Living in Bahrain

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Bahrain. Read about how our Embassy in BahrainManama can help.help.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the localBahraini authoritiesauthorities. in Bahrain. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on on moving or retiring abroadabroad..

To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy inManama Bahrain on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Before you go

See our travel advice for Bahrain for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Bahrain is built on generations of Islamic traditions which are rooted firmly in its culture and tribal heritage. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and form the cornerstone of everyday life for Bahraini family.families. Bahrainis are friendly people who show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors in their country; but Bahraini culture and values should always be respected.

The culture and laws in Bahrain are designed to ensure that everyone is respectful of each other regardless of their faith and nationality. Visitors and residents alike should avoid conduct and behaviour which might be perceived as breaching these norms as it may lead to prosecution resulting in fines, imprisonment and deportation.

Before you go

See our travel advice for Bahrain for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Coronavirus

Follow the advice of Bahrain’s government and your local authority. You should also read the Bahrain travel advice.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Bahrain in our travel advice.

Arriving in Bahrain

If you are a British National and are coming to live in Bahrain soon, there are a few things you may wish to consider to make your arrival smoother. Please make sure to follow our tips for Checking in to the country. Bahrain.

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Travel bans in Bahrain

Travel bans are legal prohibitions the Bahrain government imposes to prevent persons involved in disputes from departing the country. They can be the result of any sort of civil or criminal dispute or immigration violation. They are not normally lifted until the matter at issue, ie, civil suit, criminal case or immigration violation, is settled.

A travel ban can result from any number of causes. For example, civil courts in Bahrain can (and do) impose travel bans over financial disputes. Such disputes might include disputes between business partners, between borrowers and lenders, landlords and tenants. If a financial dispute is the basis of the travel ban, it may be possible to get the ban lifted by depositing a sum of money equal to the amount in dispute with the court or if the parties mutually settle the matter and withdraw litigation proceedings.

The Bahrain Public Prosecutor’s office may also impose travel bans on individuals while it is conducting criminal investigations in order to prevent them from leaving the country. The Ministry of the Interior will also impose travel bans on those who violate their visa status by overstaying, working without authorization,authorisation, etc. These bans will not usually be lifted until the case at issue is concluded. Persons who are banned from travelling for immigration violations will sometimes also find themselves in deportation proceedings. Persons who are involved in disputes or investigations can check whether travel bans exist by checking with the Bahrain Immigration Department. Often travellers do not learn that they are subject to a travel ban until they attempt to depart the country or on entry into the country.

The Bahrain government will usually not lift a travel ban until the matter under dispute is resolved. If the resolution involves a financial penalty such as a fine, the process of getting the travel ban formally lifted can involve shuttling between various Bahrain government offices and courts to pay, obtain needed approvals, etc. Once the ban is lifted, the traveller is free to depart Bahrain.

For further information, please contact the Bahrain Department of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs on telephone: 17399764.

ContactAccommodation usand buying property

ToSee contactbuying a property abroad.

You can purchase property in approved freehold areas of Bahrain that include but not limited to: Juffair, Seef, Amwaj Islands, Reef Island, Durrat Marina, Durrat Al Bahrain.

Driving in Bahrain

You can drive in Bahrain with a valid UK driving licence for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer, you will need to get either a local licence or an IDP. If you are using an IDP, please ensure that you visit the ConsularTraffic TeamAuthority atupon arrival to have it certified.

As of 28 March 2019, the BritishIDP Embassyyou callwill 17574100need (optionin 1Bahrain is a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). 1926 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for Englishuse in Bahrain after this date. From 1 February 2019, you can only get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Bahrain operates a zero tolerance to drink-driving. Tailgating, speeding, racing, lane jumping and 2using a mobile phone while driving are all against the law and can result in heavy fines. There are numerous speed cameras on the roads and motorways. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory. Failure to do so can result in a fine. If you are caught you will be arrested and put in the drivers’ prison. Your case will not be heard until the next working day. First time offenders will have to pay a minimum £900 fine and could be banned from driving in Bahrain. British visitors from Saudi Arabia will be subject to the same punishment but with the addition of a driving ban there also. For repeat offenders the fine and ban will be more serious.

Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in imprisonment and deportation. This includes road rage.

Please click here to view general guidance on driving abroad.

If you’re asked for Consulara Assistance)letter authenticating, certifying or usevalidating theyour onlineUK driver’s licence, you should contact formyour UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA)

Click here for guidance for travelling by road in Bahrain.

If you wish to take your vehicle with you, click here.

Disabled drivers

If you wouldhave likea UK Blue Badge and live in Bahrain, you must return it to signthe uporiginal UK issuing authority.

Voting

You may be able to receivevote Consularin Newsletterssome UK elections. You can:

Check if you are able to remainvote

Register awareas an overseas voter

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Bahrain, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.

If you become pregnant outside of marriage, both you and your partner face the latestpossibility consularof information.imprisonment. There are also legal ramifications when registering the birth with the local authorities

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

Deaths

If someone dies in Bahrain read our guidance on:

What to do if someone dies abroad.

Click here to signread up.the bereavement guidance for Bahrain and here for English-speaking funeral directors in Bahrain.

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad

Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal in Bahrain, irrespective of any relationship you may have with your partner in the UK. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal.

Civil partnerships are not recognised in Bahrain, the concept of a civil partnership does not exist and will also be treated as a sexual relationship outside of marriage which is illegal.

Holding hands for married couples is tolerated but kissing and hugging are considered offences against public decency. Open displays of affection are generally not tolerated.

DisclaimerPets

Domestic animals accompanying the traveller are restricted and subject to the control of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs, Works and Urban Planning - Veterinary Quarantine.

Please click here to read further information on bringing your pets into Bahrain.

Emergencies

Dial 999 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade.

Dial 999 to report a missing child.

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Bahrain, read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in cases of rape and sexual assault. Further guidance can be found here.

Please click here to find a lawyer in Bahrain.

If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Manama.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Returning to the UK

If you are planning to leave Bahrain, please make sure to follow our tips for Checking out of Bahrain.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Travellers’ tips

• Be aware of security and take sensible precautions.
• Leave your jewellery and valuables at home if you can. Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest, and at least one credit card, in the hotel safe if one is available.
• Keep copies of your passport, insurance details and other important travel documents separate from the originals. It is useful to always have some form of identity on you, such as a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport.
• Be aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable.
• Seek guidance from your hotel (or consult a guidebook) to discover any local scams.
• Keep up to date with local and regional events in the media.

Don’t take risks on holidays that you wouldn’t take at home. Trust your instincts: If a situation looks dangerous, it probably is.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.