Bahrain

Recommended Vaccinations For Bahrain

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats and other mammals (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers and cavers), as well as travellers with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wild life professionals and researchers), and long-term travellers and expatriates should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Bahrain

There are no recommendations for Bahrain at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bahrain

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A virus exposure in Bahrain through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bahrain.

For Some Travellers

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever through contaminated food and water in Bahrain, especially in smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and when staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Safety & Security in Bahrain

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Bahrain do not experience any safety and security problems.

While violent crime is rare, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur. Visitors should be especially vigilant in old market areas (souks), village areas, and poorer districts, particularly after dark. Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing, and ensure that belongings, passports, and other documents are kept secure and out of sight at all times.

There have been reports of women being harassed, particularly those travelling alone. Women should take cues from the local women - dress conservatively and maintain a formal demeanour at all times.

Although same-sex sexual relations are not illegal, LGBTI travellers may face severe discrimination. All travellers should avoid open displays of affection due to the conservative nature of the country.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local sensitivities

Road travel may be dangerous due to reckless driving and animals and sand drifts on roadways.

Extreme Violence

There continues to be a high terrorist threat in Bahrain. Travellers should monitor the news and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests do occur in Bahrain due to political and religious tensions. All political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations should be avoided since they are illegal and could become violent. The Shia-majority areas are particularly prone to protests and demonstrations.