Bahrain Travel Guide

Full Name

Kingdom of Bahrain

Former Name

Dilmun

Capital City

Manama

Government Type

constitutional hereditary monarchy

Area Size

Bahrain has a total area of 688 km² (266 mi²), which is slightly larger than the Isle of Man, though it is smaller than the nearby King Fahd Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia (780 km² or 301 mi²). As an archipelago of thirty-three islands, Bahrain does not share a land boundary with another country but does have a 161-kilometre (100 mi) coastline and claims a further twelve nautical miles (22 km) of territorial sea and a twenty-four nautical mile (44 km) contiguous zone. Bahrain enjoys mild winters and endures very hot, humid summers.

Time Zone

GMT +3 hours

Climate

The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity. The annual average rainfall is approximately 77 millimeters.

Geography

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean

Languages

Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Culture

In establishing the island as the regional trading centre of the Gulf, the people of Bahrain were no strangers to playing hosts to foreigners. The tradition continues and today visitors quickly discover that the Bahrainis are a generous, open and gregarious people with a warm welcoming for foreigners. Bahrain offers a lifestyle that is cosmopolitan, safe, relaxed and unsurpassed in the Arabian Gulf. From beachfront villas to garden compounds and single bedroom flats. Within the Gulf, Bahrain has become an entertainment centre with concerts, sporting and cultural events. Events include performances by western pop acts, travelling ballet and opera troupes, Arab musical stars, plays performed by international actors and exhibition sports matches. Bahrain offers facilities such as a 4000-seat indoor theatre plus conference centres and major outdoor arenas.

History

Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.

Travel Information

Europe has the best air connections with Bahrain; the best fares are usually from Italy or Greece. Flights from the US tend to be expensive and harder to find; fares are cheapest during the low seasons of early January to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December. Routes between Bahrain and other Arab countries in the Gulf are well served. Flights from India and South-East Asia tend to be inexpensive, with especially good deals from Bangkok or Delhi. There's an airport departure tax of around 8.00. Travellers can pass between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. The bus is a good way to get across, as it has its own lane at customs. There are passenger ferries running between Iran and Bahrain; the trip takes about 16 hours each way, and there's a port tax of around 8.00. Bahrain International Airport is the premier hub airport in the Middle East. The airport has the widest range and highest frequency of regional services with ideal connections to major international destinations in Europe, Asia , Africa , the Far East and Australasia.

Accommodation

Bahrain offers an impressive choice of world-class hotels. Hotel accommodation ranges from 5-star comfort, to family-run hotels and 1-star budget establishments. The deluxe hotels are well represented by international chains with some providing a meet-and-greet service from the airport if sufficient notice is given.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by all except:Passport holders of AGCC (Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council) States, (i.e. nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Citizens of the UK for a maximum of 4 weeks(providing they hold a passport with at least 6 months validity).Those continuing their onward journey within 72 hours, hold confirmed tickets, and appropriate travel documents and on condition they remain within the transit area. Entry Visas :Foreign nationals may enter Bahrain with a tourist visa (for individuals or groups), 72 - hour visa, 7 - day visa, visit visa, business visa, family visa, dependent visa, or an employment visa. Generally all types of visas (except certain categories of tourist visas which can be obtained from Consulates abroad) are to be applied for by local sponsor in Bahrain. Tourist visas can be obtained at the Bahrain International Airport or at the King Fahad Causeway for :Citizens of the European Community, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Hong Kong.Visitors who have been resident in the GCC for a minimum of six months, and who posses a return visa for the country of GCC residency.All the above must have a valid passport and return ticket, they must have no criminal record or involvememt in activities that could threaten public order or national security. Visitors must not seek employment while in Bahrain. Groups who wish to visit Bahrain are advised to contact a Tourist Company to make the necessary visa arrangements.Groups may obtain visa to Bahrain for a duration of up to 2 weeks which is renewable once a for a similar period.Entry visas are obtained through hotels, travel and tourist agencies and other firms, licensed to carry out tourist activities in Bahrain. 72-Hour Visa / 7-Day visa can be obtained on arrival at the Bahrain International Airport or at the King Fahad Causeway. These visas are mainly intended for business visits, trade delegations, attending exhibitions and seminars. Apart from the passport, the passenger must possess a confirmed return or onward journey ticket for his/her visa application to be processed. Foreign nationals who have lived for six months in a GCC State are automatically granted a 72-hour visa on arrival. Visit Visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit Bahrain to meet their relatives or friends. The application for a visit visa must be made by a local sponsor to the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports (GDIP). The visit visa is normally valid for one month's stay in Bahrain, but can sometimes be extended up to a maximum of three months. A person on a visit visa cannot work or engage in business activities during his/her stay in Bahrain. The business visa is a similar to that of a visit visa, except that the purpose of the visit is business. Family Visa is granted to a wife and children joining the husband/father.The family visa holder may not take up gainful employement in Bahrain but can stay in Bahrain as long her husband stays. Dependent visa is granted to dependants of a Bahrain resident. The visa holder cannot take up gainful employement in Bahrain but can stay as long as the head of the household stays. Employment visa is required to work legally in Bahrain and become a resident of Bahrain. A work permit is required from the Ministry of Labour and a No objection Certificate from Directorate of Immigration before this visa is granted.

