Is it safe to travel to Bahrain right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bahrain’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bahrain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bahrain Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Bahrain, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Bahraini-UK dual nationals

Dual nationality is generally not permitted under Bahraini law, unless formally agreed. If you hold both British and Bahraini nationalities, you will be considered a Bahraini national under local law during your stay in Bahrain. You should contact Bahrain’s Nationality, Passports and Residency Affairs (NPRA) to request approval of your dual citizenship status.

If you are a dual Bahraini-UK national the authorities may require you to enter and exit Bahrain on a Bahrain travel document only. If your Bahraini passport is not valid or in your possession, seek advice from your nearest Bahraini Embassy before you travel to Bahrain. Bahraini passport renewals whilst in Bahrain may take a long time and could potentially disrupt your travel plans. Decisions related to entering and exiting Bahrain are always made by the Bahraini authorities. See who the FCDO can support abroad.

If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bahrain Embassy in the UK or the (NPRA).

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Bahrain.

Applying for a visa

You can get a visa:

• in advance online
• in advance from the Bahrain Embassy in the UK
• on arrival

Visas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available. You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply.

You cannot start employment in Bahrain if you enter on a visit visa.

If you overstay your visa, there could be penalties, legal issues and your work visa could be cancelled.

Extending visas

You can apply to renew your visa at the Nationality, Passports and Residential Affairs department at the Ministry of Interior.

Applying for residency

You can apply for residency through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

You can be fined if you overstay your legal residency.

Travel bans

You may be prevented from leaving Bahrain if you:

• are subject to a travel ban
• are involved in legal proceedings
• have unpaid debt
• are a child subject to a custody dispute

If you’re involved in a dispute, including civil and criminal disputes or immigration violation, you may be stopped from leaving the country. The travel ban will not be lifted until the issue is resolved. You may not know you’re subject to a travel ban until you try to leave or enter Bahrain. You can check with the Bahrain Immigration Department to see whether you’re subject to a travel ban.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Bahrain, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahrain guide.

Ebola

As a public health measure, non-Bahraini passengers who have visited countries affected by the Ebola outbreak within the past 30 days will not be accepted for entry into the Kingdom of Bahrain. Check directly with local authorities and your airline before travel to confirm if this may apply to you.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bahrain. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Bahrain.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You should obtain a visa from the nearest Bahraini government office prior to arrival. Tourists can also obtain their visa online.

Bahrain eVisas

Regional travel

Saudi Arabia

Travellers seeking to enter Saudi Arabia from Bahrain via the causeway are advised to check the terms of their Saudi visa before travelling. Some Saudi visas only allow for entry into the country by air, in which case entry from Bahrain via the causeway will not be permitted.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.