Country information for traveling to Bahrain

Bahrain is one of the oldest states of the Persian Gulf. Its history spans more than 5,000 years: it is here that the Dilmun civilization existed, mentioned in Sumerian texts. At different times, the island was under the influence of the Persians, Portuguese, and the British Empire.

Today, Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king, and governance is carried out through the government and parliament. The country's population is about 1.5 million people, with a significant portion of the residents being foreign specialists and workers. The official religion is Islam, however, the country has a high degree of religious tolerance.

The official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), one of the most stable and expensive currencies in the region. The dinar is pegged to the US dollar. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere — in hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and taxis. Cash may be needed in markets and small cafes. ATMs are widely spread.

Bahrain is rightly considered one of the most liberal countries in the Persian Gulf, especially compared to neighboring states. There are no strict laws requiring foreigners to wear traditional clothing, but respect for local culture and norms of modesty remains an important part of everyday life.

In urban spaces — on the streets, in shopping centers, cafes, museums, and government institutions — it is recommended to choose modest clothing. The best option for women is dresses or skirts below the knee, trousers, blouses, and t-shirts with covered shoulders. Men should avoid too short shorts and sleeveless tank tops. Too revealing outfits may cause disapproval and in rare cases lead to remarks from staff or security.

On the territory of beaches, private resorts, and hotels, the rules are much softer. Here swimsuits, shorts, tops, and summer clothes are permissible. However, even in these places, it is recommended to wear a cover-up or light clothing when leaving the beach area — for example, when visiting restaurants or shops at the hotel.

When visiting mosques and religious complexes, stricter requirements apply. Women need to cover their heads with a scarf and wear clothing that fully covers their arms and legs. Men should choose long trousers and shirts or t-shirts with sleeves. In some mosques, tourists are provided with capes and scarves at the entrance.

In the business environment in Bahrain, a classic, neat style of clothing is accepted. For meetings and official events, it is recommended to choose conservative suits and closed shoes. In high-end restaurants and evening events, elegant clothing is allowed, however, excessive openness is still not welcomed.

Considering the hot climate, especially in the summer months, it is better to prefer light, breathable fabrics — cotton, linen, viscose. At the same time, covered but loose clothing not only helps to comply with local norms but also protects from the sun and air conditioning indoors.

In general, adhering to simple rules of modesty allows you to feel comfortable, avoid awkward situations, and show respect for the culture of Bahrain.

Bahrain has a modern and well-developed transport infrastructure, making travel around the country convenient for both locals and tourists. The small size of the state allows quick travel between major areas and attractions.

The roads in Bahrain are in good to excellent condition. The main highways are multilane, with quality asphalt surfacing, clear markings, and modern interchanges. Traffic is right-handed. Speed limits are strictly enforced using cameras, so exceeding them can result in significant fines. During peak hours, especially in the morning and evening, traffic jams are possible in Manama and surrounding areas.

Car rental is one of the most convenient ways to travel for tourists. The country features both international and local rental companies. Typically, a foreign passport, driver's license, and credit card are required for rental. Driving in Bahrain is comfortable, road signs are duplicated in English, and navigation applications function steadily.

Taxis in Bahrain are available and relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in the region. There are official taxi services, as well as popular mobile applications for ride booking. Taxis are convenient for short trips, airport transfers, and city travel, especially if you do not plan to rent a car.

Public transport is represented by a bus network covering the main areas of the country. Buses are modern, equipped with air conditioning, and operate on a schedule. However, for tourists, this option is less convenient due to the limited coverage of routes and infrequent intervals. Mainly, buses are used by local residents and foreign workers.

In tourist areas and along promenades, walking is possible, but due to the hot climate, it is comfortable only in the morning or evening hours. Bicycle traffic is poorly developed and is more suitable for leisurely strolls than for everyday trips.

The official language is Arabic. Meanwhile, English is widely spread and used in business, tourism, and services. Most hotel, restaurant, and store employees speak English fluently, making communication comfortable for tourists.

In Bahrain, the voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The sockets are British type (Type G), so tourists may need an adapter. The power supply is stable, interruptions are extremely rare.

Telecommunications and the internet in Bahrain are at a high level and meet modern international standards. Mobile communication works stably both in cities and on major highways, and signal interruptions are extremely rare. There are several major communication operators in the country, offering a variety of tariffs, including convenient tourist SIM cards with mobile internet packages, minutes for local and international calls.

You can buy a SIM card right at the airport, in the branded salons of operators or in shopping centers. A passport is usually required to make a purchase. Setting up communication takes a minimum of time, and employees usually speak English and help choose the optimal tariff. The speed of mobile internet is high, which allows you to use navigation, messengers, social networks, and video calls without any problems.

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, apartments, shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes. In most cases, the connection is stable and fast enough for everyday tasks. In public places, such as airports and major tourist areas, free access to the network is also provided. Thanks to the developed telecommunications infrastructure, tourists in Bahrain can stay connected throughout their stay in the country.

