Bahrain

Quick Overview

Capital: Manama
Population: 1.425 million
Official language: Arabic
Time zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST)
Emergency #: 999
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

Bahrain: Travel Health Information

Some popular travel destinations in Bahrain include Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Khalifa, Bahrain National Museum, A’Ali Burial Mounds, Bahrain Fort, and Bahrain National Theatre.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in Bahrain may differ from your home country. Bahrain has both public and private health sectors. The public sector provides the majority of healthcare services throughout the country. The private sector is growing, but it is currently limited and not well regulated. Medical care throughout the country meets international standards.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals in Bahrain typically require upfront payment in cash, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Medical evacuation to Western Europe may be required for complex medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Bahrain.

Pharmacies and medications

Pharmacies are available throughout the country and are generally well-stocked. Medication that’s typically available over-the-counter in your home country may require a prescription in Bahrain. Some controlled substances – drugs that are classified as having a high potential for abuse or addition, which can include narcotics and psychotropic medications – may be banned or unavailable.

If you are travelling with medication, check with Bahrain's embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a narcotic or psychotropic, you can review Bahrain's regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Roads in Bahrain are generally safe but driving above the speed limit is common. Although their national seat belt law only applies to drivers, all passengers of a vehicle should wear their seat belt for safety.


  • World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory (GO) data: Bahrain.
  • World Health Organization. (2015). Global status report on road safety 2015. Geneva: World Health Organization.
  • World Health Organization. Regional Health Systems Observatory. (2007). Health System Profile: Bahrain. WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
  • World Health Organization. Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. (2006). Country Cooperation Strategy for WHO and Bahrain: 2005-2010. Cairo: WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.
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