Exploring Travel Opportunities: Israelis Visiting Bahrain

Israelis can travel to Bahrain, but they need to obtain a visa in advance or on arrival. Relations between the two countries have been tense, but they have improved in recent years, with the countries agreeing to establish diplomatic relations in September 2020. Israelis visiting Bahrain may face some public confrontations and unwelcome behaviour from locals, especially if their nationality is revealed. It is recommended that Israeli travellers avoid political discussions with locals and refrain from displaying signs of their nationality, such as wearing a kippah.

Visa requirements for Israelis visiting Bahrain

As of 2024, Israeli citizens need a visa to enter Bahrain. They can apply for a Bahraini Single Entry eVisa or a Bahraini Multiple Entry eVisa. The fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa is through the eVisa application, which can be done online. Applications are typically approved within 5 days, although this is not guaranteed. The eVisa allows travellers to stay in Bahrain for up to 14 days.

Alternatively, travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at an international airport or border crossing. However, to be eligible for this, travellers must already have a valid visa for specific countries, including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, a Schengen country, or Saudi Arabia. They must also have a valid confirmed return ticket.

It is important to note that relations between Israel and Bahrain have been tense in the past, and there is still some public opposition to normalised relations. While some sources indicate that Israelis can visit Bahrain safely, others advise visitors to avoid political topics and anything that may reveal their nationality.

Applying for a Bahraini eVisa

To apply for a Bahraini eVisa, travellers will need:

• A valid Israeli passport
• Accommodation booking confirmation
• Return flight/cruise booking confirmation

Safety concerns for Israelis in Bahrain

As an Israeli citizen, you will need a visa to enter Bahrain. You can apply for a Bahraini eVisa online, which is the fastest and easiest way to obtain a visa.

In terms of safety, there have been varying reports regarding Israelis visiting Bahrain. On the one hand, some sources indicate that Israelis can feel safe and welcome in Bahrain. Bahrain has taken steps towards normalizing relations with Israel, and there is a Jewish community in the country. Bahrain's foreign minister, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, has expressed a positive attitude towards Israel, stating that "Israel is part of the heritage of this whole region, historically. So, the Jewish people have a place amongst us."

However, it is important to consider the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the complex dynamics in the region. On November 2, 2023, Bahrain suspended all economic relations with Israel due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, citing its support for the Palestinian cause. This indicates that tensions can flare up, and the situation is sensitive to changes in political and diplomatic relations.

When it comes to personal safety, some advise against openly displaying signs of Israeli nationality or religion, such as wearing a kippah, as this could make one a target for those who hold negative views towards Israel. While physical harm is unlikely, there are reports of potential unwelcome confrontations and hostile attitudes.

Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid discussing political topics, especially with locals. Being discreet about one's identity as an Israeli and respecting local customs and sentiments can go a long way towards ensuring a safe visit to Bahrain.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the Israeli government has recently warned its citizens against travelling to Bahrain due to threats of Iranian attacks. Iran has a presence in Bahrain, particularly in Dubai, and there are concerns that Iranian proxies could target Israeli travellers.

In conclusion, while Bahrain has taken steps towards normalizing relations with Israel, the situation remains complex and sensitive. Israelis visiting Bahrain should stay informed about the latest developments, be cautious, and follow local advice for their safety.

History of Bahrain-Israel relations

1971-2005: Bahrain Boycotts Israel

Relations between Bahrain and Israel have existed since Bahrain gained independence from British rule in 1971. However, shortly after gaining independence, Bahrain joined the Arab League boycott of Israel.

1991: Bahrain Sends Representatives to the Madrid Conference

In 1991, Bahrain sent representatives to the Madrid Conference.

1994: First Official Israeli Delegation to Visit Bahrain

In September 1994, Yossi Sarid, Israel's Minister for the Environment, became the first official Israeli delegation to visit Bahrain. He took part in regional discussions on environmental issues and met with Bahrain's foreign minister.

2000: Trade Missions Closed

Trade missions were opened in both capitals after the Oslo I Accord, but they were closed after the Al-Aqsa Intifada erupted in 2000.

2005: Bahrain Abandons Boycott of Israel

In 2005, Bahrain abandoned its boycott of Israel in exchange for a free trade agreement with the United States.

2011: Wikileaks Cables Reveal Hidden Relations

In 2011, amid the Arab Spring uprising, Wikileaks cables published on Haaretz revealed some of the hidden relations between Bahraini and Israeli officials. It was revealed that Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, had bragged about having contact with Israel's national intelligence agency, Mossad, and indicated that Bahrain was ready to develop relations in other fields.

