This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bahrain’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Bahrain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bahrain Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Bahrain, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nDual nationality is generally not permitted under Bahraini law, unless formally agreed. If you hold both British and Bahraini nationalities, you will be considered a Bahraini national under local law during your stay in Bahrain. You should contact Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residency Affairs (NPRA) to request approval of your dual citizenship status.
\n\nIf you are a dual Bahraini-UK national the authorities may require you to enter and exit Bahrain on a Bahrain travel document only. If your Bahraini passport is not valid or in your possession, seek advice from your nearest Bahraini Embassy before you travel to Bahrain. Bahraini passport renewals whilst in Bahrain may take a long time and could potentially disrupt your travel plans. Decisions related to entering and exiting Bahrain are always made by the Bahraini authorities. See who the FCDO can support abroad.
\n\nIf you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bahrain Embassy in the UK or the (NPRA).
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Bahrain.
\n\nYou can get a visa:
\n\nVisas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available. You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply.
\n\nYou cannot start employment in Bahrain if you enter on a visit visa.
\n\nIf you overstay your visa, there could be penalties, legal issues and your work visa could be cancelled.
\n\nYou can apply to renew your visa at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior.
\n\nYou can apply for residency through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
\n\nYou can be fined if you overstay your legal residency.
\n\nYou may be prevented from leaving Bahrain if you:
\n\nIf you’re involved in a dispute, including civil and criminal disputes or immigration violation, you may be stopped from leaving the country. The travel ban will not be lifted until the issue is resolved. You may not know you’re subject to a travel ban until you try to leave or enter Bahrain. You can check with the Bahrain Immigration Department to see whether you’re subject to a travel ban.
\n\nTo enter Bahrain, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahrain guide.
\n\nAs a public health measure, non-Bahraini passengers who have visited countries affected by the Ebola outbreak within the past 30 days will not be accepted for entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain. Check directly with local authorities and your airline before travel to confirm if this may apply to you.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bahrain. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Bahrain.
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
\n\nPrevious attacks using explosive devices in public places have killed and injured people. Such an attack has not been carried out successfully for several years.
\n\nTerrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:
\n\nBe aware of your surroundings, particularly during high profile events, and avoid large demonstrations.
\n\nPublic gatherings, commemorations, demonstrations and protests take place. This can cause:
\n\nThe risk of protest can increase around anniversaries of significant events in Bahrain and can start with little warning. Locations of past protests include:
\n\nPublic gatherings in roads or public squares are temporarily banned to protect public safety. Leave the area if you see a large public gathering, demonstration or protest. You should:
\n\nIf you see a suspect item, move away and call the police on 999 or the Police Hotline 8000 8008.
\n\nTravel on the main routes during daylight hours is generally orderly. There can be a police presence or checkpoints on major roads.
\n\nPolitical developments in the wider region have an impact on local public opinion and actions. Be aware of local sensitivities, follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which could lead to public disturbances.
\n\nCrime is low in most areas, but you should take normal precautions to protect your belongings. For personal safety, only use reputable taxi companies.
\n\nBahrain is a liberal country compared to others in the region, but there are still conservative social views.
\n\nYou should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions and make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan and other religious festivals. Bahrainis observe some religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in other Gulf countries.
\n\nFilming, photography, publishing or redistributing photos or videos of security and military sites, operations or incidents is prohibited. This includes the promotion of unverified or fabricated content pertaining to events, attacks or acts of aggression against Bahrain. Violation of this prohibition risks arrest and prosecution.
\n\nRespect the local culture and public security rules when using social media. It could amount to a crime if you post online any message, video or photograph, that:
\n\nYou must carry photo ID such as a passport by law. You could be fined by the Bahraini authorities if you cannot show photo ID if asked.
\n\nDress conservatively in public places, particularly religious sites.
\n\nBahrainis often dress conservatively in traditional dress. You could cause offence if you dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values.
\n\nDress appropriately and modestly in public places, such as malls, restaurants, and parks. Clothing should not:
\n\nNudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. These rules are even more closely observed during Ramadan when modesty is promoted.
\n\nIslamic religious values are respected in Bahrain. Any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and may lead to a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
\n\nMuslims pray 5 times a day. Drivers may stop in lay-bys to pray.
\n\nOther religions are respected in Bahrain and can be followed with freedom.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nThese actions could amount to a crime under Bahraini law. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nOffensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including ‘road rage’ hand gestures) are seen as seriously offensive and can result in a prison sentence and deportation.
\n\nAlcohol is legal in Bahrain. However, drunken public behaviour is against the law. You could be fined, imprisoned or deported. Physical assault and damaging public property is an offence, which may lead to a prison sentence.
\n\nSecurity officers and airline staff will not tolerate passengers believed to be drunk at the airport, including those who are in transit. You may be denied boarding, detained and fined.
\n\nIllegal drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount. Consuming or carrying illegal drugs, even if you are travelling through the airport, can lead to a prison sentence and deportation. Buying or selling illegal drugs and narcotics is illegal and can lead to a life sentence.
\n\nSome skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Bahrain, such as CBD oil.
\n\nIt is illegal to fly drones or remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle flying devices without a valid licence or in restricted airspace. See the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority for further details.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity between consenting adults who are at least 21 years old is not prohibited by law. However, same-sex couples showing affection in public may cause offence. You could be arrested under Bahrani law.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nConsensual sexual activity between unmarried adults is not prohibited under Bahraini law. But there may be legal consequences if indecent acts happen in public. Sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse may lead to legal consequences.
\n\nThere is no express prohibition or restriction under Bahraini law preventing unmarried couples from sharing hotel accommodation. However, some hotels may request proof of marriage. This would depend on the policy of each hotel.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Bahrain, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Bahrain for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
\n\nIf you are staying longer than 3 months, you’ll need to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or apply for a Bahraini driving licence. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Bahrain. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, a travel ban, your driving licence withdrawn and a possible prison sentence.
\n\nTailgating, speeding, racing, lane jumping and using a mobile phone while driving are all against the law and can result in heavy fines. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in your arrest or a fine.
\n\nThere is a curfew on the waterways around Bahrain between 6.30pm to 4am.
\n\nThe local authorities are sensitive to the security around the sea areas of the Gulf. Vessels entering these waters or posts can be detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. Make sure you have the necessary clearances before you enter the waters or visit ports. Avoid any sensitive areas.
\n\nTake care when travelling by local sailing boats (‘dhows’). The safety of these vessels may not comply with UK standards. Make sure lifejackets are available.
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