Bahrain: Authorities to enforce two-week closure of retail, catering, and several other services due to COVID-19 beginning 23:59 May 27 /update 27

Event

Authorities will enforce a two-week closure of shopping malls, restaurants and, coffee shops from 23:59 May 27 due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Beauty salons, spas, and barbershops will also close, in addition to events and conferences. The measure is to be lifted at 23:59 on June 10.

Concerning international restrictions, all arrivals above the age of seven must provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted no more than 48 hours before their departure, undergo a PCR test on arrival, as well as on their 10th day of stay. All arrivals must quarantine for at least 10 days at their residence or a government-approved hotel. In addition, all arrivals from ‘red list’ countries, which currently consist of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, must hold either Bahraini citizenship or a residency visa to enter the country.

Arrivals who have not been in a red list country, within 14 days of arrival, who can prove they have received a COVID-19 vaccination from the UK, a member state of the EU, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, or Canada are exempt from quarantine and the need to present a pre-departure PCR test. Travelers will, however, be required to undergo a PCR test on arrival and self-quarantine until the first test results have been received.

Arrivals who can prove they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in Bahrain or a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country will be exempt from quarantine measures and a PCR test on arrival. This also applies to those who can prove their vaccination in a country with a reciprocal recognition agreement with Bahrain.

Other measures taken by the government include:

• Entry is restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents, GCC citizens, passengers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, and passengers with a valid eVisa. 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" before departure and download the "BeAware Bahrain" application.

• International travelers are allowed to transit through Bahrain International Airport (BAH).

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

• Arrivals from the King Fahd Causeway will need to provide a negative PCR result taken up to 72 hours before arrival.

• Authorities are accepting applications for and issuing work permits.

• Stringent public health measures are in force, such as wearing protective face coverings and social distancing.

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, Passport & Residence Affairs (NPRA) office
BeAware Bahrain App
World Health Organization (WHO)
Nationalities eligible for Visa on arrival