The UAE and Bahrain have announced the launch of a travel corridor for people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
The vaccine corridor allows vaccinated passengers to travel between the two countries without the need for quarantine in either destination. It will be in operation from the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
With Bahrain a little more than an hour’s flight from the UAE, the country could be a good pick for those wanting a change of scenery without having to travel too far from home.
If you’re considering taking a trip to the Gulf island in the near future, this guide answers any questions you may have, from the precautionary measures that need to be followed to the restrictions in place once you arrive.
Who can fly to Bahrain?
Entry to Bahrain is currently restricted to Bahraini citizens and residents, GCC citizens and passengers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa. Click here to discover which passport holders qualify for visas on arrival.
Diplomats, military personnel, airline crew and holders of official, service or UN passports can also fly to Bahrain. All arriving passengers must hold a return ticket and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Bahrain.
Do I need to quarantine in Bahrain?
Travellers who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will need to quarantine in Bahrain until they receive a negative Covid-19 test result.
Citizens and residents of the UAE who can provide proof that they have received the full course of a Covid-19 vaccine through approved applications – Al Hosn in the UAE and BeAware Bahrain – do not need to quarantine or undergo Covid-19 testing procedures from Thursday, May 13.
Passengers travelling from other GCC countries who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 also do not need to undergo PCR testing on arrival, or follow self-isolation rules.
What do I need to do before I fly to Bahrain?
All travellers flying to Bahrain must complete this Health Declaration form before flying. Passengers must also download and activate the BeAware Bahrain app.
Tourists who need an online visa must apply and have their application approved before they can fly to Manama.
Negative PCR test results are required for anyone flying to Bahrain who is unvaccinated. Tests must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before flight departure times, except for travellers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, who must take tests a maximum of 48 hours prior. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from these testing requirements.
What rules are in place at the airport?
Covid-19 testing is in place at Bahrain airport. Citizens and residents with proof of vaccination or recovery through the BeAware Bahrain app do not need to undergo PCR testing on arrival.
GCC travellers with proof of vaccination are also exempt. All other travellers must have a Covid‑19 PCR test (at their own expense) on arrival.
The fee for this is 36 Bahraini dinar (Dh350) which covers a test on arrival and two further tests, one to be conducted on the fifth day and another on the 10th day of the visit. The fee is the same no matter how long travellers are staying in Bahrain, and there is no minimum stay requirement.
Arriving passengers must remain in self‑isolation until they receive the result of their test taken on arrival. Travellers can pay for their tests before arriving via the BeAware Bahrain app. Cash is also accepted, but this may cause delays.
Which airlines are flying to Bahrain?
Emirates is operating flights from Dubai to Bahrain. The airline is currently flying 14 times a week to the kingdom. Flydubai is also operating flights.
From Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways has resumed twice daily flights to Bahrain. Air Arabia operates to Manama from Sharjah and Gulf Air, the national airline of Bahrain, is also flying regularly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
What restrictions are in place in Bahrain?
Indoor dining services, gymnasiums, swimming pools, cinemas, spas, games centres and other indoor services are reserved for vaccinated and recovered citizens, residents and visitors only, who must present proof of vaccination.
People who have not been vaccinated or recovered from Covid‑19 will have no access to the above venues, as well as events, exhibitions and conferences. Children under 17 are exempt from these rules.
Hotels are open with social-distancing rules and safety measures in place. In accordance with local health authorities, some restaurant and facility services and hours may also be modified. Face masks are mandatory in all public places.
MOH: There are currently 144 #COVID19 cases in a critical condition, and 244 cases receiving treatment. 13846 are stable out of a total of 13990 active cases #VACCINATEANDSTAYSAFE #TeamBahrain
– وزارة الصحة | مملكة البحرين 🇧🇭 (@MOH_Bahrain)
May 10, 2021
On Monday, the Ministry of Health in Bahrain confirmed there were currently 144 people with Covid-19 in a critical condition and a further 244 people receiving treatment for the coronavirus.
Of the current 13,990 Covid-19 cases in the country, it said that 13,846 people were stable.
What do I need to do when flying to the UAE from Bahrain?
Departing travellers need to be at Bahrain International Airport at least three hours before their flight to allow for additional screenings. Access to the terminal is limited to passengers and staff only, and temperature screening is mandatory at entry points and before boarding flights.
Bahrain has not been added to Abu Dhabi’s Green List of destinations from where travellers can fly without the need for quarantine. However, the establishment of a vaccine corridor between Bahrain and the UAE means no quarantine will be required for travellers flying into any airport in the UAE.
Travellers will need a negative PCR test to fly back to the UAE and those staying in Abu Dhabi must follow the most up-to-date PCR testing requirements for the emirate.