Bahrain Holidays
Island beaches in the Arabian Gulf, year-round warmth, and a compact kingdom easy to explore. Plan your Bahrain beach holiday with flights and tips.
Today
Weather in Bahrain
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Bahrain
Autumn
SPF 50
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 30
Entry requirements for Bahrain
You must have a visa to visit Bahrain.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Visas are automatically issued for a 2-week period, but visit visas for stays of up to 6 months are also available.
You may be asked to provide evidence of onward or return travel when you apply for a visa.
You cannot start employment in Bahrain if you enter on a visit visa.
Good to know:
You must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when bringing goods into or out of Bahrain.
Safety in Bahrain
Bahrain is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry photo ID such as your passport, or you could face a fine of up to 300 dinars.
Use reputable taxis and take normal precautions to protect your belongings.
Dress modestly in public and never sunbathe topless or go nude.
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum publicly in daylight.
Do not behave drunkenly in public, as this can lead to fines, prison or deportation.
Bonus tips:
Do not photograph security or military sites, operations or incidents.
Avoid public displays of affection, which can cause offence and are illegal.
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Driving in Bahrain
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Bahrain for a short visit. An international driving permit may be useful but is not strictly required. If you reside in Bahrain, you will need to apply for a Bahraini driving license.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Bahrain drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Bahrain
As a British tourist, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. While Bahrain has a good healthcare system, treatment can be expensive for non-residents. Check your policy covers all activities you plan to do. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Bahrain.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and necessary precautions before travelling to Bahrain. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Drink bottled water and be cautious of food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets. Bahrain's climate is hot, so stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Bahrain, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Bahrain
Tipping is not mandatory in Bahrain, but it is becoming more customary, especially in the service industry, to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill, if service charge is not included
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill, if service charge is not included
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip
Hotel Porter
1-2 BHD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 BHD per night
Tour Guide
5-10 BHD per day, depending on the service
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Bahrain. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 6 BHD (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Bahrain
Voltage
230V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type G, Type D
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Average speed
35 Mbps
Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also readily available, although using a local SIM might provide cost savings.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Bahrain
Country code
973
To call Bahrain from abroad, dial 973 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Building 60, Road 1702, Block 317, Diplomatic Area, Manama
Phone
+973 1757 4100
Website
Bahrain International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
Since 8 July, there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Bahrain, targeting US military and civilian infrastructure.
There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region.
British nationals should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.
The US Embassy issued an advisory on 20 July that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama.
British nationals should now remain vigilant and follow local authorities’ instructions due to the specific threat.
Iran has carried out further attacks on Bahrain since the US-Iran MOU was agreed.
The risk assessment is now that Iran could carry out attacks again at short notice.
The previous phrasing 'attacks could resume' has been removed and replaced with specific reference to recent attacks on Bahrain.
The warning to stay away from US or Israeli-linked locations has been removed.
The advice against all but essential travel has been removed.
The details about the temporary withdrawal of embassy staff have been removed.
The specific note that travel insurance could be invalidated for travelling against advice has been removed.
The advice to register your presence in Bahrain has been removed.
Advice now references an 8 April ceasefire and a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Direct Iranian attacks have ceased, but the situation remains unpredictable.
Specific reference to the King Fahd Causeway and airspace closing simultaneously in April 2026 is now included as an example of disruption.
The advice urging those whose presence is not essential to consider leaving has been removed.
The specific entry advice for travellers to Saudi Arabia on emergency documents or with less than 6 months' passport validity has been removed.
The advice to stay away from US-linked locations now also includes Israeli-linked locations.
It now states there have been strikes targeting Bahrain since the ceasefire came into effect.
The mention of airspace reopening on 8 April and the closure since 28 February has been removed.
Entry Requirements
Advice for British nationals leaving Bahrain via Saudi Arabia on emergency documents or short-validity passports has been removed.
There is no longer a specific section on 'Entry to Saudi Arabia'.
Beaches in Bahrain
No beaches listed for Bahrain yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.