Exploring Bahrain: Essential Travel Insights And Tips

If you're planning a trip to Bahrain, there are a few things you should know. Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with a population of 1.7 million people. It's known for its vibrant culture, striking architecture, and warm hospitality. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for your journey to Bahrain. Firstly, it is important to be aware of the conservative nature of the country. While Bahrain is considered one of the more liberal countries in the Middle East, it is still predominantly Muslim, and visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites or public places. Additionally, public displays of affection are generally discouraged. Secondly, when it comes to transportation, taxis and rental cars are readily available. However, driving in Bahrain has its challenges, with erratic driving behaviours and strict traffic rules. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, and drivers are required to wear seat belts. Thirdly, Bahrain has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It is also known for its culinary delights, with Indian cuisine being a significant influence. Lastly, while Bahrain is generally considered a safe destination, it is important to stay informed about the political situation and potential security risks, especially for women and LGBTQ+ travellers.

Entry requirements: passport validity, visas, and vaccinations

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive in Bahrain. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. If you need to, renew your passport before your trip. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visas

Visas are required for entry into Bahrain. You can obtain a two-week tourist visa at the Bahrain eVisa website or upon arrival. If you are a citizen of a GCC country (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE), you do not need a visa. If you are entering Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway (the bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain), you do not need a visa. Visits 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.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a ten-year multiple-entry visa by applying through the Bahrain embassy. If you are a journalist, you must have a journalism visa, which you should apply for in advance of your travel. If you are a U.S. diplomatic or official passport holder, you should coordinate your arrival with Embassy Manama.

Be prepared to answer questions regarding your purpose of travel. Make sure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay in Bahrain. An extension request must be submitted via the Bahrain e-Visa website.

Do not work in Bahrain on a tourist visa. Even if employers advise you otherwise, Bahraini authorities will hold you personally liable if you do not have a valid work permit.

Vaccinations

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bahrain. However, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahrain guide.

Local customs and etiquette: dress, behaviour, and dining

As a conservative Muslim country, Bahrain has certain expectations for how both visitors and residents should dress and behave, especially in public places and religious sites. When visiting mosques or other holy places, women should cover their heads and arms, and wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers, or long skirts. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque or someone's home. In general, women should refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothes, including strapless or skimpy tops, and shorts. It is also recommended to carry a scarf and wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact.

Public displays of affection are discouraged in Bahrain, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially during political or religious demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent. It is also advisable to avoid areas with large crowds of demonstrators, as the situation can quickly escalate.

When dining in Bahrain, it is important to follow certain table manners and etiquette. If the meal is eaten on the floor, it is customary to sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. It is considered disrespectful to point the soles of your feet at others. Additionally, it is important to eat only with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean in Islam.

Friday is a holy day in Bahrain, and many businesses and shops may be closed. As a result, plan your activities accordingly. Tipping is common and expected, especially for waiting staff. It is also customary to leave a tip for good service.

Safety: terrorism, crime, and driving

Bahrain is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, with a low crime rate and rare instances of violent crime. However, it is important to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions. Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Bahrain, and these can occur with little or no warning, targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. To mitigate the risk, travellers should enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency. Staying alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners and keeping abreast of local media for updates are also recommended.

Common crimes in Bahrain include theft and pickpocketing, particularly in the old market area. To counter these threats, travellers should exercise common sense security precautions such as not leaving drinks unattended, not accepting drinks from strangers, avoiding walking alone at night, and being vigilant with personal belongings.

When driving in Bahrain, it is important to remember that they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and seatbelt use is mandatory. Drivers must be over 21 and have held a driving licence for more than one year. While roads in northern Bahrain are generally wide and well-maintained, roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow, congested, and twisting. Drivers often speed despite stiff penalties, and police can detain drivers for traffic violations. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, although this is a common occurrence. In the event of a traffic accident, it is important to file a report with the traffic police within 24 hours, unless it is a minor accident with no injuries.

