Bahrian travel advice

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check swine flu for further information.
  
  
• The general threat from terrorism in Bahrain remains. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
  
  
• You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gathering and demonstrations, a number of which have turned violent.
  
  
• 29 British nationals required consular assistance in Bahrain in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (13 cases); hospitalisations (3 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (9 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (29 cases).
  
  
• Bahrain operates a zero tolerance to drink/driving and views all alcohol-related incidents dimly. Even travellers transiting Bahrain who are clearly intoxicated can be denied boarding and are detained and fined by Bahraini Public Security.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There remains a general threat from terrorism in Bahrain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and against Western, including British, interests, as well as against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf regions. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

For more general information se terrorism abroad. Please also check the Bahrain: British Embassy Manama website.

You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. British nationals who are travelling to, or are currently in Bahrain are advised to register with the British Embassy.

Crime

Some 8,000-10,000 British nationals live in Bahrain, and thousands more visit each year. Most visits are trouble free. Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Bahrain Country Profile

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent.

Local travel

Road travel

Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence for three months, and indefinitely on a UK issued international driver's licence.

Bahrain operates a zero tolerance to drink/driving. If you are caught you will be arrested, put into the drivers prison and your case will not be heard until the next working day. First time offenders will have to pay a minimum £900 fine and could be banned from driving in Bahrain. British visitors from Saudi Arabia will subject to the same punishment but with the addition of a driving ban there also. For repeat offenders the costs and ban will be far harsher.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Air travel

Although alcohol is available at Bahrain airport, Bahraini Public Security officers and airline staff deal firmly with passengers believed to be intoxicated – even those solely in transit through Bahrain airport. Such passengers are denied boarding and are detained and fined by Bahraini Public Security.

Sea travel

On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities including 12 British nationals. You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

For more general information see river & sea safety.

Local laws and customs

Bahrain is a liberal state, but many Bahrainis are conservative and find revealing clothing or immoderate behaviour in public offensive. It is best to dress conservatively except within the confines of hotels or clubs, at least until you know your way around. Religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected, especially during the religious festivals of the Shia community when black flags and banners may be in evidence. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.

You should not bring video cassettes or DVDs into the country, as these may be withheld on arrival at the airport. Be aware of significant Muslim holidays, and note that Bahrainis observe a number of religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in neighbouring Gulf countries. It is against the law for any Muslim to purchase alcohol from retail outlets.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Bahrain.

Always carry identification. You might be asked to produce it at any time.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

The Bahrain Embassy in London issues six-month visit visas for approximately 20 pounds sterling. Three-month visas are granted on arrival for the equivalent of around 10 pounds sterling. Do not overstay the period of time allowed on your visa. Penalties and extension are surprisingly expensive.

Passport validity

Your passport should have at least six months validity when you travel.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Bahrain Embassy in London.

Health

Emergency medical treatment is not free.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Bahrain and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see how we can help.

Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Weekend in Bahrain

The local weekend in Bahrain is Friday and Saturday.