Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Bahrain is generally one of the safer Gulf states. Serious crime is uncommon; use normal caution against petty theft in Manama.
- Overall risk
- Low; among the calmer countries in the Gulf
- Main concern
- Occasional petty theft such as pickpocketing
- Emergency number
- 999 (police, ambulance and fire)
- Bahrain has a stable public order and low violent crime. Exercise normal precautions in busy areas of Manama such as Bab Al Bahrain and the souk, and respect local Islamic customs and laws.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for typical tourists. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which occasionally occur in some outlying villages.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- Avoid
- Any protests or gatherings, mainly in villages outside Manama
- Central Manama and the main tourist and business districts are calm. Occasional demonstrations have taken place in some villages away from the centre; steer clear of any crowds or political events.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Natural disaster risk is low. The main hazard is extreme summer heat and humidity, along with occasional dust and sandstorms. Earthquake risk is very low.
- Summer
- Extreme heat, often above 40°C, with high humidity
- Dust
- Occasional sand and dust storms reduce visibility
- Seismic risk
- Very low
- From June to September temperatures can exceed 40°C with high humidity; stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and use air conditioning. Dust storms can affect those with respiratory conditions.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Bahrain has good modern healthcare, mainly private in Manama. Tap water is generally treated but many visitors prefer bottled water.
- Healthcare
- Good; strong private hospitals in Manama
- Tap water
- Generally treated; bottled water widely used
- Emergency
- 999 for ambulance
- Private medical care is of good quality but can be costly, so insurance is important. Heat-related illness is the main seasonal risk; no special vaccinations are usually required for typical travel.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime levels are low. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and markets. Be alert to online and credit card fraud.
- Main risk
- Petty theft in crowds and markets
- Hotspots
- The souk, malls, busy events
- Advice
- Watch cards and cash; keep valuables secure
- Violent crime against visitors is rare. Take care with card payments and ATMs to avoid fraud, keep bags closed in crowds, and be cautious of unsolicited offers or too-good-to-be-true deals.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy ruled by a king. It has seen large demonstrations in the past; avoid political gatherings as a practical precaution.
- Government
- Constitutional monarchy headed by a king
- Demonstrations
- Avoid all protests and political gatherings
- Day-to-day life is calm and orderly. There have been periods of significant demonstrations; as a routine precaution, stay away from any political events, rallies or crowds and follow local guidance.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Bahrain is a Muslim country. Dress modestly, respect Ramadan, drink only in licensed venues, and avoid public displays of affection. Follow local laws and customs.
- Dress
- Modest clothing, especially at religious sites and in public
- Alcohol
- Only in licensed hotels and bars; do not drink in public
- Ramadan
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight
- Bahrain is relatively liberal for the region but Islamic customs apply. Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan; keep public affection discreet; and be mindful that some matters, including LGBT-related issues, are legally and culturally sensitive, so respect local laws and customs.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 999 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. English is widely understood by operators.
- All emergencies
- 999
- Country code
- +973
- Language
- Arabic and English widely used
- 999 is the single number for police, ambulance and fire across Bahrain. When calling from abroad, the country code is +973.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private medical care can be expensive without cover.
- Medical cover
- Essential; private care is costly
- Repatriation
- Include medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Cover water sports or desert activities if relevant
- There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for most visitors, so make sure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation, plus any activities such as diving or desert excursions.