COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Bahrain (09 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Entry is restricted to diplomats, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, military personnel, and passengers holding an e-visa before boarding, travellers eligible for visas on arrival, airline crew, or holders of a UN passport.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Passengers are allowed to transit and transfer through 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 with exceptions

• Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival at their own expense.

• For travellers remaining in Bahrain 10 days or longer, a second test is required on the tenth day in the country. Booking for an additional COVID-19 test can be made through the “BeAware” app or by calling 444.

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

• Travellers arriving via King Fahd Causeway who obtain a test certificate accredited by the Saudi Health Ministry will not require testing on arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates obtained in foreign countries are allowed.

• Travellers arriving via King Fahd Causeway who obtain a test certificate accredited by the Saudi Health Ministry will not require testing on arrival.

Test certificate required?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers arriving through King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia may have a negative PCR test report obtained before 72 hours of arrival at Bahrain. They can upload the result in the “BeAware Bahrain” application. Without a test certificate, travellers will be required to undergo and pay for the enhanced arrivals testing procedure and self-quarantine until test results have been received.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

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

• Travellers arriving via the King Fahd Causeway with a negative COVID-19 test certificate on arrival may not be required to isolate.

• Travellers with a positive COVID-19 test result and having symptoms must quarantine in one of the government’s assigned quarantine facilities until they recover. Those without symptoms may be permitted to self-isolate.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Travellers entering Bahrain through airports or seaports will be given a health questionnaire.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All travellers must wear an electronic bracelet and download the BeAware app before entering Bahrain.

• Travellers with optional home quarantine will be provided with an electronic bracelet that connects with the app.

• The bracelet will be removed only after getting a negative result on completion of the self-isolation period.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• The international airport is open. Commercial flights have resumed with limited service.

• Etihad, Emirates, Gulf Air and Oman Air are among the airlines offering services to Bahrain.

• An air bubble arrangement is in place between Bahrain and India allowing repatriation flights between both countries with restrictions. Gulf Air, Air India and Air India Express are allowed to operate under this agreement.

• Air services with Israel have been approved by the government of Bahrain.

• Israir will provide direct flights to and from Bahrain from 31 January 2021.

• From 12 December 2020, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, will resume direct flights to and from the Maldives. Gulf Air has already resumed flight services to and from Casablanca, Morocco.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia has been opened with restrictions and exceptions such as businessmen, people who need to travel for work, some students, people who want to reunite with family members outside the kingdom, medical emergency cases or any visit related to death in the family.

• Air and sea borders between Bahrain and Qatar are closed due to the suspension of diplomatic relations between the two countries and not due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, residents of Qatar can enter Bahrain with a valid visa and must attach a copy of their Qatari residency card with the application.

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

• For information on a traveller’s specific situation on e-visas and individual requirements, see the following official websites: Link 1 and Link 2.

• Validity of valid or expired visit visas has been extended until 21 January 2021.

• Entry visas for Israelis are now available.

• UK Emergency documents (ETDs) are accepted only for airside transit and exit purpose. Entry to Bahrain is not allowed using the ETDs.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• Anyone violating quarantine measures may face imprisonment and a fine.

• Currently, no lockdown or curfew is in effect. However, there is a curfew from 18:00 to 0:400 hours on waterways.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of five individuals.

• 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?

• No

• Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, petrol/gas stations, butchers, stores that sell vegetables, fish or meat, and other essential services are open.

• All non-essential medical services in private health clinics remain suspended.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels and private rental accommodations are allowed to open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Limited indoor dining services have resumed, while maintaining a two meter distance between two persons and with limited table occupancy.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Cafes are allowed to open with outdoor services.

• Shisha cafes (hookah lounges) have reopened.

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 in Bahrain.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Salons, barbershops, and beauty parlours are open only for pre-booked appointments.

Places of worship open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Fajr prayers have resumed while maintaining safety protocols and with strict measures in place.

• Dhuhr prayers (noon prayer) are allowed in mosques except on Fridays.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Events are allowed.

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 lead to a fine.

Other

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

• Outdoor playgrounds, gyms, and swimming pools are open.

• Public water parks and public parks are closed.

• Indoor cinemas and theatres will remain closed until further notice. Currently, only al Fresco Movie Theatre located in Bahrain Bay is allowed to open.

• Schools and universities have reopened.

Consigli

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.