Bahrain: Authorities amend COVID-19-related entry restrictions effective Jan. 9 /update 3

Event

Effective Jan. 9, authorities in Bahrain are amending international entry restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From this date all arrivals, irrespective of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken prior to arrival in the country, and undergo a second test on arrival. Domestic measures also remain in place.

Domestic Measures
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.

International Travel Restrictions
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.

• 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.

All arrivals, irrespective of vaccination status, must be in possession of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. A second PCR test must be taken upon arrival in Bahrain. All mandated PCR tests are at the traveler's own expense. Children under the age of six are exempt from testing requirements. For specific information on vaccination certificates recognized by the government of Bahrain, click here.

Arrivals who are able to produce officially recognized certificates of full COVID-19 vaccination, and passengers who have recovered from COVID-19 within eight months from infection, do not need to quarantine upon arrival. Unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12 must quarantine at their accommodation for 10 days following arrival in Bahrain.

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)