Pearling Path

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bahrain page at Yoogo.

Bahrain uses the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), one of the world's highest-valued currencies, divided into 1,000 fils. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops across Manama and other major areas, though carrying some cash is useful for smaller vendors, taxis, and markets.

Bahrain is generally considered one of the safer countries in the Middle East, with low rates of petty crime and violent crime towards visitors. Travellers should remain alert to the possibility of civil unrest, avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations, and monitor local news and their home government's travel advisories throughout their stay.

Ride-hailing apps including Uber and Careem operate across the island and offer a straightforward, metered alternative to negotiating fares. An air-conditioned public bus network operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company connects Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, and Isa Town, with a rechargeable GO Card available at the airport and main terminals. Renting a car is a practical option for reaching sites outside the capital such as the Tree of Life and Dilmun Burial Mounds.

The most comfortable period for sightseeing is November through March, when daytime temperatures range roughly 15–25 degrees Celsius and outdoor exploration is pleasant. The summer months of June through September bring extreme heat and high humidity, which can make outdoor activities challenging, though hotel rates are typically lower during this period.

Arabic is the official language, with Gulf Arabic the primary spoken dialect. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Manama and Muharraq, making it straightforward for English-speaking visitors to navigate daily life without Arabic language skills.

No vaccinations are required for entry to Bahrain unless arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended by travel health clinicians, and travellers should ensure routine immunisations are up to date before departure.

Tipping is customary but not compulsory; a gratuity of around 10–15 per cent is appreciated in restaurants where a service charge has not already been added to the bill. Small tips for hotel porters, housekeeping staff, and taxi drivers are considered a polite gesture, though not obligatory.