery, a negative test, or a passenger locator form.

Since April 2022, UK travellers visiting Sweden are not required to present a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

Unvaccinated travellers can enter the Seychelles with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. There is no requirement to quarantine, but travellers must stay in approved accommodation.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and over must show a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival to enter the Bahamas. All visitors must also submit a Bahamas Travel Health Visa Trip application.

All travellers to Egypt must complete a declaration form before entering the country. Unvaccinated travellers are required to show a negative PCR or rapid antigen test. Proof of Covid-19 recovery will not be accepted.

Cape Verde does not require proof of vaccination for entry, but travellers must provide a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure or a lateral flow test taken 48 hours before departure.

All travellers to Luxembourg need to fill in a passenger locator form. Unvaccinated travellers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours or a negative lateral flow test taken within 24 hours before departure. Alternatively, they can show proof of recovery from Covid-19.

Norway has lifted all travel restrictions, meaning the same rules as before the pandemic now apply.

Unvaccinated travellers to South Africa must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. They may also be screened on arrival.

Belize allows unvaccinated travellers to enter with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Alternatively, they can take a rapid test at the airport for BZ$100 or US$50. If they test positive, they will be required to quarantine at their own cost. Foreign tourists are also required to pay BZ$36 (US$18) for mandatory Belize Travel Health Insurance.

Since April 2022, Costa Rica has removed all Covid-19 entry requirements. However, the government has stated that these may be reintroduced at short notice.

Cuba has removed all Covid-19 entry requirements for travellers from the UK. However, random testing is still carried out at airports, and anyone who tests positive will be quarantined in a designated government health centre at their own expense.

Denmark has removed all Covid-19-related entry requirements.

Monaco does not require proof of vaccination for entry. However, unvaccinated travellers over 16 years old will need to provide a negative PCR or antigen test taken within the last 24 hours, or a certificate showing proof of recovery from Covid-19.

Travel insurance for unvaccinated travellers

As of 2023, most countries have stopped requiring travellers to be vaccinated. However, some countries still have mandatory COVID testing for unvaccinated travellers. In addition, some countries require travel insurance that covers COVID-related emergency medical and/or quarantine expenses.

Tips for unvaccinated travellers:

• Check the rules of your destination country before booking your trip. An interactive map on the Allianz Global Assistance website shows current travel rules and restrictions for each destination. You can also check the U.S. embassy website for your destination.
• Get travel insurance with "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage, as entry requirements are constantly changing.
• Check if your destination country requires travel insurance that covers COVID-related emergency medical and/or quarantine expenses.
• Check the testing requirements of your destination country. Make sure you know where to get tested and how long it will take to get your results.
• Be aware that COVID-19 tests abroad are not usually covered by insurance.
• If you are travelling by cruise, check the vaccination and testing requirements of the cruise line as well as the rules for each port you plan to visit.
• Carry your physical vaccination card with you when travelling, as digital versions may not always be accepted.
• If you are unable to find your vaccination card, contact the provider that gave you the vaccine or your local health department.

Frequently asked questions