Bahrain Travel: All You Need To Know Before You Visit

Bahrain travel offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture and modern attractions that make it an intriguing destination for tourists. This "Pearl of the Gulf" is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Middle East. Nestled in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain comprises around 51 islands which adds to the natural beauty of this country.  In addition to its natural islands, Bahrain is home to about 33 artificial islands. The top places to visit in Bahrain include beautiful architectural buildings, mosques, museums and traditional marketplaces.

Here’s everything you need to know before planning your Bahrain travel adventure.

Where Is Bahrain On The World Map?

Bahrain is a Middle Eastern island nation. It is located in both the Earth's northern and eastern hemispheres. Al Bahrayn, the major island and several other islands make up the archipelago. Bahrain is situated in the Persian Gulf, north of Qatar and east of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran all border Bahrain on the sea.

• Population: 1.5 million people live there. Bahrain is home to both Sunni and Shiite Muslims, as well as Arabs and Persians.
• Capital: The country's capital and largest city is Manama. The majority of Bahrain's population is concentrated there.
• Government: A Sunni dynasty rules the Gulf monarchy of Bahrain. The Shiite population, which makes up the majority of the population, was suppressed during the Arab Spring, although with less involvement in the allocation of power.

Bahrain is a Middle Eastern island nation

Is It Safe To Travel To Bahrain Right Now?

Bahrain is a safe country for both men and women in terms of personal safety. You do not have to worry about traveling alone. Crime is incredibly low.

In Bahrain, using or possessing drugs is strictly prohibited. In this respect, the laws are extremely stringent. Additionally, CBD (Cannabidiol) is not tolerated.

Although it is legal to consume alcohol in Bahrain, driving while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. There is no BAC. The legal drinking age is 21.

Women travelers in Bahrain

Solo female travelers can explore Bahrain with confidence and peace of mind. In the capital, you'll find many women working independently and living on their own. Bahrain travel provides a safe and welcoming environment for women to enjoy their journey.

Solo female travelers can explore Bahrain with confidence and peace of mind

LGTBIQ+ travelers in Bahrain

The LGBTI+ community needs to take precautions in the country. The majority of people are conservative and homosexuality is not socially acceptable in the most liberal country in the region.

Bahrain's penal code punishes sodomy but not consensual same-sex relationships between individuals of the same sex over the age of 21. Nevertheless, Wendy's club, a gay bar in Manama, has been around for years.

Health and travel insurance

Except for the COVID-19 entry requirements, there are no immunization requirements for travel to Bahrain. You should be vaccinated accordingly if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic.

Although all services are private, Bahrain's healthcare system is excellent. It is a good idea to have travel insurance in case of emergencies.

When visiting a strange country, unexpected circumstances could arise and impact your trip. Insurance is, therefore, crucial. You will feel safer with the insurance's benefits, which include medical payment coverage, trip delay and interruption, lost baggage and COVID-19 pandemic protection. 

About The Ultimate Bahrain Travel Advice

This Bahrain travel advice is just for you! Bahrain extends a warm welcome to visitors, offering the ideal blend of modernism and tradition.

Best time to visit Bahrain

Do not even consider going to Bahrain between May and September. Temperatures can reach 45 and 50 °C, which is extremely high. It is nearly impossible to live outside. They are scorching even at night. For good reason, the prices are quite low and it is regarded as low season.

Bahrain appeals to travellers who seek an unpretentious, yet confident country bearing all the hallmarks of a modern, wealthy Gulf nation. This multilayered and multicultural destination is often overlooked by tourists, so you'll probably have the place all to yourself.

The ideal time for Bahrain travel is during the high season. It lasts from October to March. Temperatures are decreasing and nights can get cool without a proper winter. Although there may be some rain throughout these months, this is the best time of year to visit Bahrain because of the favorable weather.

The ideal time for Bahrain travel is during the high season

Visa for Bahrain and documents for traveling

Obtaining a visa should be your first priority if you're planning for Bahrain travel. Don't worry, though; it is a simple procedure that you can complete online either before your trip or, depending on your country of citizenship, on arrival in Bahrain.

To find out what kind of visa you need, just visit the GVC website and check visa requirements here. With a little planning and preparation, obtaining a Bahrain visa is a simple process that will allow you to enjoy your trip to this beautiful and fascinating country.

Additionally, when you enter the nation, your passport must be valid for at least six months.

How to get to Bahrain

The primary gateway to Bahrain is the Manama airport, while you can also arrive via the route that connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.

In comparison to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, Manama Airport (BAH) is small.

How to get around Bahrain

• Public transportation: The only public transportation available on the islands is the bus, while Uber is a well-liked substitute. The Manama City Center and Exhibition Avenue are two tourist areas that the bus system serves.
• Bus: Besides the routes connecting to the airports, Salmaniya and Juffair, there are over 18 routes that run all around Bahrain. Services are available from 4:30 am to 12 am, and a single ticket costs about 0.30 BHD (0.80 USD).
• Car: Renting a car is an option for tourists who want more flexibility. Bahrain is home to a number of foreign car rental companies. Travelers may nevertheless experience occasional road rage or erratic driving even if Bahrain's roadways are more tranquil than those in other Gulf countries. Remember to drive on the right, wear your seat belt in front, and avoid using your mobile phone while driving are our Bahrain travel advices.

How to get around Bahrain

What to do in Bahrain

Despite its modest size, the country is home to a number of historically and aesthetically significant locations,as well as a vibrant urban environment. For anyone planning Bahrain travel, these five must-visit attractions should be at the top of your itinerary.

Manama forts

Several of the fortresses that once guarded the island are still standing in the emirate of Bahrain. Access is extremely restricted because the royal family still owns a large number of them. Fortunately, you can have the opportunity to visit one of these forts at a formal event.

You can visit the Portuguese Fort or Qal'at al Bahrain. Some of the earliest records of the island's occupation have been discovered here. The current remains match the fortress that Portuguese navigators built in the 16th century.

Tombs of the Dilmun culture

These hundreds of burial mounds from the second millennium BC are among the newest additions to the World Heritage Site.

Other Persian Gulf countries, like Oman, have comparable structures. The quantity of these tombs is particularly remarkable, and they continue to be a primary focus of archaeological research on the island.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

It is the country's spiritual center. The sheikhs of Bahrain, like those of many other Gulf monarchs, constructed a large, contemporary mosque in the heart of the metropolis. You are also introduced to the corpus of Islamic beliefs during guided tours.

A panoramic bottom-up view of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Diving in Al Muharraq

In Al Muharraq, pearl diving is practiced. Because it controlled the Persian Gulf pearl trade, Bahrain was a wealthy kingdom. You can still search the sea floor for pearls.

Final Thoughts

Bahrain’s blend of ancient history, modern luxury, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit destination. If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t hesitate to include Bahrain on your list. Start your Bahrain travel journey today and discover why this island nation is truly a treasure in the Arabian Gulf.