Middle East
Bahrain
Small, relaxed island with the Gulf's most liberal social scene: bars, live music and weekend crowds from Saudi. Good for a few days; hosts the US Navy, so 2026 strikes are a real risk.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa5 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBHDUS$1 ≈ BD0.38Details
- Price level43%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999All emergencies 999
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but storage tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal for adults 21+ since 1976, but socially conservative with no visible scene.Details
- Internet146 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 275 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightHome photocard licences are valid up to three months; longer stays need an IDP or Bahraini licence.
Where to go in Bahrain
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManamaCapital city | 3/5 | $2,390–3,990 | Nov–Mar | 6/100 |
When to visit Bahrain
November–March is warm and pleasant; May–September is very hot and humid.
Good to know
Entry
- Get a visa online (eVisa), on arrival, or from an embassy, depending on nationality.
- Passport must be valid six months; you may be asked for an onward ticket.
- The King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia needs a Saudi visa and has closed during 2026 regional attacks.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drunken behaviour in public is a crime; any detectable alcohol when driving is penalised.
- Posting criticism of the government or monarchy online can lead to arrest.
- Photographing security or military sites is prohibited.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees in public, especially at mosques and souqs.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink, smoke or play music in public by day.
- Spitting, swearing and road-rage gestures are seen as seriously offensive.
- Ask before photographing people.
Tipping
Many restaurant bills include a service charge; otherwise around 10%. Round up taxis.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bahrain
- Bahrain eVisa
- Bahrain Customs: prohibited and declared items
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.