Traveling To Bahrain During The Coronavirus Pandemic: Is It Safe?

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in Bahrain, with a high risk of terrorism and civil unrest. While there are no specific travel advisories for Bahrain, travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time, and targets may include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. In addition to the threat of terrorism, there is also a risk of civil unrest and political tension in Bahrain, with protests and demonstrations occurring regularly, particularly on evenings and weekends. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent without warning. To stay safe, travellers should avoid all demonstrations and protests, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists or Westerners, and follow the advice of local authorities.

In terms of the impact of the coronavirus, commercial flights are operating to and from Bahrain, and Bahrain International Airport is open, including for transit and transfer passengers. However, countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice due to new COVID-19 variants. It is recommended that travellers check with their travel company or airline for the latest information and be prepared for their plans to change.

The latest COVID-19 situation in Bahrain

As of 14 December 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bahrain. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine, and entry forms. However, it is recommended to check with your airline on their requirements before travelling, as the situation is subject to change.

On 21 February 2020, Bahrain confirmed its first COVID-19 cases, involving a school bus driver who had travelled from Iran via Dubai. Bahrain responded by suspending all flights from Dubai Airport and Sharjah Airport for 48 hours and imposing a travel ban on Iran.

On 25 February, Bahrain confirmed nine new cases, raising the total count to 17. The new cases included four Bahraini women and two Bahraini men coming from Iran via Sharjah, and two Saudi women coming from Iran through Sharjah.

The following day, Bahrain confirmed nine additional cases, bringing the total to 26. Three of these new cases involved women travelling to the country from Iran. In response, Bahrain extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai International Airport for another 48 hours and suspended flights to and from Iraq and Lebanon until further notice. The Health Ministry also announced compulsory health check-ups for all citizens and residents who had travelled to Iran in February.

On 27 February, Bahrain confirmed seven new cases, raising the total to 33. Most of these new cases had travelled from Iran via indirect flights and were taken to the Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Community Medical Centre for isolation.

By 28 February, Bahrain had confirmed 38 cases. The two new cases on this day involved a Bahraini national and a Saudi Arabian national who had travelled from Iran via indirect flights.

By 8 March, the Health Minister of Bahrain announced that there were 94 confirmed cases and 14 recovered cases.

On 12 March, hundreds of prisoners were ordered to be released. At this point, Bahrain had the fourth-highest per capita rate of positive COVID-19 cases in the world among countries with at least one million citizens, with 114.6 cases per million people (twice the rate of China).

On 16 March, Bahrain reported its first death from COVID-19: a 65-year-old Bahraini woman with chronic diseases. On the same day, the country launched an appeal for volunteers to provide medical and administrative support during the crisis and significantly reduced incoming flights.

On 17 March, the Bahraini government unveiled an $11.39 billion stimulus package to support the country's economy during the pandemic, covering water and electricity bills over the next three months.

By 22 March, Bahrain had reported its second COVID-19 death: a 51-year-old Bahraini woman with chronic health problems who had contracted the disease in Iran and been repatriated in February. On the same day, Bahrain banned public gatherings of more than five individuals and prohibited all gatherings in public parks and beaches. Violators could be punished by a fine of 5000 Bahraini dinars and/or three years' imprisonment.

On 23 March, Bahrain designated the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre as the main testing centre for COVID-19, with a capacity of at least 500 beds and 1,200 seats for patients.

By 24 March, Bahrain had reported its third COVID-19 death: a 65-year-old Bahraini male with chronic illnesses. On the same day, Bahrain banned the export of hand sanitizers and detergents for three months due to unprecedented domestic demand.

On 25 March, Bahrain reported its fourth COVID-19 death: a 78-year-old Bahraini male with chronic illnesses. Additionally, 30% of a group of 61 Bahraini pilgrims evacuated from Iran on a chartered flight tested positive for COVID-19.

The Bahraini government announced the closure of all non-essential commercial enterprises from 26 March onwards, with exceptions for supermarkets, banks, bakeries, and healthcare facilities. The closure was to last until 9 April.

On 28 March, the National Health Regulatory Authority announced that asymptomatic patients could seek private healthcare treatment at their own expense at three hotels staffed by healthcare professionals.

On 30 March, the Ministry of Health set up COVID-19 sampling stations in Manama, Durrat Al Bahrain, and Budaiya to process random test samples from the elderly and populations at risk, including workers in supermarkets, bakeries, and pharmacies.