Getting Around

Bahrain has a decent bus service linking most of the major towns with Manama and Muharraq. You can easily cover Manama and Muharraq on foot, though renting a car will make it easier to get to farther-flung attractions. There are agencies in Manama at the big hotels. You'll need to get an International Driving Permit before entering the country (you can't get one once you're there); driving is on the right. Bahrain's taxis are metered, and while you can hire them by the hour for sightseeing trips outside Manama, you should only do this if you plan to spend lots of time poking around remote spots where you're unlikely to find another cab.

Health & Safety

Water is treated and considered safe by the Ministry of Health in Bahrain, although visitors may prefer to drink bottled water. All modern hotels have their own filtration plants. Visitors are advised to eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. There are few endemic diseases, although visitors may be susceptible to mild gastro-enteritis or prickly-heat. Vaccinations against polio, tetanus and typhoid are recommended.Typhoid fevers and hepatitis A occur; hepatitis B is endemic. It is essential to take out full medical insurance when visiting Bahrain. Medical services in Bahrain are of high quality, with good general hospitals and modern health centres in smaller communities. The American Mission Hospital, Awali Hospital and the International Hospital all offer private walk-in consultations from BD9.500 (excluding the cost of any medicines required). 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).

National Holidays

Fixed dates: 1 Jan (New Year's Day) 9 Jan (Arafat Day) 10 Jan (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 31 Jan (Islamic New Year) 9 Feb (Ashura) 10 Apr (The Prophet's Birthday) 1 May (Labor Day) 23 Oct (Eid al Fitr/End of Ramadan) 16 Dec (National Day) 29 Dec (Arafat DAy) 30 Dec (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) Variable dates: 18 Dec (Additional Public Holiday) Only in 2006

Currency

Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

Electricity

230 V G

Working Hours

The working week and number of hours worked vary considerably. Goverment offices: 07.00 - 14.15 Saturday to Wednesday. Commercial organisations: 08.00 - 15.30 or 08.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.30 are common hours. Shops & supermarkets: 08.30 - 12.30, 15.30 - 19.30 six days a week. Markets and shops open Friday mornings (times vary) Commercial banks: 7.30 - 12.00 Saturday to Wednesday, and for many branches, 15.30 - 17.30 on the same afternoon, 07.30 - 11.00 Thursdays. During the holy month of Ramadhan, which precedes Eid-Al-Fitra. When Muslims fast during daylight hours buisness life slows measurably.

Emergency Numbers

Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999