Bahrain

Recommended Vaccinations For Bahrain

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats and other mammals (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers and cavers), as well as travellers with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wild life professionals and researchers), and long-term travellers and expatriates should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Bahrain

There are no recommendations for Bahrain at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Bahrain

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A virus exposure in Bahrain through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bahrain.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever through contaminated food and water in Bahrain, especially in smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and when staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Safety & Security in Bahrain

Personal Safety

Bahrain maintains low crime rates compared to many destinations. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur around crowded areas such as souks, but violent crime targeting tourists is extremely rare. You must carry photo ID at all times and can face fines of up to 300 Bahraini dinars if you cannot produce it when requested by authorities. Offensive language, spitting, and aggressive behaviour, including road-rage gestures, can result in prison sentences and deportation. Public drunkenness is illegal despite alcohol being legal in licensed venues. Using or carrying any amount of illegal drugs, including residual traces when transiting through the airport, can lead to imprisonment and deportation. Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills containing CBD oil are illegal in Bahrain and treated as serious crimes.

Extreme Violence

No terrorist attacks were reported in Bahrain in 2023, according to U.S. State Department records. The country remains under an “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory due to terrorism concerns, as terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks. Potential targets include tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Bahrain continues to prosecute terrorism-related cases through its Terrorism Crimes Unit, and security forces conduct operations to preempt and disrupt attack planning. The country’s location in the Middle East contributes to elevated risks stemming from regional tensions, though incidents targeting tourists remain rare.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and protests occur regularly in Bahrain, particularly in specific villages and areas, including Sitra, Diraz, Budaiya, and surrounding villages on the Budaiya Highway. Between January and June 2025, 145 peaceful protests were held across various towns and villages, with 132 arrests, including 35 children. Protests often take place on evenings, weekends, and after Friday prayers. Pro-Palestine demonstrations resulted in violent police responses in 2023-2024, with authorities using tear gas and making mass arrests. Public rallies and meetings of large groups without permission are illegal, and you could face legal action if caught up in them. Protests can cause road blockages and security checkpoints, including routes to the airport and the causeway with Saudi Arabia. The 2011 pro-democracy protests led to the imprisonment of opposition figures who remain incarcerated, and political prisoners continue to be held for activism and dissent.

Areas To Avoid

Exercise caution in villages and older districts of Manama, particularly after dark. The old market areas (souks) are prone to pickpocketing and bag snatchers. Particular areas where demonstrations are more frequent include Sitra, Diraz, Budaiya Highway villages, and other surrounding villages. Roads in these villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are often narrow and less well maintained than the main northern highways, making movement more challenging at night. Some parts of Manama’s older districts can feel less safe after dark, so stay in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings, which are illegal without permission. The U.S. Embassy restricts its employees from travelling to specific areas during unrest and advises U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations. The risk of protests often increases around anniversaries of major events and during Shia religious festivals, especially after Friday prayers.