COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Bahrain (10 April Update)

*Can a resident enter the country? *

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

*Can a foreigner enter the country? *

• No with exceptions

• Most foreigners are not allowed to enter the country.

• Foreigners allowed entry to Bahrain include GCC citizens who do not need a visa, passengers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, passengers with a valid eVisa, diplomats, military personnel, and airline crew.

• Visas on arrival have currently been reintroduced for 68 nationalities. Citizens may determine eligibility by accessing the official government website.

*Is transit allowed through the country? *

• Yes

• Passengers are allowed to transit through the Bahrain International Airport.

• A visa is not required for transit passengers if they remain in the transit area and continue their journey on the first connecting flight with confirmed tickets and proper travel documents.

*Is a test required on arrival? *

• Yes

• All travellers arriving at the Bahrain International Airport or at seaports will be given a health questionnaire to complete and will be subject to health screening.

• All arriving air passengers will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense. Travellers are required to test on arrival, on the fifth day in the country, and on the tenth day if spending more than ten days in Bahrain. Appointments for the COVID-19 PCR tests to be performed on the 5th and 10th day should be booked using the “BeAware Bahrain” app. Travellers will be required to self-isolate until a negative test result is issued following the on-arrival testing. Those who test positive will be contacted by the Ministry of Health.

• Children below six years of age are exempt from the testing requirements.

*Test certificate required? *

• No with exceptions

• Travellers are not required to have a certificate for a PCR test performed prior to arrival unless they are arriving via the King Fahd Causeway. Travellers coming from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours before arrival. The negative PCR test result can be provided on any official COVID-19 phone application, such as the “BeAware” app, “Tatamman”, “Sehhaty” and “Alhusen”. Travellers can also provide a printed negative PCR certificate containing a QR code.

*Is quarantine required on arrival? *

• No with exceptions

• Travellers taking a test on arrival must quarantine until results are returned.

• Travellers with a positive COVID-19 test result and high-risk, severely symptomatic individuals will be isolated in one of the government’s assigned isolation facilities until they recover. Those without symptoms may be permitted to self-isolate.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to 2 days of quarantine in the best-case scenario and 14 days of quarantine in the worst-case scenario.

*Entry form required? *

• Yes

• Travellers entering Bahrain through airports or seaports will be required to complete and submit a health questionnaire.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All travellers must download the BeAware app available here in advance of testing and before entering Bahrain.

• Travellers with optional home quarantine must wear the electronic bracelet that connects with the app. The bracelet will be removed only after receiving a negative result on completion of the self-isolation period.

Is Vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Is Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Bahrain International Airport is open but flights are reduced and subject to cancellation with little or no advance notice.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Visas on arrival are applicable for a number of countries. The list of the countries can be found here.

• The King Fahd Causeway is open for travel to and from Saudi Arabia.

• Further information on specific travel requirements regarding e-visas and travel may be obtained from the following official websites: visa selection criteria and application.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• Currently, no lockdown or curfew is in effect.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Public gatherings of over 5 people have been banned. Special events at homes and other private places are limited to a maximum attendance of 30 people.

• Citizens are advised to stay at home and go out for essential purposes only.

• Elderly and pregnant women should use the first hour of grocery store openings to complete their shopping.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Masks are required.

• Public transport and taxis are operational with social distancing measures.

*Non-essential shops open? *

• Yes

• All grocery stores and commercial outlets remain open. Shops are open but with strict social distancing measures in place.

*Accommodations open? *

• Yes

• Hotels and private rental accommodations are allowed to open subject to the following public health measures.

*Restaurants open? *

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants are allowed to open with social distancing guidelines. Indoor dining is now allowed to operate with a reduced capacity of 30 people.

*Bars and cafes open? *

• Yes with exceptions

• Cafes are allowed for takeaway and delivery services.

Places of worship open?

• Yes.

• Places of worship are open with some social restrictions.

*Beaches and tourism sites open? *

• Yes

• Beaches are allowed to open with limited gatherings and social distancing measures.

*Museums and heritage sites open? *

• Yes

• Museums are open.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes with exceptions.

• Salons, barbershops, and beauty parlours are open only for pre-booked appointments. Whereas fitness studios remain closed until 23 April.

*Masks required in public? *

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in all public places including on all public transportation. Failure to wear a face mask may result in the individual being penalized.

Other

• Private and government offices can open with a reduced capacity of employees on site.

• Cinemas, gyms, swimming pools, and fitness studios are open.

• Schools are allowed to open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.