Risk level

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• Western interests in and around Manama

Increased security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs. Violent crime is rare.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Exercise caution in the old market areas (souks), villages and poorer districts, especially after dark

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly on evenings and weekends. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Participants have been known to throw rocks, Molotov cocktails and use makeshift explosive devices during protests. Police have historically used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds.

Areas prone to demonstrations include:

• Sitra
• Bani Jamra
• Karbabad
• Saar
• Karzakan
• the Budaiya Highway and surrounding villages. 

Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged under extramarital sex statutes (see Laws and customs).

Safe-travel guide for women

Road safety

Road conditions are very good throughout the country. Drivers, however, are often aggressive. Drifting sands and roaming animals can pose hazards.

Off-road driving can be hazardous.

• Only go off-road driving in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and with an experienced guide
• Leave your itinerary with a family member or friend
• Be well prepared, and carry extra gasoline, water, food and a cellular phone

In the event of an accident resulting in injuries, do not move your vehicle until a report has been filed, even if the vehicle impedes traffic. If there are injuries, call 999; if there are no injuries, call 199.

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe.

• Use only officially marked taxis
• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Sea travel

There is a curfew in effect on the waterways around Bahrain from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. Vessels operating in these waters may be detained and inspected, even outside curfew hours.

Regional tension may affect your travel. Exercise caution in the following areas, as vessels have been subject to detention, inspection and attacks:

• Gulf of Oman
• Northern Arabian Sea
• Gulf of Aden
• Bab El Mandeb

Exercise increased caution when travelling by dhow (small sailboat), as they may not be up to Canadian safety standards.

General safety information

Cellular phone coverage may not be available in some parts of the country.

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides 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 Bahraini 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 use for travel.

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, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Canadians must have a visa to visit Bahrain.

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 from 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 travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Western Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Western Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Adequate medical services are available in Bahrain. Immediate payment is required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, heavy fines, as well as the death penalty. The possession of even a very small amount of drugs can result in arrest and, if convicted, a four-year minimum prison term.

Alcohol is available for purchase by non-Muslims at special stores. However, Bahraini attitudes regarding alcohol are not favourable. Observe restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol. Excessive drinking while in transit through a Bahraini airport could lead to detention and a fine.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

LGBTQ2 travellers

Bahraini law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, the Bahraini government does not recognize same-sex marriage, and homosexuality is not widely socially accepted. LGBTQ2 travellers could face arrest under other charges, such as morality or public decency laws. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Bahrain.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Social Media

In June 2017, when Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, it also announced that any expression of sympathy for Qatar on social media or by any other means of communication is an offence. Transgression could result in imprisonment or a fine.

Identification

You must carry photo identification. Under Bahraini law, failure to produce photo identification to an authority when asked is considered an offence and you may be fined. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Photography

Do not take photographs of buildings or individuals without prior authorization.

Marriage

Common-law unions are tolerated but not recognized. Extramarital relations are illegal.

Customs

Bahraini customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of certain items, including firearms, ammunition and other weapons, seditious literature and habit-forming drugs.

Legal process

If you are involved in Bahraini court proceedings due to indebtedness, labour disagreement or other legal dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country until your case is resolved.

Dress and behaviour

Bahrain’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

You may be subject to heavy fines if you show disrespect toward officials by making verbal insults and obscene gestures.

• Avoid physical contact, such as holding hands with another adult, in public
• Dress conservatively
• Behave discreetly
• Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. For example, women should cover their arms and legs, and men should not wear shorts in public

Ramadan

In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when :

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Pornography

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Bahrain.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Bahrain, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Child custody

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.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Bahrain.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bahrain by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bahrain to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving.

You must carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). Credit cards, traveller’s cheques, U.S. dollars and Saudi riyals are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are available.

Natural disasters and climate

Heat waves

Humidity and heat may be most severe during the hot season, from April to October. Bahrain is also subject to periods of drought.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Dust storms

Sand storms and dust storms may occur any time, particularly during the summer months.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can also cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some individuals.

During a storm:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from December to March. It can lead to severe flooding.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Bahrain Meteorological Services