Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8%

With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Petroleum production and refining account for over 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, over 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied industries), underpinning Bahrain's strong economic growth in recent years.

Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air Defense), Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard.

A passport and a visa are required. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival. US passport holders outside of Bahrain may apply and pay for a two-week tourist visa online through the Bahraini government web site, or, may obtain a visa upon arrival at any of the ports of entry. US diplomatic passport holders can get a no-fee two-week visa upon arrival. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain five-year multiple-entry visas valid for stays as long as one month from Bahraini embassies overseas. Bahrain assesses heavy fines on visitors who fail to depart the country at the end of their authorized stay. The amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. An exit tax is included in the ticket price for flights out of Bahrain, so no additional exit fees are required upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return should obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 342-1111; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the UN, 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. Visit the Embassy of Bahrain web site for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on the department of state’s web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 3, Airports with paved runways: 3

Bahrain Airport, Bahrain, PO Box 586, Manama, Bahrain
Tel: +973 1732 1997, (Cargo) +973 1732 9128, (CAA) +973 1732 1103
Fax: +973 1732 4096, (Cargo) +973 1733 5308
Email: marketing@bahrainairport.com or ahameed@caa.gov.bh
Website: www.bahrainairport.com or bas.com.bh/cargo.htm

Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rar, however, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States.

Infant MR total:  16.18 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 74.68 years (male 72.18/female 77.25)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: DPT, MMR & polio

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported throughout the area; visceral leishmaniasis, although rare throughout most of the area, is common in central Iraq, in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, in the northwest of Syria, in Turkey (southeast Anatolia only), and in the west of Yemen.
To prevent schistosomiasis, do not swim in fresh water (except in well-chlorinated swimming pools) in these countries.

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service.

Country Calling Code:  +973
Internet Country Code:  .bh