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Bahrain is a hereditary emirate, governed by the Al-Khalifa family in consultation with a council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. In Bahrain, a modern, developed country, tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passports and visas are required. Three-day and seven-day visas may be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Manama, but obtaining visas before travel is recommended. For further information on entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the State of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-0741/2; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200.
SAFETY/SECURITY: Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. As a result of rising tensions and acts of violence in the Middle East since the first part of October 2000, the Department of State is extremely concerned about the possibility for violent actions against United States citizens and interests throughout the region. Anti-American demonstrations, some of which have become violent and difficult for local authorities to control, have taken place is Middle Eastern countries near Bahrain. In addition, the U.S. Government has indications that individuals may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and elsewhere.
CRIME INFORMATION: Although crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Bahrain, there have been demonstrations in and around Manama, in which property owned by American citizens, such as vehicles, has been damaged by acts of arson or vandalism. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to Department of State pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Those with insurance should check with their insurance company to confirm whether their policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. For areas not covered by your own insurance, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
ROAD SAFETY: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, Bahrain traffic moves on the right. Roundabouts follow the British system with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a 50 Bahraini dinar fine for speeding (speed limits range from 50 to 100 km. per hour), it is not uncommon to be passed by cars traveling 120 to 140 km. per hour on the highway. A car flashing its high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.
Any sign of having consumed alcohol will be taken as proof of driving under the influence and can lead to imprisonment and/or fines. If involved in an accident, drivers may not move their cars until a report has been filed with the traffic police. Otherwise, insurance companies may not provide coverage.
Passers-by commonly stop to assist stranded drivers; many have mobile phones and will offer to call for assistance. Members of AAA can call for assistance from the red and white AAA boxes located on highways.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present between the United States and Bahrain, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Bahrain's air carrier operations. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability of air services. As a result of the August 23, 2000 crash of a Gulf Air flight in the Persian Gulf, the DOD has recommended that military commanders use air carriers other than Gulf Air for DOD official travel, at least until investigation of the crash is complete. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Bahrain customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as: firearms, ammunition, or other weapons; pornography or seditious literature; and habit-forming or hallucinatory drugs. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the State of Bahrain in Washington, D.C. or Bahrain's Consulate in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Bahrain are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. The U.S. Embassy is located in Manama at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club), P.O. Box 26431, telephone (973) 273-300, fax (973) 256-242. The Embassy maintains an English language hotline providing information on current travel conditions in Bahrain at 973-255-048. The Embassy's web site, which includes consular information, is http://www.usembassy.com.bh. The workweek in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday. |
