It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

There will be a number of high profile events in Bahrain during November and December 2022 which will likely see an increase in visitor numbers and may impact your plans including travel around Bahrain. These events include an Apostolic visit from Pope Francis between 3-6 November, Bahrain International Airshow 9-12 November, national elections commencing 12 November, the Manama Dialogue 18-20 November and the World Cup taking place in Qatar 20 November to 18 December 2022. You should consider leaving additional time for travel, remain vigilant, follow the advice of the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings wherever you are on the island. Refer to ‘Safety and Security’ for more security advice.

Around 4,000 British nationals live in Bahrain, and thousands more visit each year. Most visits are trouble free.

You should be alert to local and regional developments. Localised protests can take place and generally there is a visible security presence. You should be vigilant, follow the advice of the local authorities, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. If you encounter civil disturbance, leave the area immediately. Travel around Bahrain may be affected at such times. See Demonstrations

By law, all residents and visitors must carry photographic ID. See Local laws and customs

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Bahrain. See Terrorism

You must have legal status in Bahrain when you depart. See Exit requirements

You can contact the emergency services by calling 999. If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should call the local hotline of 444 and follow the authorities’ advice. For general COVID-19 enquires within Bahrain, contact the Ministry of Health or on email at covid19@moh.gov.bh.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Qatar World Cup 2022

The FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.

If you are attending the tournament, you should check the travel advice in full for each country you plan to visit or transit through. Rules and requirements will vary from country to country. If you are travelling from Bahrain to Qatar during the World Cup period, you must ensure you have a Hayya Card (form of Fan ID). You should also check Travel Advice for Qatar and sign up to receive email alerts whenever Travel Advice for Qatar changes. You can also monitor the official Qatar World Cup and FIFA websites for more information.

If you are planning to drive from Bahrain to Qatar, please be aware of the risks in doing so. You will cross through Saudi Arabia so please refer to Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia . Travelling by road from Bahrain to Qatar can be arduous with limited fuel and rest stops. You will need to be patient and allow plenty of time for your journey. There will be specific procedures in place to enter Qatar through the Abu Samra Border Crossing during the tournament, including restrictions on vehicle entry. See Qatar World Cup 2022 as well as official Qatar channels for more information.

Please be aware that currently there are no direct flights from Bahrain to Qatar and access by sea is not possible.

You will also need to be aware that if you anticipate returning to Bahrain after the World Cup, and have lost your passport, you will not be allowed to enter Bahrain with an Emergency Travel Document.

If travelling to Qatar to attend the World Cup you should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance , and follow the latest COVID-19 requirements, before travelling to Bahrain, and on to Qatar. Check Travel Advice for Qatar for information about Qatar’s current COVID-19 requirements. The Qatari authorities are encouraging anyone travelling to the World Cup to familiarise themselves with these requirements , including on testing, masks and the ‘Ehteraz’ app.