Going to à Bahreïn: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay à Bahreïn

Money Money à Bahreïn

Bahrain's official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). It is one of the strongest currencies in the world, with a generally stable exchange rate. In July 2025, 1 BHD is equivalent to around 2.30 euros or 2.65 US dollars, but these values may vary slightly according to market fluctuations. International credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, hotels and shopping malls, while cash is preferred in souks and small stores.

Budget & Tips Budget & Tips à Bahreïn

Bahrain is a wealthy country thanks to its hydrocarbon resources. As a result, living standards are relatively high. Expect to pay between BHD 60 and 120 per day, and up to BHD 250 for the most comfortable budgets. In restaurants and hotels, tipping is not compulsory, but always appreciated. In the souks, haggling is possible.

Passport and visas Passport and visas à Bahreïn

French nationals wishing to visit Bahrain must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the country. A visa is required, and can be obtained either online (eVisa) or on arrival at the airport. A short-term tourist visa (up to two weeks) costs around 5 Bahraini dinars (BHD). For further information or to anticipate an application, please consult the official website of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Immigration Service (NPRA) or contact the Bahraini Embassy in Paris.

Driver's license Driver's license à Bahreïn

Renting a car in Bahrain is an excellent way to discover the country in complete freedom. However, you will need a French driving license valid for at least one year and to be at least 21 years old. Some agencies may apply stricter conditions or additional charges for young drivers.

Health Health à Bahreïn

Bahrain presents no major health risks for travellers. Infectious diseases are rare, although sporadic cases of dengue fever have been reported, especially in summer. Tap water is officially potable, but may have an unpleasant taste due to desalination. It is therefore advisable to use bottled water, which is widely available. Medical facilities are modern, especially in Manama, but costs can be high: international health insurance is strongly recommended.

Mandatory vaccination Mandatory vaccination à Bahreïn

No specific vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to be up to date with your basic vaccinations (DTPolio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid).

Security Security à Bahreïn

Bahrain is generally a safe destination for travelers. Crime levels are low, and incidents involving tourists are rare. Demonstrations do occur, however, mainly in the Shiite areas on the outskirts of Manama. It is advisable to stay away from all gatherings and to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Time difference Time difference à Bahreïn

Bahrain's time zone is GMT+3 all year round. The country does not change time, so there is no summer or winter time. Consequently, the time difference with France is +2 hours in winter (when France is on GMT+1) and +1 hour in summer (when France switches to summer time, GMT+2).

Spoken languages Spoken languages à Bahreïn

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, used in administration, the media and education. However, English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in business, commerce and tourism. There are also many Hindi, Urdu, Persian and Tagalog-speaking communities, reflecting the diversity of expatriates present in the country.

Communication Communication à Bahreïn

Bahrain enjoys excellent cell phone coverage throughout the country, including in rural and desert areas. The main local operators offer fast, reliable 4G LTE services, with 5G gradually being rolled out in major cities. The quality of the fixed internet network is also good, with broadband connections widely available in urban areas.

Electricity and measurements Electricity and measurements à Bahreïn

In Bahrain, electrical sockets are G-type (three rectangular pins, as in the UK), with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. It is advisable to bring an adapter with you if your appliances use another format. Bahrain uses the metric system for units of measurement (kilometers, degrees Celsius, etc.).

Luggage Luggage à Bahreïn

For a trip to Bahrain, opt for light, breathable cotton or linen clothing, suited to the heat and humidity, especially from May to September. You'll also need to wear something more revealing to respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Daily life à Bahreïn

Hello? Hello? à Bahreïn

To call a Bahraini number, the area code is +973. We recommend buying a local SIM card for better coverage and lower rates. ZAIN is probably the operator with the best network, followed by Batelco and VIVA. You can buy a SIM card in the operators' official stores as soon as you arrive at the airport or in shopping malls. The procedure is simple: you'll need to present your passport for registration.

Accessibility Accessibility à Bahreïn

The vast majority of shopping malls, hotels and restaurants have disabled access. However, sidewalks are not always suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Health Health à Bahreïn

Tap water in Bahrain is not generally considered potable for visitors. It is recommended to drink bottled water, which is readily available throughout the country. Hospitals meet international standards and are staffed by French-speaking doctors. In the event of a medical emergency, you can contact the embassy.

Emergency numbers Emergency numbers à Bahreïn

For fire departments, dial 998; for medical emergencies, 999; and for marine emergency services, 997.

Securty Securty à Bahreïn

Bahrain is an extremely safe country, but you should remain vigilant. If you need to contact the police, dial 999.

LGBTQ LGBTQ à Bahreïn

In Bahrain, homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized, but vague laws on "indecency" and "immorality" are used to target LGBT+ people. They face significant social stigma and must exercise caution, including avoiding public displays of affection.

Embassies and consulates Embassies and consulates à Bahreïn

France has an embassy and consulate in the Kingdom of Bahrain, located in Manama, in the Diplomatic Area, where consular services provide assistance to French nationals, issue visas and handle administrative formalities.

Embassy of France in Manama
Address: Building 1663, Road 1010, Block 310, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone: +973 17 14 44 00
Website: https: //bh.ambafrance.org/

Mail Mail à Bahreïn

The postage rate for a standard 20 g letter is approximately 0.2 BHD. This rate is valid for international mail, including to France. Estimated delivery time from Bahrain to France is 7 to 10 working days.

Local media Local media à Bahreïn

Bahrain has several major media outlets, including the English-language Gulf Daily News, the Arabic-language Al Ayam, and the public broadcaster BTV. The press is controlled, but offers local and regional news. The Local Bahrain Instagram page shares lots of great tips all year round.