Bahrain is one of the Gulf states that is most familiar with the presence of foreigners, although you do need to bear in mind that it is still a Muslim country where it is not compulsory for women to wear clothing that covers the entire body, but where they do keep their shoulders and knees covered. For legal entry, a visa is needed.
- What are the requirements for entry into Bahrain
- What is the best time of year to travel to Bahrain
- Documentation required
- Safety in Bahrain
- Getting around
- Currency and foreign exchange
- What to wear
What are the requirements for entry into Bahrain
To enter Bahrain as a tourist, you need to obtain a two-week visa that can be extended for a further two weeks, and a valid passport whose expiry date is over six months away. You also need to be aware that cohabitation between people who are not married to one another is not permitted in the country, although this is tolerated in the case of tourists, provided that they behave discreetly.
What is the best time of year to travel to Bahrain
As with the rest of the Gulf states, the best months to travel to Bahrain are from November to March, as temperatures are very hot during the summer months. It rarely rains anywhere in the country, so in that sense there is no problem with organising a trip at any time of the year.
Documentation required
To enter Bahrain, you need a valid passport whose expiry date is over six months away, but you also require a two-week visa that can be extended for a further two weeks if you want to spend more time in the country. This visa can be obtained at Manama airport or online. If you obtain your visa in Bahrain, bear in mind that you will need to pay in local currency.
Safety in Bahrain
Bahrain is one of the safest Gulf states for travellers, although the Foreign Office recommends that tourists take extra care in certain districts on the outskirts of Manama and that they respect areas restricted by the police or the military.
Tourist areas are completely safe, and in fact, unlike in Saudi Arabia, for example, alcohol is even allowed in four-star hotels.
You need to be aware that there are severe penalties for drunken driving or for the use of drugs.
Getting around
The easiest way to get around Bahrain is by hiring a car. You can do this at Manama airport or in the capital city itself. We recommend taking out special insurance against accidents, and it is important to know that only drivers over the age of 21 are accepted for normal vehicles. In the case of more expensive cars it is sometimes a requirement that the driver is over the age of 25.
Another method of travel used by those who want to move around the country independently is taxis which, subject to negotiation, can take you to and from the country’s main tourist attractions.
If you prefer to use public transport, Bahrain has bus services that connect almost all the cities and residential areas, and that run regularly from 6.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m.
There is also a ferry that will take you from the National Museum of Bahrain to the fort, which is a very novel experience for tourists, and several ferry services that link the islands of Al Dar and Hawar.
Currency and foreign exchange
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s official currency is the dinar (BD). It is not difficult to change euros to dinars in bureaux de change, in hotels, or in the airport itself. There are also cash machines in almost all cities where you can withdraw cash in the local currency, and you can pay by card at many places as well as at the more international restaurants.
What to wear
You need to bear in mind that Bahrain is an Islamic country, and although it is one of the most open in the region, it is recommended that both men and women keep their shoulders and knees covered.
Women do not need to wear a garment that covers the entire body, nor a veil, except to enter sacred sites, but they are advised to wear loose, modest clothing, as a protection from the heat and the sun.
