Guidance

Living in Bahrain

Information for British citizens moving to or living in Bahrain, including guidance on local laws and customs, employment and travel bans.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
9 October 2013
Last updated
5 December 2024 — See all updates

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

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Bahraini authorities. 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 moving or retiring abroad..

To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Manama 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 every day life for Bahraini 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.

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. Follow our tips for checking in to Bahrain.

Social ethics and tradition

Alcohol

Alcohol is legal in Bahrain with a number of bars, licensed restaurants and off-licences; however, drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law, making the offender liable to a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and withdrawal of their driving license. Physical assault and damaging public property whilst under the influence of alcohol is an offence, which may lead to a prison sentence.

Drugs

Illegal drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount. Consuming or carrying illegal drugs, even if you are transiting through the airport from one country to another, can result in imprisonment and deportation. Buying or selling illegal drugs and narcotics is considered a serious crime which can result in life imprisonment.

Some skincare products and E-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Bahrain such as CBD oil.

Dress code in Bahrain

Bahrainis dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when people dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values.

In public places such as shopping malls, restaurants and parks, you are encouraged to dress appropriately. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body or display offensive pictures or slogans. Be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately you may be asked to leave (most of the larger shopping malls display signs warning that respectable clothing should be worn). Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. These rules are even more closely observed during Ramadan when modesty is promoted.

Respect for religion in Bahrain

Islamic religious values are greatly respected in Bahrain. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religions are respected in Bahrain and can be followed by the expatriate community. Follow a few simple rules of respect:

  • Muslims pray five times a day. You will notice that the mosques call people to pray through a speaker system
  • be aware that drivers who are not close to a mosque, may stop at a convenient lay-by to pray privately
  • during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Throughout this month, eating, drinking, smoking, playing loud music and dancing in public places during daylight hours are strictly forbidden and punishable by law, including for non-Muslims

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Bahrain in our travel advice.

See how to apply for a visa to enter Bahrain.

Find information on applying for a Dependant Residency Permit.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Bahrain.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Bahrain.

Healthcare in Bahrain

You must ensure you have private healthcare cover for Bahrain. See a list of medical facilities in Bahrain.

UK travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Bahrain. Certain medicines may not be available in Bahrain (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Bahrain to find out about any alternative medication. Some skincare products may contain ingredients that are illegal in Bahrain such as CBD oil.

Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines.

Working in Bahrain

If you are coming to Bahrain to take up work and arrive on a visit visa, ensure that your employer registers you with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and provides you (and your family) with a Residence Permit and CPR (ID card) very shortly after you arrive. Read the Bahrain government’s guidance on working in Bahrain as a foreign national and how to get a visa.

You should not take up any form of employment whilst in Bahrain on a visit visa. Working without the proper visa is illegal. You cannot undertake any kind of paid or unpaid employment in Bahrain without first obtaining a work visa. Failure to comply could result in prosecution and imprisonment.

If you have been living in Bahrain prior to taking up a new job opportunity here, it is common practice for employers in Bahrain to request a Good Conduct Certificate issued by the police.

If you have lived in Bahrain for more than 6 months and would like to request a Good Conduct Certificate from the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National portal.

Studying in Bahrain

If you plan to study in Bahrain, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

Contact the relevant higher education provider in Bahrain to check what fees you have to pay.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bahrain so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Bahrain. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Bahrain.

Read guidance on:

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

Pensions

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in Bahrain, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Travel bans

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

Accommodation and buying property

See buying 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, ensure that you visit the Traffic Authority upon arrival to have it certified.

As of 28 March 2019, the IDP you will need in Bahrain is a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). 1926 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for use 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 using 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.

View general guidance on driving abroad.

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA).

Find guidance for travelling by road in Bahrain.

Find guidance on taking your vehicle with you.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Bahrain, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Voting

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

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 are unmarried and pregnant, we strongly recommend against giving birth in Bahrain. There are legal ramifications when registering birth with the local authorities, who are unlikely to issue a birth certificate. This will cause complications when applying for citizenship and passport for the child. If you are married and pregnant, you might still find that a local birth certificate will be denied if the child is born less than 9 months after the wedding date as per marriage certificate.

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:

Read the bereavement guidance for Bahrain and see a list of 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.

Pets

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

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. Find further guidance on rape and sexual assault abroad.

If you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, read the guidance on how to get help. You may contact Shamsaha, an organisation that offers support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Bahrain.

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, 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.

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.

Updates to this page

Published 9 October 2013
Last updated 5 December 2024 + show all updates

  1. Added additional information related to domestic violence support in Bahrain.

  2. Updated 'checking in to Bahrain' guidance under 'Before you go' and 'checking out of Bahrain' guidance under 'Returning to the UK'.

  3. Updated attachment: checking in campaign 2023.

  4. Updated information on tips for checking out of Bahrain.

  5. Updated information under 'Birth'.

  6. Updated - new living in Bahrain guidance.

  7. Updated - Checking in to the country guidance.

  8. Updated - Checking Out Campaign.

  9. Updated the attachment for Checking IN Campaign - September 2021.

  10. Updated file - Checking out campaign May 2021.

  11. Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  12. Added guidance on steps for British naitonals to make arrival in Bahrain easier (see attachment: Checking in to the country).

  13. Updated - guidance living in bahrain.

  14. Added 'Employment' section with information for British nationals coming to Bahrain for a work opportunity on visit visa.

  15. Updated new version of Checking Out Campaign.

  16. Updated Checking Out Campaign - June 2020.

  17. Added tips for checking out of Bahrain this summer

  18. First published.

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