Exploring Bahrain: Crossing The Causeway Bridge Safely

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km-long bridge that connects Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The bridge is made up of two segments, with the first stretching from Khobar in Saudi Arabia to Nasan Island in Bahrain, and the second from Nasan Island to the main island of Bahrain. The causeway features two roadways, with each roadway measuring 11.6m wide and including two lanes running in opposite directions. It also has a curb for emergency parking. The construction of the causeway began in 1982 and was completed in 1986, with the total cost of the project amounting to SAR 3 billion. Since its opening, the causeway has become a popular route for travellers, with an estimated 25,104 vehicles using it daily.

The best times to cross the causeway

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km-long series of bridges and causeways connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. It is one of the biggest causeways in the Middle East in terms of passenger traffic, with an average of 52,450 passengers crossing it daily.

To avoid long queues and reduce traffic, it is also recommended to use the Jesr e-payment services provided by the King Fahd Causeway Authority. This includes the "Barq" technology, which allows for cashless payments at the toll gates, and the "Tasheel" service, which deducts payments from an e-wallet when a radio chip placed in the vehicle's front windshield triggers an alert at the e-gates.

Additionally, checking the live broadcast and real-time traffic updates on the KFCA mobile application can help travellers plan their trip and avoid congestion.

Required documents for Saudi citizens

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km-long series of bridges and causeways connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. It is one of the busiest land crossings in the world, with a vehicle crossing rate of about 1,400 per hour.

For Saudi citizens, a National ID is sufficient to cross the causeway. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, passengers were required to have a passport and a COVID-19 vaccine certificate. It is not clear whether this requirement is still in place.

Saudi citizens also need to have a valid ID for at least three months, as well as proof of vaccination. If they are travelling with domestic help, an employer or family member must accompany them and provide a valid iqama, passport, exit and return visa, and health insurance.

If travelling by car, motorists must have a valid driving licence, vehicle ownership licence (Istimara), or external vehicle authorisation proof, and entry car insurance.

Required documents for Saudi or Bahrain residents

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km (15.5mi) long series of bridges and causeways connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and Al Jasra, Bahrain. The causeway sees a high volume of travellers, with an estimated 25,104 vehicles using it daily.

If you are a resident of Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, you must hold a valid residence permit and a passport with at least six months of validity. You will also need to issue an exit and return visa electronically. Additionally, you must carry the necessary vehicle documents, such as a valid driving licence and vehicle ownership licence or external vehicle authorisation proof.

It is important to note that the requirements for crossing the King Fahd Causeway may change over time, so it is recommended to check the current entry requirements on official websites before your trip.

Required documents to cross by car

To cross the King Fahd Causeway by car, you will need to have a number of documents with you. This causeway, which is a series of bridges and causeways, connects Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. It is 25km long and can be crossed in 20 minutes during regular traffic conditions. However, during peak travel times, the journey can take 3-5 hours.

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
• A valid visa: You will need a valid visa issued by the respective country's authorities. For example, to enter Saudi Arabia, you will need a visa issued by the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Vehicle-related documents: These include a valid driving license, a vehicle ownership license (Istimara), or a certificate of authorization from the original owner if you are not the owner of the vehicle.
• Vehicle insurance: You will need to have valid insurance for both countries. If you are a resident of Saudi Arabia and have your own car, ensure you have insurance for Bahrain. You can purchase insurance at the border if needed.
• Vehicle toll tax: Be prepared to pay a toll tax when crossing the causeway, which is SAR 25 or BD 2.5, depending on the direction of your travel.

It is important to note that tourists are not permitted to drive between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in a hired car. Additionally, ensure that all your documents are valid and up to date before embarking on your trip.

The history of the causeway

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25km-long series of bridges and causeways connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and Al Jasra, Bahrain. The causeway's five bridges rest on 536 concrete pylons, with seven embankments in the Gulf's shallower water.

The idea of building a bridge linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia had been of great interest to the two kingdoms for generations. The project to build the bridge began during an official visit to Bahrain in 1954 by King Saud, who wished to nurture and solidify the bonds between the two countries.

In 1965, plans to construct the causeway began to take form officially when Sheikh Khalifah ibn Sulman Al Khalifah, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, paid a courtesy visit to King Faisal. The King once again expressed his wish to move forward with the project. Subsequently, Bahrain changed its road system to driving on the right in 1967, to bring it in line with neighbouring countries.

In 1968, a joint committee was formed to assess the finances required for the project. The committee requested assistance from the World Bank to implement the project, including environmental and geographical aspects of the region.

In 1973, King Faisal suggested the committee ignore economic and financial issues and concentrate on the actual construction. In 1975, the World Bank submitted its study and advice after seeking assistance from specialist international expertise in studying the geographic, environmental factors and maritime currents.

In the spring of 1976, King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz and Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa agreed to set up a ministerial committee to work on the implementation of the project. On 8 July 1981, ministers from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain signed an agreement to start construction on the maritime causeway.

On 11 November 1982, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa unveiled the memorial plaque during a formal ceremony attended by leaders of the GCC states, marking the beginning of the project. On 11 April 1985, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, pressed the button to install the final part of the box bridges, finally linking the Saudi mainland with Bahrain.

On 26 November 1986, the causeway was officially inaugurated in the presence of King Fahd and Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, with the latter consenting to naming the bridge King Fahd Causeway.

Frequently asked questions