6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. The last execution was in 1996.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Bahrain does not recognize dual nationality, except for citizens of countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia). Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Penalties for importing drugs are severe and include the death penalty. Bahraini customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items, such as firearms, ammunition, and other weapons; pornography or seditious literature; and habit-forming or hallucinatory drugs. Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labour disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prevented from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved.
The majority of the population is Muslim.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.
Canadians of Christian faith in the area frequently use Western churches for marriages. Alcohol is available and can be purchased by non-Muslims at special stores. Pork is available in specially marked sections of supermarkets, with no restrictions on its use.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
Homosexuality is an offence under Bahraini law, punishable by imprisonment and deportation. Common-law relationships are tolerated but not recognized. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a Bahraini court decision. Regardless of their parents' marital status, minor children of a Bahraini father may not leave Bahrain without their father's permission.
Authorization should be obtained prior to photographing buildings or individuals.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Bahrain - MANAMA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Al Jasrah Tower, 12th Floor, Building No. 95, Road 1702, Block 317, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2397, Manama, Bahrain
Tel.: 973 (17) 536270
Fax: 973 (17) 532520
E-mail: canadabh@batelco.com.bh
The Canadian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has consular responsibility for Bahrain. Canadians in Bahrain can obtain further consular information at the following address:
Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Ryadh, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
After hours tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288 then press 1
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and follow the instructions. You may also call Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa toll-free at 800-00-732 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Bahrain is 800-00-100, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bahrain. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Canadians can obtain tourist visas (valid for two weeks) at ports of entry or a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa (allowing a stay of four weeks at a time) from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain (see below). Women travelling on their own may encounter increased scrutiny by immigration officials and should obtain visas prior to arrival, to ensure that entry is not refused. Visitors who fail to depart the country at the end of their authorized stay are fined.
Your passport could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and its authenticity could be questioned, due to incidents of possible misuse of Canadian passports. If you experience problems, you are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs Canada for advice and assistance.
An Israeli border stamp in a passport no longer prevents travellers from obtaining a Bahraini visa or entering the country, but airline personnel may not be aware of this change. It is advised that visas be obtained prior to arrival in Bahrain.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
A small exit tax must be paid upon departure.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). Credit cards, traveller's cheques, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available.
Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The State of Bahrain (capital: Manama) is an archipelago of 33 islands located on the western shore of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. Tourist facilities are widely available, especially at seaside resorts. Bahrain is popular as a Middle East tourist destination because of its relatively relaxed atmosphere and freedom from strict social and religious norms and dress codes. The official language is Arabic, although English is widely used for business purposes and is usually understood.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Adequate medical services are available in Bahrain. Immediate payment is required.
Tap water is clean and free from contamination. However, for drinking purposes "sweet water" is recommended.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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