COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information 

Last updated: [12/15/20]

Country-Specific Information:

  • The Bahrain Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. The Ministry of Health provides daily updates to its COVID-19 website.
  • The Government of Bahrain (GOB) has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
  • It is mandatory for all individuals to wear a face mask in all public venues.
  • All food and beverage outlets are available for takeout and delivery services.  As of October 24, indoor dining resumed with mandatory health precautions including limited seating. 
  • All grocery stores and commercial outlets remain open.
  • Limited religious services have resumed in Bahrain.
  • As of September 13, the King Fahd causeway resumed limited non-commercial traffic between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as part of a phased approach to reopening.
  • On September 16, the GOB announced new entry procedures for passengers arriving from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway to include mandatory Covid-19 testing on arrival at the expense of the traveler (or the results of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours uploaded to the “BeAware Bahrain” application) and self-isolation preventative measures until receiving a negative test.  

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes 
    • On September 4, the Government of Bahrain resumed visas upon arrival for eligible nationalities, including U.S. citizens. For more information visit MOI – Visa and Passport Services website.
    • All arriving passengers will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense. These tests cost 20 Bahraini Dinars ($53), and passengers may be required to take two tests, which would double the cost to the passenger.  Passengers under six years old are exempted from testing on arrival.
    • Beginning August 20, passengers who test negative for COVID-19 will no longer be required to quarantine for 10 days.  Passengers remaining in Bahrain for 10 days or longer will be required to test again on the tenth day in country.
    • All incoming passengers at the Bahrain International Airport or at seaports arriving from countries with COVID-19 cases will be given a health questionnaire and screened.  All travelers must comply with the requirements of the Government of Bahrain.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No 
    • But all arriving passengers will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense. These tests cost 20 Bahraini Dinars ($53), and passengers may be required to take two tests, which would double the cost to the passenger.  Passengers under six years old are exempted from testing on arrival.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes 
    • All arriving passengers will be tested for COVID-19.
    • All incoming passengers at the Bahrain International Airport or at seaports arriving from countries with COVID-19 cases will be given a health questionnaire and screened. All travelers must comply with the requirements of the Government of Bahrain.

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place? No 
    • But most dine-in restaurants, public parks, movie theaters, public water parks, and other entertainment centers are closed until further notice.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
    • All incoming passengers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
    • Travelers remaining in Bahrain for 10 days or longer will be required to test again on the tenth day in country.
    • Depending on the symptoms and risk factors, positive COVID-19 patients can either isolate at home or isolate at a private facility approved by the government of Bahrain.  High risk, severely symptomatic individuals will be Isolated in one of the government’s assigned isolation facilities. Bahrain has several Isolation facilities in different locations, and patients get assigned to each facility on a case-by-case basis based on available vacancies.

COVID-19 Testing:

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes 
    • It is mandatory for all individuals to wear a face mask in all public venues and while using public transportation and practice social distancing.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • People who break public health rules face either a minimum of three months in jail, a fine ranging from 1,000 Bahraini Dinars ($2,645) to 10,000 dinars ($26,500), or a combination of both. Visit the website of the Ministry of Health for additional information.
  • Individuals are fined 20 Bahraini Dinars ($53) on the spot for not wearing masks in public venues and outlets.

Consular Operations:

  • American Citizen Services: Routine American citizen services have resumed.  To schedule a passport appointment for minor children and adults who are not able to apply using the Dropbox or a notary appointment, please use this link. To request a CRBA appointment, please email ManamaCRBA@state.gov.
  • Visa Operations:  The Embassy has resumed scheduling of most nonimmigrant visa categories.  Applicants should expect significant wait times as services remain limited due to Covid-19.  The Embassy continues to process all cases eligible for an interview waiver.  Applicants can book an appointment online.
  • Due to the limited ability to provide interviews for nonimmigrant visa categories, only citizens and residents of Bahrain are able to schedule an appointment at this time.
  • If you have travel related to a life or death emergency, please email ManamaConsular@state.gov.

Local Resources: 

Reporting COVID-19 Cases 

Call 444 if you experience any of the symptoms related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The hotline is available 24/7, in Arabic and English. 

Assistance:  

By | 15 December, 2020 | Topics: Alert

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