Money: currency, tipping, and payment methods

The Bahraini dinar (BHD) is the official currency of Bahrain. It is recommended to carry cash in this currency, as it is the dominant payment method. Of the 1.5 million issued cards, 70% are debit cards, and all are branded with the local scheme BENEFIT, which is also a payment method for online and in-store purchases. BENEFIT has also introduced a wallet solution called BenefitPay.

Apple Pay is a popular digital wallet option for iOS users. If you are paying with a card, it is likely to be the BENEFIT card, which is the dominant card-based payment method in Bahrain.

Tipping is not mandatory in Bahrain, but it is appreciated. There is a "keep the change" culture, and it is common to round up the bill to the nearest dinar or the nearest multiple of 500 fils. For example, for a bill of 5.7 dinars, it is common to pay 6 dinars. In restaurants, it is common to leave 1 or 2 dinars as a tip. For delivery riders and drivers, a tip of 500 fils or 1 dinar is common.

Attractions: food, drink, and sightseeing

Bahrain's cuisine is a blend of flavours influenced by the country's history, geography, and cultural diversity. Here are some traditional dishes and drinks you should try:

• Machboos, the national dish of Bahrain, is a spiced rice dish made with basmati rice, meat (chicken, lamb, or fish), and aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and black lime. It is often garnished with fried onions and served with a side of tomato sauce called "dakous."
• Harees is a savoury porridge made from wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb). It is slow-cooked to form a smooth, thick consistency and is commonly eaten during Ramadan and other festive occasions.
• Jireesh is similar to harees but is made with crushed wheat and topped with ghee. It is often served with a side of buttermilk.
• Bahraini Samboosa is a deep-fried pastry filled with meat, onions, and spices, similar to samosas found in other parts of the world.
• Ghreybah is a traditional Bahraini shortbread cookie often topped with nuts.
• Balaleet is a unique dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours. It is made with vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, spices, and sometimes saffron, and is typically served with fried eggs.
• Muhammar is a sweet rice dish made with sugar, dates, and spices, often served with grilled or fried fish.
• Halwa Showaiter is a traditional dessert made from cornstarch, ghee, sugar, and flavourings like saffron and rosewater. It has a dense, jelly-like consistency and is often garnished with nuts.
• Ma'amoul are small, filled pastries commonly made during festive seasons. Popular fillings include dates, nuts, or figs, and they are typically enjoyed with Arabic coffee.
• Qoozi is a celebratory dish consisting of roasted lamb stuffed with rice, meat, eggs, and other ingredients.
• Qahwah, Arabic coffee, is the national beverage of Bahrain.
• Qamar al-Din, an apricot juice, and Jellab, a drink made with grape molasses and rose water, are also traditional beverages to try.

In addition to its culinary delights, Bahrain offers a variety of sightseeing attractions:

• The Bahrain National Museum in Manama is a great place to learn about the city's Portuguese and Persian past.
• The Bab el-Bahrain Souk is a market in Manama where you can purchase gold jewellery, spices, clothing, bags, and more.
• The Tree of Life is a historic landmark and one of the most famous trees in the country.
• The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is a peaceful and organised place for tours, with separate areas for washing and toilets.
• The Beit Al Qur'an is a unique museum featuring an excellent collection of Qurans from around the world.
• The Amwaj Islands offer a glimpse of Middle Eastern opulence with whitewashed towers, luxury apartments, and billionaires' yachts. Tala Island, part of the Amwaj Islands, features pristine sands and azure lagoons perfect for swimming.
• The Hawar Islands, uninhabited islands off the southern coast of Bahrain, are home to the rare and endangered Socotra cormorant and the occasional Arabian Oryx.
• The Dilmun Burial Mounds in A'Ali, dating back 5,000 years, are an archaeological site worth visiting.
• The Al Jasra House in Al Jasra, the former summer residence of Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is known for its glowing coral stonework.
• Qal'at Al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fortress dating back to the 6th century with some mounds excavated showing occupation as far back as 2300 BC.

Frequently asked questions