Bahrain: Authorities impose travel ban on South Africa and nine other countries to combat the new COVID-19 variant as of Nov. 27 /update 2

Event

Bahraini authorities have imposed a travel ban on 10 African countries - specifically South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, and Malawi - as of Nov. 28. The measure is in response to the emergence of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant and will remain in force until further notice. These countries have also been added to Bahrain's red list.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the new mandates related to the Omicron virus variant, most international travel restrictions in Bahrain remain unchanged. Travelers from so-called "red list" countries are generally prohibited from entering Bahrain. Those permitted to enter from red list countries, however, must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, take additional PCR tests upon arrival, and on the fifth and tenth days of their stays, and quarantine for 10 days at their residence or in a government-designated facility. Persons entering from non-red list countries are exempt from the pre-arrival test and quarantine requirements; however, they, too, must submit to PCR tests upon arrival, and on the fifth and tenth days of their stays. All mandated PCR tests are at the traveler's own expense.

Passengers who are able to produce officially recognized certificates of full vaccination against COVID-19 and who have not been in or transited through a red-listed country within 14 days of arrival in Bahrain are also exempt from pre-departure PCR test and quarantine requirements. However, such individuals must still undergo PCR tests upon arrival, as well as on their fifth and tenth days of stay. For specific information on vaccination certificates recognized by the government of Bahrain, click here.

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.
• 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.

Domestic Restrictions
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

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