2016: Bahrain Normalizes Relations

In 2016, a video of a ceremony to mark the Jewish Hanukkah holiday hosted by Bahrain went viral. This led to Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, denouncing the Arab League boycott of Israel and beginning to normalize relations.

2017: King of Bahrain Supports Citizens Visiting Israel

In September 2017, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, denounced the Arab League boycott of Israel, saying that the kingdom's citizens were entitled to visit Israel, even though the two countries had no diplomatic relations.

2018: Bahrain Recognizes Israel's Right to Exist

In May 2018, Bahrain recognized Israel's right to exist, but denied that this was due to tensions with Iran.

2019: Growing Diplomatic Relations

In 2019, there were several instances of growing diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Israel. In June, six Israeli media outlets were invited to cover the Israeli-Palestinian economic peace workshop in Bahrain. In July, the Foreign Ministers of both countries met in the United States, and in October, an Israeli official attended the "Working Group on Maritime and Aviation Security" in Manama, Bahrain. In December, the Jerusalem chief rabbi, Shlomo Amar, visited Bahrain for an interfaith event.

2020: Agreement to Establish Diplomatic Relations

On September 11, 2020, it was announced that Bahrain and Israel had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. The agreement was signed on September 15, 2020, at the White House in Washington, D.C. On October 18, 2020, an Israeli delegation traveled to Manama, Bahrain, to sign a normalization declaration document.

2021: Bahrain Appoints First Ambassador to Israel

In March 2021, Bahrain appointed Khaled Yousif al-Jalahma as its first ambassador to Israel. He arrived in Israel to take up his post at the end of August 2021.

2023: Israel Opens a New Embassy in Manama

In September 2023, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Manama and officially reopened Israel's new embassy.

November 2023: Bahrain Suspends Economic Relations with Israel

On November 2, 2023, in view of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Israel and suspended all economic relations with Israel, citing its "solid and historical stance" in support of the Palestinian cause.

Boycotts against Israel in Bahrain

Following its independence from British rule in 1971, Bahrain became part of the Arab League boycott of Israel. However, in 2005, Bahrain abandoned its boycott of Israel in exchange for a free trade agreement with the United States. This came after Bahrain's then-finance minister, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, recognised "the need to withdraw the primary boycott against Israel" and committed to developing the means to achieve this.

In September 2017, the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, denounced the Arab League boycott of Israel, stating that his kingdom's citizens were entitled to visit Israel, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This marked a significant shift in Bahrain's stance towards Israel.

In 2020, Bahrain and Israel took steps towards normalising their relations, with the announcement of the Bahrain-Israel normalisation agreement, also known as the Abraham Accords. This agreement, facilitated by the United States, marked a move towards establishing full diplomatic relations and signalled a cautious Bahraini acceptance of Israel's legitimacy.

However, tensions between the two countries have not entirely dissipated. In July 2023, ambassadors from Bahrain, along with Jordan and the UAE, boycotted an Israeli iftar event, indicating a diplomatic rift. This boycott was likely influenced by inflammatory comments made by Israeli far-right ministers, as well as actions such as the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel's National Security Minister.

Most recently, in November 2023, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Bahrain suspended all economic relations with Israel, recalled its ambassador, and asked the Israeli ambassador to leave the country. This decision, announced by Bahrain's parliament, highlighted the country's continued support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.

While Bahrain has made strides towards normalising relations with Israel, the complex dynamics between the two countries are subject to fluctuations, influenced by various political and diplomatic factors.

Bahrain's interest in normalising relations with Israel

Israelis can travel to Bahrain, but they need a visa to do so. They can obtain a visa on arrival, or they can apply for an eVisa before travelling. However, it is important to note that some sources advise against openly displaying signs of Israeli nationality when visiting Bahrain, as this may lead to negative reactions from locals.

Secondly, Bahrain abandoned its boycott of Israel in 2005 in exchange for a free trade agreement with the United States. This marked a shift in Bahrain's foreign policy, which traditionally supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Additionally, the normalisation of relations between Bahrain and Israel can be attributed to the "piecemeal" approach of the Trump administration. The United States played a pivotal role in facilitating the normalisation process, and Bahrain's decision to recognise Israel contributed to regional stability and peace.

Furthermore, Bahrain's decision to normalise relations with Israel allowed for the establishment of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manama, as well as cooperation in various fields such as technology, health, and agriculture.

It is worth noting that the normalisation of relations between Bahrain and Israel has faced opposition from some quarters, including Palestine and Iran. Despite this, Bahrain's decision to recognise Israel represents a significant step towards improving relations between Israel and the rest of the Arab countries.

Frequently asked questions