Last updated: 24 Oct 2025

Bahrain

flight

Airlines

About

With a name meaning ‘Two Seas’ it is little wonder that Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands in the Gulf, defines itself in relation to the water that surrounds its shallow shores.

The twin 50-storey towers of Bahrain's World Trade Centre and the horseshoe of man-made islands at the southern tip of the country are sights to behold. Enter into the past at the excellent Bahrain National Museum before venturing beyond Manama to find traces of Dilmun, Bahrain's ancient civilization.

Amble through the souks around Bab al Bahrain and enjoy the aromas of cardamom coffee, apricot sheesha, sizzling kebabs and heady incense-laced perfumes.

Take a 40-minute boat ride to the Hawar Islands and look out for the dolphins that play in the calm Gulf seas while flamingos stalk through the shallow waters.
Official Name: Kingdom of Bahrain
Local Name: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
Capital:  Manama (BAH)
Currency:  Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Language:  Arabic. English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.
Dialling code from SA:  + 973
Time Zones: GMT / UTC +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa)
Side of the Road: Right
Best time to go:  November - March
Best For: Archaeological Sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Plugs:  220-240 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz). British-style three-pin plugs are used.
Drinking Water: Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is available and may be preferred by travellers. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. 
Health: There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended.
Customs: Although Bahrain is a liberal Islamic state, dress should be relatively conservative and revealing clothing should be avoided.  It is best for women to keep shoulders, arms and legs covered, although generally there are no restrictions for Western women. Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking in public should be avoided during daylight hours. The right hand should be used for eating, greeting and exchanging items. 
Local Offences / Laws: Homosexuality is illegal. 
Travel Tips / Warnings: There is a low risk of terrorist attacks. It is important to take sun protection measures. 
Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Bahrain by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco in opened packets
• 1L of alcoholic beverages and six cans of beer (non-Muslim passengers only)
• 240ml of perfume
• Gifts up to the value of BHD250 (approximately US$660)
Prohibited Imports: Prohibited imports include narcotics, cultured pearls, advertisements for cigarettes, radio-controlled model aircraft, children's toy guns, goods of Israeli origin, publications that contradict Islamic teachings, asbestos and ivory. Restricted imports requiring authorisation include animals, animal products, plants, fruit and vegetables, firearms and ammunition, films and publications, and telecommunications equipment.
Prohibited Exports: Prohibited exports include fuel, flour, red meat and fresh chicken bearing the trademark 'Delmon'. Restricted exports requiring authorisation include palm tree seedlings and antiquities

Issuing Authorities

Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 31; Apr 1-2; May 1; Jun 6-9, 27; Jul 6-7; Sep 5; Dec 16-17

Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 20-22; May 1, 26-29; Jun 17, 26-27; Aug 26; Dec 16-17

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by South African Passport Holders. 

E-visa can be applied for online at: www.evisa.gov.bh

E-VISA Requirements (2 week visit visa): 

  • Applications via: www.evisa.gov.bh
  • Passport must be valid for at least six months.
  • Copy of the applicant’s passport. (Family Page and any additional information page).
  • Copy of valid confirmed return air ticket.
  • Copy of hotel booking in Kingdom of Bahrain. Alternatively, in case you are staying with a relative/friend, please provide a copy of their ID reader's printout.
  • Copy of a bank statement under the visitor's name covering the last three months with an ending balance of not less than the equivalent of USD 1000.

Visa on Arrival

South Africans with a valid visit visa to UAE, UK, USA, KSA (excluding Hajj & Umrah visa), Schengen or USA Green Card may get a visa on arrival. 

Entry Requirements

  • You must not take up any paid or unpaid employment during your visit to Bahrain.
  • You must be able to support yourself (and any dependents) during the visit.
  • Passport must be valid for length of time you will be in Bahrain, or the length of the visa, whichever is longer.
  • Visitor must have a valid confirmed onward ticket to leave the Kingdom of Bahrain.
  • You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds
  • You may be asked for proof of accommodation

For other visa types / visit lengths, refer: www.evisa.gov.bh

Visa Cost

Fees - 2 week visit visa: 
E-Visa: BD 5 (application fee) + BD 5 (visa fee). Application fee is payable on application, visa fee is payable after visa is approved. 

Visa on arrival: BD 5

SA Representative

Representation accredited from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Travel Health

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:  Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio