Things To Know Before Visiting Bahrain

Situated in the Arabian Gulf and made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial ones, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a modern country that rivals its Gulf neighbours. The capital, Manama, is a major financial hub and offers an intriguing blend of contemporary and traditional culture. From the beautiful island weather to the food, Bahrain will keep you busy during your week-long visit. Whether you’re curious about its pearl diving history, the Dilmun civilisation or stunning Islamic architecture, there is something for every kind of traveller here.

Here’s all you need to know about planning a trip to Bahrain.

Visa Requirements

Indian passport holders can apply online prior to their flight to Bahrain or submit a visa-on-arrival application when they land at the airport. Regardless of what you opt for, you need to have a valid passport of at least six months. The processing time for a Bahraini visa is three to five business days.

The two-week single-entry visit visa requires a confirmed hotel booking, return flights, and a copy of a bank statement under the visitor's name covering the last three months. The three-month multiple-entry visa allows visitors to stay for 30 days per visit and mandates a bank balance of not less than USD 1,000 (approximately INR 87,395). The one-year multiple-entry visit visa allows visitors to stay for 90 days and requires a bank balance of USD 1000 (approximately INR 87,395).

For visa-on-arrival, consider the two-week single entry visa or the three-month multiple entry visa.

Things To Do In Bahrain

Arabian Horse Riding

The Arabian horse is a breed like no other. Selected over aeons to form a cooperative relationship with humans, they are good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. Thus, they can be found in the discipline of endurance riding and compete in many other fields of equestrian sport.

In Bahrain, one of the most unique things you can do is ride an Arabian horse on the sandy shores of Karbabad Beach and near Bahrain Fort. The ride takes in quaint villages and a picturesque view of the sunset. Choose from any of the tour operators or seek help from your hotel for booking this experience.

Explore Manama With A Sightseeing Tour

If time is short, then embark on a four-hour sightseeing tour of Manama that includes the top places to visit, including the Al-Fateh Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, the Muharraq Souq, the Bahrain Fort, and Bab Al Bahrain. Starting at 9 AM, you will be led by an expert guide who knows the city inside out.

During the tour, you will gain a deeper insight into Arab culture and admire the beautiful Kulic calligraphy and fibre-glass dome of the Al-Fateh Mosque; immerse yourself in the country's rich history and culture at the Bahrain National Museum; taste delectable Bahraini halwa, make an unforgettable stop at the old houses of Muhharaq and Bahrain Fort; and visit Bab Al Bahrain, a historic building in Customs Square.

Complimentary refreshments and free WiFi will be available on board the bus, which you can book on the Visit Bahrain website.

Indulge In Bahraini Cuisine

Due to Bahrain’s role as an important seaport and trading junction since ancient times, the country's cuisine is a mixture of Arabic, Persian, Indian, Balochi, African, Far East, and European influences.

For an authentic dining experience, check out the Emmawash Traditional Restaurant, Haji’s Traditional Café, and the Naseef Restaurant for servings of mahyawa (tangy fish sauce), machboos (meat dish with fragrant rice), harees (wheat cooked with meat), and ghoozi (roasted lamb stuffed with rice, meat and eggs).

Places To Visit

Pearling Path

In the heart of Muharraq, Bahrain’s former capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects the unique legacy of the country’s pearling era through the architecture and the urban heritage of the old city of Muharraq, as well as three pearl-producing oyster beds. Visitors to the area can follow “The Path,” a pathway extending 3.5 km from the Bu Mahir seashore to the Siyadi complex. This includes various buildings which were involved in the pearling economy, especially in the 19th century. The path also includes a modern-built visitor centre, 16 public squares, and a number of cultural buildings.

Tree Of Life

This 9.75 m high Prosopis cineraria tree is over 400 years old and is situated on a hill in a barren area of the Arabian Desert. Lacking any visible source of water, the tree has baffled visitors and scientists alike for its entire life as it has continued to grow. In October 2010, archaeologists unearthed 500-year-old pottery and other artefacts in the vicinity of the tree. A soil and dendrochronology analysis conducted in the 1990s concluded that the tree was an Acacia planted in 1582.

Dilmun Burial Mounds

The Dilmun Burial Mounds are formed by 21 archaeological sites in the western part of Bahrain. Six of the selected site components are burial mound fields consisting of some dozen to several 1,000 tumuli. Together, they comprise about 11,774 burial mounds. The remaining 15 site components consist of 13 single royal mounds and two pairs of royal mounds, all embedded in the urban fabric of A'ali village.

The Dilmun Burial Mounds were constructed during the Early Dilmun Period over 300 years, approximately between 2050 and 1750 BCE. The burial mounds bear witness to the flourishing of the Early Dilmun civilisation around the 2nd millennium BCE. During that period, Bahrain gained economic importance on an international level as a trading hub.

Culture And Etiquette

Arab and Islamic practices have shaped Bahrain's rich cultural legacy. Visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or public places. Be mindful of local customs, such as taking off shoes when entering houses or mosques, and avoid making public shows of affection. Conversations about sensitive topics, such as politics, religion, and criticism of the royal family or government, should be approached with care as these could potentially lead to legal issues. Additionally, it’s important to remember that during the holy month of Ramadan, drinking, eating, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.

Bahraini culture, like many others in the Middle East, places significant emphasis on the right hand, which is considered pure, while the left hand is traditionally seen as unclean. Therefore, always use your right hand for eating, greeting, or giving and receiving items.

Respecting privacy is also important in Bahraini culture. Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially women, and respect areas where photography may be prohibited.

Best Time To Visit

December to March is the best time to visit Bahrain as the temperature conditions remain very pleasant in the archipelago. With a slight breeze blowing and occasional showers, it is the right time to explore the country.

Formula One fans should consider visiting around April 11-13 this year.

Currency And Payment

Bahrain's official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), which is approximately INR 230 (at the time of publishing). Most hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments accept credit cards, and ATMs are widely available. However, it is best to have cash on hand for smaller purchases and transactions in markets or cabs.

Tipping is common in Bahrain but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of 10-15 per cent is appreciated, while for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is good practice.

Getting Around

Getting around Bahrain is straightforward, even if you don't have a car. While the public transport system is limited, there are still several options for travellers. The primary mode of public transport in Bahrain is by bus, with an extensive network of routes and timetables. Buses are plentiful, reliable, relatively cheap, and cover almost anywhere you would need to go on the island. There are also taxis, which are more expensive but air-conditioned and can take you to more places than the bus system. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Careem are also available in Bahrain and offer a convenient alternative to regular taxis.