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1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY Section 4 of this Travel Report has been updated. The Kingdom 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. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Canadians travelling to Bahrain should carefully evaluate security concerns and ensure personal security precautions are in place. Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at risk. The threat of terrorism in Bahrain exists and Canadians in Bahrain should maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial, public, and tourist areas frequented by foreigners. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (see Section 5 below), or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (call toll-free 800-00-732). OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. You should exercise caution when visiting villages in and around Manama, as there have been occasional demonstrations. You should also avoid the naval base area located in the southern part of the main island of Bahrain. Petty crime, such as purse-snatching, pickpocketing, and theft, occur. Exercise caution, particularly in the old market areas (souks), village areas, and poorer districts, especially after dark. Do not show signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents, including passports, are secure at all times. Physical and verbal harassment of women can be a problem. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Bahraini authorities and was valid on September 17, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. 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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. 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. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required 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. Women travelling alone 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. 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. A small exit tax must be paid upon departure. Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. 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. 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. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD You can obtain consular assistance and further consular 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 2397, Manama, Bahrain Tel.: 973 (17) 536270 Toll Free: 800-00-732 Fax: 973 (17) 532520 E-Mail: canadabh@batelco.com.bh The Embassy of Canada 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia - RIYADH Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288 Toll Free: 800-814-0139 Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997 E-Mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa, toll-free, at 800-00-732. BACK TO TOP 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 in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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. The Department publishes a booklet entitled 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 13, 2007. 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. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Travel by road is generally safe. Most major roads in the northern third of the country are four-lane and well maintained. In the older parts of Manama and Muharraq, many streets are narrow, twisting, and in poor condition. Roundabouts (traffic circles) are common. Traffic is congested in some areas of Manama. Third-party automobile insurance is mandatory. In the event of an accident, the driver should not attempt to move the vehicle until a report has been filed, even though it may impede traffic. Traffic police can be contacted at 688-888. Police, ambulance, and fire departments can be reached at 999. Taxis are generally safe. Use officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate fares or insist that the meter be used. There is no domestic air or rail service. There is a causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Ensure you have proper travel documents if you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. 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. BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Bahrain is subject to dust storms and periods of drought. BACK TO TOP 9. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. 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. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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