Medical services in Bahrain meet high international standards and are considered one of the best in the Persian Gulf region. The country operates modern public and private medical facilities, equipped with the latest equipment and offering a wide range of services — from general therapy to specialized treatment and high-tech diagnostics. Many doctors and medical staff have been trained and practiced abroad, in Europe, the USA, and other countries, so the level of qualification and approach to patients are familiar to foreign guests.

For tourists and foreign residents, primary medical services are usually provided in private clinics and hospitals. Treatment there is paid, but it is distinguished by high quality, short waiting times, and attentive service. In many institutions, the staff speaks English fluently, which simplifies communication and obtaining assistance. In emergency situations, help is provided quickly, and ambulance services operate efficiently and are available around the clock.

Pharmacies are widespread, operate both at clinics and separately, and offer a wide selection of medicinal products, including most common international drugs. Some medications, which in other countries are dispensed by prescription, can be purchased freely in Bahrain, however, serious treatment is still recommended to consult a doctor. Overall, Bahrain's healthcare system allows tourists to feel confident and safe during their stay in the country.

Medical insurance is strongly recommended for travel to Bahrain. It should cover outpatient and inpatient treatment, as well as possible evacuation. Having insurance greatly simplifies the receipt of medical care.

You can take out insurance on our website

Bahrain is considered one of the safest countries in the region for travelers and business guests. The level of street crime here is low, especially in tourist areas, shopping centers, hotels, and business districts. Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare, and the presence of police and security services is noticeable, yet unobtrusive.

Guests of the country generally feel comfortable both during the day and in the evening. Walking through the central districts of cities is considered safe, however, as in any other country, it is recommended to observe basic precautions: do not leave personal belongings unattended, watch over documents and valuables, avoid displaying large sums of cash.

Special attention should be paid to complying with local laws and cultural norms. Bahrain has strict rules regarding behavior in public places, consumption of alcohol, photographing government buildings and religious structures. Respectful attitude towards traditions, modest appearance, and correct behavior help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Sometimes the country may have political or religious events accompanied by temporary restrictions on movement or enhanced security measures. Tourists are advised to avoid places of mass gatherings and follow official information. In general, by adhering to simple rules and common sense, a stay in Bahrain is calm and safe.

The main national holidays are related to the Islamic calendar, including Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Bahrain National Day (December 16-17) is also celebrated. During religious holidays, the schedule of stores and institutions may change.

The infrastructure of Bahrain is oriented towards the comfort of tourists and has been actively developing over the last decades. The country combines a modern urban environment with rich historical heritage, making it attractive for various categories of travelers. In major cities and tourist areas, hotels of various levels are available — from luxury international chains to comfortable city hotels and apartments. Most hotels meet international service standards and offer developed infrastructure: swimming pools, spas, restaurants, beach areas, and business services.

Bahrain is known for its modern shopping centers, which are not only places for shopping but also full-fledged recreation centers. There are restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and entertainment zones for children. The cultural infrastructure is represented by museums, art galleries, and historical sites, including ancient forts, archaeological monuments, and traditional quarters that allow visitors to get acquainted with the country's history and culture.

Beach tourism is mainly developed in private and resort areas, where well-maintained beaches, yacht clubs, and water entertainment are available. Fans of active recreation can engage in diving, water sports, or sea excursions. Significant attention is paid to business tourism: Bahrain regularly hosts international conferences, exhibitions, and sports events, supported by modern business and transport infrastructure.

The compact size of the country allows easily combining different formats of recreation — cultural tours, beach relaxation, gastronomic experiences, and business trips. Thanks to good logistics, quality service, and a variety of offers, Bahrain remains an attractive destination for both short visits and longer stays.

The cuisine of Bahrain reflects its geographical location and centuries-old history of trade relations, combining Arab, Persian, and Indian culinary traditions. The basis of most dishes is rice, meat, fish, and aromatic spices, while the food is usually well-seasoned but not overly spicy, making it understandable and enjoyable for most tourists. Chicken, lamb, and beef are widely used, and thanks to the coastal location of the country, seafood and fresh fish occupy an important place in the local cuisine.

Among the traditional dishes, rice dishes with meat or fish, stewed vegetables, flatbreads, and various appetizers are often found. In everyday food culture, communal meals and leisurely dinners are important, and cafes and restaurants operate late. The country offers many establishments of different formats—from small local cafes to international cuisine restaurants, including European, Asian, and Middle Eastern.

Alcohol is permitted in Bahrain but its consumption is strictly regulated. It is available exclusively in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants, most often at hotels and tourist complexes. Buying and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited. Alcohol prices are generally higher than in Europe, due to taxes and restrictions.

Tap water in Bahrain is considered technically safe, but due to the specifics of desalination and taste, tourists are recommended to drink bottled water. Bottled drinking water is widely available and inexpensive, and it is easy to purchase in stores, hotels, and restaurants. Following these simple recommendations can help avoid health issues and comfortably enjoy culinary experiences during the trip.

Bahrain is in the UTC+3 time zone. There is no daylight saving time. The time difference with European countries averages 1–2 hours, making acclimatization quite easy.