Bahrain: Authorities to ease COVID-19 measures by opening cafes, restaurants, and sports centers from July 23 /update 2

Event

Bahraini authorities will open cafes, restaurants, sports centers, malls, and shops for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals from July 23. Only fully vaccinated people and those under the age of 12 will be allowed in cinemas and indoor sporting events. The measure has been taken following a decline in COVID-19 cases.

Other COVID-19 related restrictions remain unchanged. Several countries remain on Bahrain's "red list," which prohibits entry to foreign nationals. For a full list of affected countries, click here. Non-resident foreign nationals arriving from "red-list" countries, including those who have transited through any such locations in the previous 14 days, are prohibited from entering Bahrain. Only Bahraini citizens and legal residents are permitted to enter from these destinations.

All arriving travelers above the age of seven must provide a negative result from a PCR test conducted no more than 48 hours before their departure; they must also undergo a PCR test on arrival and the 10th day of their stay. All arrivals must quarantine for at least 10 days at their residence or a government-approved hotel.

Incoming travelers who have not been in a red-listed country within the 14 days before arriving in Bahrain and can prove that they have received a COVID-19 vaccination in the UK, any EU member state, 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. Nevertheless, such travelers must still undergo a PCR test on arrival and self-quarantine until the 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 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.

• 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