Al Ḩadd

Passport validity requirements

To enter Bahrain, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Bahraini-UK dual nationals

If 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.

If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bahrain Embassy in the UK or Bahrain’s  Nationality, Passports and Residency Affairs (NPRA).

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Bahrain.

Applying for a visa

You can get a visa:

• in advance online
• in advance from the Bahrain Embassy in the UK
• on arrival

Visas 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.  

You cannot start employment in Bahrain if you enter on a visit visa. 

If you overstay your visa, there could be penalties, legal issues and your work visa could be cancelled.

Extending visas

You can apply to renew your visa at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior.

Applying for residency

You can apply for residency through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

You can be fined if you overstay your legal residency.  

Travel bans 

You may be prevented from leaving Bahrain if you:

• are subject to a travel ban
• are involved in legal proceedings
• have unpaid debt
• are a child subject to a custody dispute

If 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.

Vaccine requirements

To 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.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahrain guide.

Ebola

As 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. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There 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.

Customs rules

There 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.

Emergency services in Bahrain

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Bahrain
• dealing with a death in Bahrain
• being arrested or imprisoned in Bahrain
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Bahrain on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June  in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Bahrain, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. On 20 July, the US Embassy Manama issued an advisory that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: 

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”  

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• follow advice from the local authorities 

• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilities  

• keep your departure plans under review, noting that in April 2026 there was simultaneous closure of airspace and the King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia,  and ensure your travel documents are up to date

• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Bahrain is a liberal country compared to others in the region, but there are still conservative social views.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions and make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan and Shia religious festivals. Bahrainis observe some religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in other Gulf countries.

Security sites and incidents

Filming, 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. 

Social media

Respect 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:

• is critical of the Bahrain government or monarchy
• appears to abuse, ridicule or criticise the country
• is culturally insensitive

Personal ID

You must carry photo ID such as a passport by law. You could be fined up to 300 Bahraini dinars if you cannot show photo ID if asked by the Bahraini authorities.

Dress code

Dress conservatively in public places, particularly religious sites.

Bahrainis often dress conservatively in traditional dress. You could cause offence if you dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values.

Dress appropriately and modestly in public places, such as malls, restaurants, and parks. Clothing should not:

• be transparent
• expose shoulders or knees if you are a woman
• display offensive pictures or slogans

Nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. These rules are even more closely observed during Ramadan when modesty is promoted.

Respect for religion

Islamic religious values are respected in Bahrain. Any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and will likely lead to a heavy fine or a prison sentence.

Muslims pray 5 times a day. Drivers may stop in lay-bys to pray.

Other religions are respected in Bahrain and can be followed with freedom.

Ramadan  

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

These actions could amount to a crime under Bahraini law. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Public offences

Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including ‘road rage’ hand gestures) are seen as seriously offensive and can result in a prison sentence and deportation.