Covid Testing In Bahrain: A Simple Guide

As of November 2024, Bahrain has allowed private hospitals to offer optional COVID-19 tests to those who do not show symptoms or are not infected. These tests are available at 13 hospitals across the kingdom, including the Bahrain Specialist Hospital, which has been offering tests since May 2020. The National Health Regulatory Authority has issued permits to private hospitals to carry out these tests for a fee, with results available from public health labs. Travellers to Bahrain are advised to be fully vaccinated and up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines before entering the country.

Testing locations in Bahrain include Muharraq and Awali

If you are travelling to Bahrain, it is important to make sure you are vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travel. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you may still be at risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. All travellers should wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces and follow all requirements and recommendations in Bahrain.

There are several testing locations in Bahrain, including Muharraq and Awali. In Muharraq, there is a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre near the King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH). This centre is one of three drive-through centres in Bahrain, with the other two located at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) and the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. Travellers can also get tested at the KIMSHEALTH Medical Center in Muharraq.

In Awali, there is a drive-through COVID-19 testing centre located near the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat). This centre replaced the previous drive-through centre at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club. The Awali testing centre is open from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Testing appointments can be booked through the "Be Aware" app, which will also provide the location of the testing centre through Google Maps. Results will be available on the "Be Aware" app or can be collected from the hospital.

Bahrain requires a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours before arrival

If you are planning to travel to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the country's COVID-19 requirements. Bahrain currently requires all travellers to present a negative PCR test, with the test being taken no older than 72 hours before your arrival in the country. This measure applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals entering Bahrain.

It is important to plan ahead and ensure that you have a recent negative PCR test result before travelling to Bahrain. The test must be taken within 72 hours of your arrival, so make sure to schedule your test appointment accordingly. Keep in mind that the result takes about 24 hours to be released, so you should get tested at least a day or two in advance.

You can get your PCR test done at various locations, depending on your preference and convenience. One option is to visit a private hospital in Bahrain that offers COVID-19 testing. As of November 2024, 13 hospitals in the kingdom have been approved to conduct optional COVID-19 tests for those who wish to get tested. These hospitals include the American Mission Hospital, Al Kindi Specialised Hospital, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, and others. You can contact these hospitals directly to book an appointment and inquire about their specific procedures and requirements.

Alternatively, you can also get tested at the airport upon your arrival in Bahrain. The testing facility at the airport operates 24 hours a day, so regardless of your arrival time, you can get tested before proceeding to your accommodation. However, note that you may have to wait for your test results before leaving the airport.

Travellers can book their Day 5 and Day 10 tests through the 'Be Aware' app

When travelling to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the COVID-19 testing requirements and options. As of January 2022, all arrivals in Bahrain must present a negative PCR test certificate, issued no more than 72 hours before their arrival. Additionally, one PCR test must be taken upon arrival, at a cost of BHD 12. Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and above are also required to complete a 10-day quarantine.

For travellers who need to take the Day 5 and Day 10 tests, these can be booked through the "Be Aware" app, which will also provide the testing location through Google Maps. The app is a convenient way to access test results and can be used to download a PDF with a QR code and stamp, which can then be printed out. This app is also where travellers can view their test results.

The "Be Aware" app is not the only way to book COVID-19 tests in Bahrain. Tests can also be booked by calling the customer care team of the chosen testing centre, who will then send an SMS with a payment link and booking details. Tests can also be booked through the 'COVID TEST' tab on the Bahrain Specialist Hospital website.

It is important to note that Bahrain has approved several private hospitals to conduct optional COVID-19 tests for a fee. These hospitals send their samples to public health labs for results. As of November 2024, 13 hospitals in Bahrain are approved to conduct optional COVID-19 tests.

The Bahrain Specialist Hospital in Juffair has been offering COVID-19 testing since May 2020

The Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) in Juffair has been offering COVID-19 testing since May 2020. It was the first healthcare facility in Bahrain to be approved to conduct the PCR test (Gold Standard) in addition to the public health lab tests.

BSH is a leading healthcare provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain and has been serving the Bahraini and neighbouring communities for over 17 years. The hospital is committed to raising the standards of healthcare in Bahrain and the region. It was the first private hospital in Bahrain to earn the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCI) in 2011.

To get tested at BSH, individuals must book an appointment in advance by calling 17812222. The customer care team will then send an SMS with a payment link, and the test appointment will be booked at the individual's convenience. Alternatively, people can book their test through the 'COVID TEST' tab on the BSH website.

BSH only accepts individuals who have booked appointments and are not suspected of having a COVID-19 infection. Test results are typically available within 24 hours of swab collection and can be viewed on the MOH website or the BeAware Bahrain app. If the result is positive, the individual will be notified and asked to follow MOH directives. While waiting for the test result, individuals are advised to self-isolate at home.

In addition to COVID-19 testing, BSH offers a wide range of medical services and has a team of distinguished doctors and qualified nursing staff. The hospital is equipped with advanced technology and equipment, including state-of-the-art radiology and laboratory departments.

The National Health Regulatory Authority has allowed private hospitals to conduct optional tests

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has allowed private hospitals to conduct optional COVID-19 tests for those who do not meet the criteria for testing at public laboratories. This means that individuals who are not infected or showing symptoms can still opt to get tested at private hospitals if they wish to rule out the possibility of being a carrier of the virus.

The Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) is one such private hospital that has been approved by the NHRA to conduct COVID-19 testing. The hospital has been offering this service to the public since May 14, 2020, and individuals can book an appointment for testing by calling their customer care number or through the 'COVID TEST' tab on their website. The test costs BD50 per person, and results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.

It is important to note that Bahrain's state health care institutions continue to provide free testing, quarantine, and treatment services to citizens and resident expatriates. The private hospitals offering optional testing are licensed to do so for a fee, and they send the samples to public health labs for results. This ensures that all services provided by healthcare facilities comply with the guidelines and standards set by the World Health Organisation and the National Medical Team.

The availability of optional COVID-19 testing in private hospitals is part of Bahrain's efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus and provide accessible resources for its community.

Frequently asked questions