Welcome to Bahrain

Get beneath the surface in Bahrain and discover ancient empires, Formula 1 racing and an emerging foodie scene. This is a grand place to explore Gulf culture, and one that is unmarred by over-tourism.

The expat community in Manama has led to a burgeoning art scene, divers are setting their sights on the coast’s epic scuba diving sites and history buffs are drawn to the relics of the Dilmun civilizations and mighty fortresses, such as that of Qalat Al Bahrain. In the heart of the country, Riffa entices travelers of all tastes with authentic Arabic bazaars and some of the Middle East’s best golf courses.

Unique Facts

• Although an island nation, Bahrain is connected to the coast of Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.
• Bahrain is home to more than 100,000 Dilmun-era burial mounds, most constructed between 2200 and 1750 BCE.
• The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since the early 1780s.
• The Tree of Life is in Bahrain. It is a single mesquite tree planted around 1583 that still lives despite no obvious water sources.
• Bahrain is famous for its pearling. In fact, several merchant buildings, shops, storehouses, a mosque, a fortress and offshore oyster beds have been named as the “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Language

Bahrain’s official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Bahrain is December to March.

Airports

Bahrain International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Bahrain: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Bahraini Dinar

Getting Around

The road network in Bahrain is generally safe, with highways and major roads wide and well maintained. The village roads and roads in older parts of Manama and Muharrq are narrow, twisting and congested.

Bahrain has an expanded public bus system that services most of the country. Taxis are available and arranged by phone. Uber is available.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and an international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Manama
Building No. 979
Road 3119, Block 331
Zinj District
Manama
Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone: +(973) 1724-2700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(973) 1727-5126
Fax: +(973) 1727-2594; 1725-6242 (Consular Section)
The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday.
ManamaConsular@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority
PO Box 11644
Manama
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: 973-17558800
info@btea.bh
https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=134&language=en-US

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 999

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Bahrain. Violent crime is rare. Thieves are active in the old market area.