By 31 March, Bahrain had released the

Healthcare in Bahrain

Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, which was established in 1960. Government-provided healthcare is free for Bahraini citizens and subsidised for non-citizens. The country's healthcare expenditure accounts for 4.5% of its GDP, according to the World Health Organization.

The Health Insurance Law, No. 23 of 2018, came into force on 1 December 2018. It established the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), which is responsible for managing healthcare policies and regulating both public and private sector healthcare providers. The NHRA also licenses healthcare providers and employees, registers and prices medicine, licenses medicine factories, investigates patient complaints, and approves requests for clinical medical research.

The Supreme Council of Health is responsible for setting strategies and the national direction of healthcare, while the Ministry of Health acts as the sector's primary manager and operator. The Ministry of Health provides quality, regulated, and comprehensive health services that are affordable, sustainable, and accessible to all citizens. It also offers dedicated mother and childcare units in every hospital, as well as mobile units and home visits for elderly patients.

The Bahrain Defence Force – Royal Medical Services (BDF-RMS) started as a small clinic in 1968 and has since grown into a 120-bed hospital. The first public hospital in Bahrain, Salmaniya Medical Complex, was established in 1957 and remains the country's only tertiary hospital. The first hospital in Bahrain, the American Mission Hospital, was established in 1893 and has been providing advanced medical care since.

The standard of medical care in Bahrain is generally high, but you may have to pay upfront for treatment, and costs can be expensive. It is important to ensure that your insurance can cover these costs.

Travel advice for Bahrain

Latest Updates

As of November 2024, Bahrain is considered a Level 2 risk country, meaning travellers should exercise increased caution. This is due to the potential for civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Safety and Security

There is a threat of terrorism in Bahrain. Terrorists may target tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Increased security measures are in place and may be reinforced at short notice. New Zealanders in Bahrain are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness, particularly in public and commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners.

There is also a risk of civil unrest and political tension in Bahrain, with regular demonstrations and protests that can turn violent. These often take place in the evenings and on weekends and may result in traffic disruptions and the use of weapons and explosives. Security forces have been known to respond with tear gas and stun grenades.

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions and protests in Bahrain. There is also an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region.

Health

The standard of medical care in Bahrain is high, but you may have to pay upfront for treatment, and costs can be expensive. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all overseas medical costs, hospital stays, and medical evacuation.

There is a risk of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Bahrain. To protect yourself, avoid contact with camels and camel-based products, and wash your hands frequently.

Local Laws and Customs

Bahrain's laws and customs adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. This includes dressing modestly and discreetly, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours are forbidden, even for non-Muslims.

It is illegal to speak against government policy, even on social media, and punishment for breaking local laws may be severe. Same-sex relations are not criminalised but are not socially accepted, and public displays of affection may cause offence.

It is a legal requirement to carry photo identification at all times. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Check the latest entry and exit requirements before travelling to Bahrain. As of November 2024, Bahrain International Airport is open, and there are no PCR testing or quarantine requirements for arrivals. However, countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, so stay up to date with the latest information.

Other Considerations

• The crime rate in Bahrain is generally low, but petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like old market areas (souks).
• Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse.
• Road conditions are good, but drivers are often aggressive, and drifting sands and roaming animals can pose hazards.
• There is a curfew in place on the waterways around Bahrain from 6 pm to 4 am. Vessels may be inspected and travellers detained.

Safety and security in Bahrain

##

Entry requirements for Bahrain

Passports and Visas

To enter Bahrain, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave. You will need a visa to enter Bahrain, which you can obtain from the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival. It is advised that travellers obtain their visas before coming to Bahrain to speed up the immigration process. Visas are automatically issued for a two-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to six months are also available. You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply.

Other Entry Requirements

You must be able to support yourself and others financially during your time in Bahrain. You will need to show a valid plane ticket and hotel booking for your trip, as well as a correctly filled-out Bahrain Visa Application form and a money order. If you are travelling for business, you must submit an employer's letter showing the purpose of your trip. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) may also be required from a Bahrain sponsor.

Health Requirements

There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bahrain. However, there are some health requirements that must be met. You must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. It is also recommended that travellers get vaccinations for typhoid, rabies, and hepatitis A.

Frequently asked questions