Bahrain's Red List Status: Travel Restrictions And Implications

Bahrain has been on the red list of countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, the country suspended the issuance of new work permits for those outside Bahrain in the countries listed on the red list temporarily. The countries on the red list at the time included India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Citizens and valid residency visa holders from these countries were permitted to enter Bahrain but had to undergo a precautionary quarantine for ten days and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The red list was reviewed and updated periodically by the national medical team to combat COVID-19.

Bahrain suspends work permits for citizens of red-listed countries

Bahrain has indefinitely suspended the issuance of new work permits for citizens of countries on its red list. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain announced the suspension of work permits for those outside Bahrain in the countries listed on the red list. The step was taken in response to the directives and procedures of the coordinative committee and the recommendations of the national team to combat COVID-19.

The LMRA stated that this initiative aims to strengthen the Kingdom's efforts to overcome the critical stage of the pandemic. Bahrain had earlier suspended the entry of travellers from red-listed countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, on all flights from May 24, 2021. Citizens and valid residency visa holders from these countries are still permitted to enter Bahrain but must undergo a precautionary 10-day quarantine in their homes or designated quarantine facilities licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority.

Additionally, they must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken no more than 48 hours before boarding their flight to Bahrain. Upon arrival in the kingdom, they are required to take another PCR test and remain in quarantine for the duration of their stay in the country. The countries on Bahrain's red list are subject to change, as they are added or removed based on the assessment of the national medical team to combat COVID-19 and the relevant criteria regarding the spread of the virus in those countries.

As of November 2024, Bahrain's red list includes the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Zambia, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The list is regularly reviewed and updated based on the National Medical Taskforce's assessment of international developments in the pandemic.

Bahrain suspends entry of travellers from red-listed countries

Bahrain has taken a series of measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including suspending the entry of travellers from countries listed on its red list. The red list, which is regularly reviewed and updated by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus, is based on the assessment of international developments and the extent of virus spread in countries.

On May 24, 2021, Bahrain suspended the entry of travellers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, including those with temporary entry permits. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) also temporarily suspended the issuance of new work permits for individuals from red-listed countries. These decisions were made in response to directives from the coordinative committee and recommendations from the national team to combat COVID-19.

The red list has undergone several updates. As of October 10, 2021, the following countries were on the list: Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Nepal, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Ukraine, Mexico, and Romania. Passengers from these red-listed countries, including those who had transited through them, were prohibited from entering Bahrain unless they were citizens or residents.

In March 2022, the Civil Aviation Affairs added Nigeria to the red list, joining other countries in the region such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia. This addition was also made in response to recommendations from the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has implemented these measures to strengthen its efforts to overcome the critical stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The list of red-listed countries is subject to periodic review and update based on the ongoing assessment of the national medical team.

Bahrain requires a negative PCR test within 48 hours of boarding

Bahrain has a red list of countries that outlines the countries from which passengers are prohibited from entering the country. This list is regularly reviewed and updated based on the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus's assessment of international developments. As of November 2024, the countries on Bahrain's red list include:

• India
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• The Republic of South Africa
• The Republic of Namibia
• The Republic of Botswana
• The Republic of Zimbabwe
• The Kingdom of Lesotho
• The Kingdom of Eswatini
• The Republic of Malawi
• The Republic of Mozambique
• The Republic of Angola
• The Republic of Zambia
• The Federal Republic of Nigeria

Citizens and residents of Bahrain are exempt from the entry ban and can enter the country from red-listed countries. However, they must undergo a precautionary quarantine for ten days in their homes or designated quarantine facilities licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority. They must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted no more than 48 hours before boarding their flight to Bahrain.

• The PCR test must be taken within 48 hours before departure to Bahrain. This helps ensure that the test result is valid and not expired by the time you arrive in the country.
• Upon arrival in Bahrain, passengers may be required to undergo another PCR test and follow specific quarantine procedures. It is important to check the latest guidelines provided by the Bahraini authorities before travelling.
• It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements for entry into Bahrain. Failure to provide a valid negative PCR test result within the specified timeframe may result in denied boarding or entry into the country.
• The PCR test result should be obtained from a certified or accredited laboratory or testing facility. It must include the traveller's full name, date of birth, date and time of the test, and other relevant information as specified by the Bahraini authorities.
• Travellers should carefully review the guidelines provided by the Bahraini government, as well as the requirements of their airline, to ensure they comply with all necessary protocols.

Bahrain enforces a 10-day quarantine for citizens and residency visa holders

As of 2021, Bahrain enforced a 10-day quarantine for citizens and residency visa holders entering the country from countries on its red list. This included India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Those entering Bahrain from red-listed countries must also present a negative PCR test, taken within 48 hours of their flight. Upon arrival, they must take another PCR test and remain in quarantine for 10 days.

The red list is updated periodically, according to the assessment of the national medical team to combat COVID-19. As of November 2024, the red list includes the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Zambia, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bahrain has specific entry requirements that must be adhered to. All travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. A visa is also required to enter Bahrain; these can be obtained online or upon arrival. Visas are automatically issued for a two-week period, but visit visas for up to six months are also available. It is important to note that visitors cannot start employment in Bahrain on a visit visa.

In addition to the red list, Bahrain has also suspended new work permits for citizens of red-listed countries. This measure was implemented to strengthen the Kingdom's efforts to overcome the critical stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bahrain's red list is periodically reviewed and updated

The red list is updated based on the assessment of the national medical team to combat COVID-19 and relevant criteria regarding the extent of the virus spread in countries. Citizens and valid residency visa holders from the entry will remain permitted to enter the country, but they must undergo a precautionary quarantine for ten days in their homes or places designated for quarantine licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority. They must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 48 hours before boarding their flight to Bahrain and undergo another PCR test upon arrival and on the tenth day of their stay in the country.

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