Bahrain: Authorities maintaining several COVID-19 restrictions as of Oct. 3

Event

Authorities in Bahrain are maintaining several COVID-19-related restrictions as of Oct. 3. All travelers must present an approved negative PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Travelers who are allowed to enter Bahrain arriving from 'Red List' countries must present an approved negative PCR test conducted no more than 48 hours prior to departure. For a full list of red-listed countries, click here.

All arrivals, except for those who fit the exemptions outlined below, must pay for and undergo PCR tests on arrival on their fifth and tenth day of stay. They may also be required to quarantine for a period of ten days in their residence or at a government-approved quarantine facility.

Passengers who can prove official COVID-19 vaccination status from countries eligible for an on-arrival visa, or can prove full vaccination status from Bahrain or countries with which Bahrain has signed mutual recognition agreements, and have not been in or transited through a red-listed country within 14 days of arrival to Bahrain, are exempt from pre-departure PCR test and quarantine requirements. They will, however, still be required to pay for and undergo PCR tests upon arrival, as well as on their fifth and tenth day of stay.

The following international travel measures also generally remain in effect:

• Entry is generally restricted to Bahraini citizens and residents, GCC citizens who do not need a visa (i.e., citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), passengers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, and passengers with a valid electronic visa. For a full list of nationalities eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, click here.

• All passengers must complete the Ministry of Health's Health Declaration Form and download the BeAware Bahrain application before departure. To view the form, click here.

• All COVID-19 tests are conducted at the traveler's expense.

• Incoming travelers arriving via the King Fahd Causeway must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

With regard to restrictions on domestic activity and business, Bahrain employs a COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System, which stipulates differing levels of domestic restrictions based on the rolling average COVID-19 positivity rate. For more detailed information on measures enforced at each level, click here.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Bahrain International Airport
Gulf Air (GF)
Bahrain's Nationality, Passports & Residence Affairs (NPRA) office
BeAware Bahrain App
World Health Organization (WHO)