Traveling To Bahrain? Pack These Essentials For Your Trip

Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, located just off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to the west of Qatar. It is a popular vacation destination with a fascinating history and a lot to see and do. When traveling to Bahrain, it is important to be aware of the country's dress code, climate, and other cultural considerations. Here is a paragraph with some key things to keep in mind when packing for your trip to Bahrain:

When packing for Bahrain, it is important to bring a mix of casual and formal clothing to ensure you are respectful of the local culture and dress code. Bahrain is a hot and sunny country, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. It is also a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes as Bahrain is a great country to explore on foot. Don't forget to pack high-SPF sunscreen and cosmetics with SPF protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, it is recommended to carry photo identification at all times and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. Lastly, be mindful of local laws and customs, such as avoiding public displays of affection and respecting religious traditions and dress codes when visiting holy sites.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

Bahrain is a hot, sunny country, so protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential. Make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF, as well as cosmetics that offer SPF protection. The sun's glare can be intense, especially when reflected off the sand or glass buildings, so sunglasses are a must. They will help reduce the glare and protect your eyes.

It is also a good idea to pack a few hats. These will not only keep the heat off your head but will also shield your face from sunburn and keep your head cool. A hat and sunglasses will also help to protect your eyes from the sun's rays and reduce glare. The combination of a hat and sunglasses will also help to frame your face and can be a stylish accessory to any outfit.

Bahrain's climate is hot and arid, with temperatures reaching over 40°C in the summer. The hot season lasts for around four and a half months, from mid-May to the end of September, with an average daily high above 94°F. Even in the cooler months, the average daily high is still around 74°F. With such high temperatures, a hat is a great way to keep cool and protect your head and face from the sun.

The sun can be intense, and with Bahrain's low rainfall and high temperatures, it is important to be prepared. The right hat can also add a stylish touch to your outfit and can be a great way to express your personality and style. Whether a wide-brimmed sun hat, a baseball cap, or a stylish fedora, a hat is both a practical and fashionable accessory for your trip to Bahrain.

Insect repellent

Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, and like many countries in the region, it is home to many insects that can spread diseases like chikungunya and MERS. As such, it is important to take precautions to avoid getting bitten.

To protect yourself from insect bites in Bahrain, it is recommended that you use an insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET. This will provide protection against ticks and mosquitoes for up to several hours. If you are only concerned about mosquitoes, you can also use products containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Be sure to always follow the instructions on the product label.

In addition to insect repellent, there are several other measures you can take to avoid insect bites. These include:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to cover your exposed skin.
• Using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Using a bed net if you are sleeping in an area that is exposed to the outdoors.

By following these recommendations, you can effectively reduce your risk of getting bitten by insects and lower your chances of contracting insect-borne diseases during your travels in Bahrain.

Appropriate clothing

Although Bahrain is more relaxed than some neighbouring countries in the Middle East, it is an Islamic country with conservative and traditional values. It's important to be respectful of the local culture when choosing what to wear.

In general, it's acceptable to wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts during the day, but it's more formal in the evenings, and you should cover your shoulders and knees.

When visiting religious sites such as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the dress code is much stricter. Women need to be covered from head to toe in loose-fitting clothing. If you're not dressed appropriately, you can borrow an abaya and hijab. Men should wear full-length trousers and shirts with sleeves at least to the elbow.

In other public areas such as souks and shopping centres, the dress code is less strict. However, it's still recommended to dress modestly, especially in local neighbourhoods and markets. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or tight-fitting, and cover your shoulders and knees.

The weather in Bahrain is hot, so it's advisable to wear loose, airy clothing in light fabrics such as cotton, silk, or linen. It's also a good idea to bring a shawl or pashmina to cover up if needed and to protect you from the wind.

Footwear-wise, sandals and flip-flops are commonly worn by both men and women.

It's worth noting that public nudity is illegal in Bahrain, and you should cover up when moving between the beach and public places.

Health and safety items

Bahrain is a hot country, so it is important to take health and safety precautions to protect yourself from the sun. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, cosmetics with SPF protection, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sunburn.

To prevent heat stroke and dehydration, drink plenty of water and avoid spending long periods in the heat. Sand and dust storms are common in Bahrain, so check local media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.

It is also important to take precautions against insect bites. Use insect repellent containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes, and treat clothing with permethrin if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated with permethrin at home in advance.

To protect yourself from food and waterborne illnesses, only drink boiled or bottled water with sealed lids, and avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads.

In case of illness or injury, pack a travel health kit with essential medications and supplies. This may include prescription medications, antibiotics for travellers' diarrhea, altitude sickness medication, glasses or contact lenses, diabetes testing supplies, epinephrine auto-injectors, and over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and mild sedatives. Don't forget to also pack copies of all your prescriptions.

It is also recommended to carry a contact card with important addresses and phone numbers, including local emergency services, hospitals or clinics, and your country's embassy or consulate in Bahrain.

Travel documents

When travelling to Bahrain, it is important to carry the correct travel documents with you. Here are some key points to consider:

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date from Bahrain. It is also recommended to have a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case the original is lost or confiscated.
• Visa: A visa is required for entry into Bahrain. Tourist visas can be obtained through the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival. It is advised to obtain the visa before your trip to speed up the immigration process. Visas are typically issued for a two-week period, but visit visas for up to six months are also available.
• Other Documents: Depending on your purpose of travel, you may need additional documents. For example, business travellers need a letter from their employer stating the purpose of their trip, and journalists must have a journalism visa. If you plan to work in Bahrain, you will need a local identification card and a valid work permit.
• Vaccination Certificates: Although there are no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Bahrain, it is recommended to be vaccinated against common travel-related diseases such as measles, hepatitis A, and typhoid. If you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk for yellow fever, you must provide a certificate of vaccination.
• Other Travel Documents: Keep other essential travel documents secure and easily accessible, such as your travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions