Contents
Summary
Entry and exit requirements
Safety and security
Local travel
Laws that apply to you
Health issues
Where to get help
Additional information
Summary
- We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain at this time due to the uncertain security situation and threat of terrorist attack.
- An explosion outside the British Embassy in Manama on 4 December was caused by a device placed underneath a vehicle parked close to the Embassy. There were no injuries.
- The Bahraini Interior Ministry on 12 November announced the arrest of five Bahraini citizens for allegedly planning terrorist attacks on individuals and targets including the King Fahad Causeway, Interior Ministry and Saudi Embassy.
- Since February 2011, there have been ongoing demonstrations and protests in Bahrain, including in Manama and in Shia villages, some of which have been violent resulting in fatalities. There have been violent clashes surrounding funerals. Further demonstrations and protests are likely.
- Security forces have responded violently to some previous demonstrations. Australians should avoid all demonstrations and gatherings, including funerals, as they may turn violent. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave the area, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.
- There continues to be a visible security presence in Bahrain, particularly around Manama city centre. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.
- You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers and at night-time due to the potential for civil disturbances. Shia-majority areas, including the Sanabis area, Hamad town, Budaiya and the Sitra area, may continue to experience unrest. Visitors to Bahrain should reconsider their need to travel outside the central business area after nightfall and should restrict their movements to major routes at all times.
- You should monitor local and international media for information on current developments affecting your safety and security.
- Travellers to Bahrain may face increased scrutiny from Bahraini authorities at this time. The Government of Bahrain has refused immigration requests from some Australians and holders of Australian permanent residency visas.
- Australians requiring consular assistance in Bahrain should call the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 or the Australian Embassy in Riyadh on +96 6 1 488 7788.
- Statements by international terrorists groups have called for attacks against Western interests in the Gulf region, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. Commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners are possible terrorist targets.
- Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. The Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia provides consular assistance to Australians in Bahrain.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Travellers to Bahrain may face increased scrutiny from Bahraini authorities at this time. The Government of Bahrain has refused immigration requests from some Australians and holders of Australian permanent residency visas. You should ensure that your travel documents are available for inspection by local authorities.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. You may experience difficulties as you enter Bahrain if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, such as entry or exit stamps. Visit the website of the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information. Bahrain does not have an embassy in Australia, the closest Embassy of Bahrain is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Children born of a Bahraini father require their father's permission to depart Bahrain (regardless of their parents' marital status).
People involved in commercial disputes may be prevented from leaving Bahrain until the dispute is resolved.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Civil unrest/political tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain at this time due to the uncertain security situation.
An explosion outside the British Embassy in Manama on 4 December was caused by a device placed underneath a vehicle parked close to the Embassy. There were no injuries.
Since February 2011, there have been a number of violent clashes surrounding protests and funerals throughout Bahrain, including in Manama and in Shia villages. Further demonstrations and protests are likely.
Security forces have responded violently to some previous demonstrations. Australians should avoid all demonstrations and gatherings, including funerals, as they may turn violent. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave the area, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.
There continues to be a visible security presence in Bahrain, particularly around the city centre. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.
You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers and at night-time due to the potential for civil disturbances. Shia-majority areas, including the Sanabis area, Hamad town, Budaiya and the Sitra area, may continue to experience unrest. Visitors to Bahrain should reconsider their need to travel outside the central business area after nightfall and should restrict their movement to major routes at all times.
The Causeway to Saudi Arabia is open but may be subject to intermittent closure without notice.
We are aware of reports of unauthorised roadblocks being formed in some communities.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. You should closely monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks and follow the advice of local authorities.
You should register your travel and contact details, and encourage other Australians to do so too, so we can contact you if required. You should ensure that your travel documentation remains up-to-date. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular services may be limited.
Australians requiring consular assistance in Bahrain should call the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 or the Australian Embassy in Riyadh on +96 6 1 488 7788.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain at this time due to the uncertain security situation and the threat of terrorist attack.
The Bahraini Interior Ministry on 12 November announced the arrest of five Bahraini citiens for allegedly planning terrorist attacks on individuals and targets including the King Fahad Causeway, Interior Ministry and Saudi Embassy.
Statements by international terrorists groups have called for attacks against Western interests in the Gulf region, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. Commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners are possible terrorist targets. Attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners. Although there has been no reported terrorist attack in Bahrain, terrorists have attacked Westerners in the region. Further attacks in the Arabian Peninsula, including Bahrain, cannot be ruled out.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include shopping areas, supermarkets, embassies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, schools, places of worship, public transport, residential areas, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
Crime
Bahrain is largely free of serious or violent crime, but petty crime including pick-pocketing and bag snatching does occur, particularly in the old market areas (souks).
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and US dollars cash. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Road travel can be dangerous due to unsafe driving practices (particularly speeding). Roaming animals and drifting sands are additional road hazards.
Off road driving can be hazardous. You should ensure vehicles are well equipped and properly maintained. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Women should take particular care when travelling alone, especially at night.
You should be aware that vessels may not meet the safety standards you would expect in Australia. In March 2006, a dhow capsized in Bahrain killing 58 people, including foreigners. You should ensure life jackets are available.
Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. In particular, maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the Southern Gulf are sensitive. There are reports of detentions and inspections of vessels and arrest.
Piracy occurs in the Gulf. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Bahrain, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Be aware that you may not be allowed to leave Bahrain if commercial, labour or other legal proceedings are underway.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences, including for possession, are severe and include the death penalty and life imprisonment.
Serious crimes, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.
Homosexuality and homosexual acts are illegal in Bahrain. Those convicted may be imprisoned and/or deported.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Offenders may be detained, fined and banned from driving.
The penalty for some offences, including stealing, may be corporal punishment (lashing).
It is illegal to attempt to convert a Muslim to another religion.
It is illegal to photograph sensitive buildings. If in doubt, you should ask local authorities.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Bahrain. Any displays of disrespect for Islam will cause great offence. Men and women should dress modestly, with clothing that covers their elbows and knees, and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Australians travelling to Muslim countries and countries with significant Muslim communities should take great care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. Ramadan and Shia religious festivals are particularly sensitive times.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples unable to provide proof of marriage.
Public displays of affection may offend.
The Bahraini weekend is Friday - Saturday.
Information for dual nationals
Bahrain does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Bahraini dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for staying healthy and travelling with medicines while overseas.
The standard of medical services in Bahrain is high. Costs can be high and payment may be required before treatment begins. The Bahraini Government may seek to recover costs from foreign nationals receiving emergency treatment. In the event of a serious illness or an accident or for complex medical procedures, medical evacuation may be required to a location with appropriate facilities. Costs for medical evacuation are considerable.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases can occur. We encourage you to consult your doctor about what vaccinations you may require before travelling. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including some in the Middle East. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Saudi Arabia:
Australian Embassy
Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Telephone: (966 1) 488 7788
Facsimile: (966 1) 488 7973
Website: www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Bahrain, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Bahrain often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature can exceed 50˚C.
Sand and dust storms occur regularly.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.