+ 2 h / + 1 h during our summer time

Manama

Arabic

• 230 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug type G

Banks

7.30 am - 2.00 pm (Sat - Thu)

Shops

8.30 am - 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm - 7.30 pm (Sat - Thu)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid an-Nabi) - Date varies.
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Arafat Day: date varies – The Day of Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. 
• Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) - Date varies.
• Ashura: date varies – An important religious event in the Islamic calendar, particularly for Shia Muslims.
• Eid al-Fitr: date varies – Marks the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha: date varies – The Festival of Sacrifice.
• 16 December: National Day – Commemorates Bahrain’s independence in 1971.

The following documents are required to enter Bahrain:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• Swiss citizens require a visa to enter Bahrain. This can be obtained as an e-visa for a stay of up to 90 days or issued directly on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.

• A return or onward ticket to another country. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
• A valid accommodation address in Bahrain.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: November 2024

Bahrain is located in the Persian Gulf and has a hot desert climate characterised by high temperatures and low rainfall. The climate can broadly be divided into two seasons: an extremely hot summer and a mild winter.

• Summer (April to October): The summer months are very hot and humid. Average daytime temperatures range between 35°C and 40°C, but can reach peaks of over 45°C.
• Winter (November to March): Winters are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between 15°C and 24°C. At night, temperatures can occasionally fall below 10°C.

Best times to travel to Bahrain:

• City and cultural trips (Manama, Muharraq, Riffa): November to March is ideal, when temperatures are milder and well suited to visiting attractions such as Al Fateh Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum and traditional souks.
• Beach and water activities (Juffair, Amwaj Islands, Al Dar Island): October to April, when the weather is pleasant (averaging 22-28°C) and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving or simply relaxing on the beach.
• Desert and outdoor adventures (Sakhir, Bahrain desert): Best during the cooler months from December to February to avoid the summer heat and occasional sandstorms. This period is ideal for desert safaris, climbing and camping.

• Using a mobile phone in Bahrain may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in shopping centres, cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Bahrain, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain) - This UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site offers an insight into Bahrain’s long history, dating back to the Bronze Age.

• Bahrain National Museum - Visitors can learn about Bahrain’s history, art and culture through extensive exhibitions and artefacts.
• Al-Fateh Grand Mosque - One of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating up to 7'000 worshippers and renowned for its impressive architecture.

• Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) - Two skyscrapers with integrated wind turbines that have become a landmark of the city.

• Royal Camel Farm - An opportunity to see Bahrain’s iconic animal up close and learn more about camel breeding.

• Manama Souq - A traditional market offering a colourful mix of shops selling everything from spices and textiles to gold jewellery.

• Tree of Life - A tree more than 400 years old standing in the middle of the desert, regarded as a natural wonder because of its isolated location with no apparent water source.

• Arad Fort - An impressive fortress built in the 15th century, particularly spectacular at night when illuminated.

• Bahrain International Circuit - Home of the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, the circuit also offers tours and events for motorsport fans.

• Amwaj Islands - A modern island destination with luxury residences, restaurants and leisure facilities, ideal for water sports and relaxation.

• King Fahd Causeway (connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia): a 25 km bridge offering an impressive drive across the water.

Bahraini cuisine is characterised by a fascinating blend of Arab traditions and influences from India and Persia, reflected in its wide variety of flavours and preparation methods. Whether in refined restaurants or at local food stalls, the culinary experience is an essential part of Bahraini culture.

• Rice dishes: Bahrain is particularly known for its fish dishes, which are often served with rice. A highlight is the national dish Machboos, an aromatic combination of rice, meat or fish seasoned with a special spice blend that often includes bay leaves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Mezze: In Bahrain, mezze are more than just starters; they are a sociable meal consisting of various small dishes such as falafel, stuffed vine leaves and kibbeh. These are served with dips such as baba ghanoush and tahini.

• Street food: Typical street-food snacks include samboosas (pastries filled with meat, cheese or vegetables) and Bahraini Tikka, marinated and grilled meat served on skewers.

• Seafood: Thanks to Bahrain’s location in the Gulf, seafood plays a central role in the country’s cuisine. Popular choices include prawns, lobster and various types of fish, often simply grilled and flavoured with fresh herbs and spices.

• Sweet dishes: Bahraini sweets are often rich in nuts and honey. Muhammar is a sweet rice dish often enriched with dates or raisins and cardamom, making it an ideal dessert after a spicy main course.

• Drinks: Alongside traditional Arabic coffee, Karak Chai, a strong sweet tea flavoured with cardamom and enriched with condensed milk, is a popular drink in Bahrain.

Bahraini cuisine offers a delicious range of flavours and dishes that reflect the country’s cultural diversity and history, promising visitors an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Greetings: in Bahrain, a polite greeting is important. Traditional greetings include a slight nod or placing a hand over the heart when meeting someone for the first time. 

• Saying please and thank you: Polite expressions such as “please” (min fadlak/min fadlik) and “thank you” (shukran) are commonly used in Bahrain and are considered a sign of good manners. It is greatly appreciated when foreign visitors try to use these expressions in the local language.

• Clothing: Conservative clothing is appropriate in public. Men should wear long trousers, while women should cover their shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting religious sites. Dress codes are often less strict in tourist areas and hotels, but respectful clothing is generally advisable.

• Dining etiquette: Shared meals are an important part of dining culture in Bahrain. It is common for several dishes to be shared. When eating, use only the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many public areas, including shopping centres and restaurants. Look for designated smoking areas and respect the applicable rules. Shisha (water pipe) is commonly offered in cafés and dedicated shisha bars.

• Tipping: In Bahrain, it is customary to tip in restaurants, taxis and for various services. Around 10% of the bill is appropriate if a service charge is not already included. A small tip is also customary for hotel services such as room service or luggage assistance.

• Tap water: drinking tap water in Bahrain is generally not recommended. It is safer to use bottled water, which is widely available in shops.
• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Bahrain. Before travelling, standard vaccinations should be checked and updated if necessary. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or particular exposure, vaccination against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles is also recommended.

• Medical care in Bahrain is comparable to European standards and is of a high quality. Hospitals and clinics are well equipped, and medical staff often speak English.
• It is recommended to take out comprehensive international health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Bring a well-stocked travel medical kit and any medication you require regularly. To avoid difficulties when entering the country, ask your doctor to provide written confirmation in English that the medication is medically necessary.

• Before and during your trip, keep up to date with the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, the FDFA advises against tourist and non-essential travel to Bahrain. Short-notice travel disruptions are possible (e.g. airspace closures, delays and cancelled flights).
• Thanks to increased security measures and political stability, no terrorist attacks have been recorded in Bahrain for some time. However, a risk related to regional conflicts remains.
• The crime rate is generally low, although pickpocketing occurs particularly in markets. Violent crime is very rare. Women travelling alone should exercise caution at night and, where possible, travel in groups.
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out in Bahrain.

• More information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• To drive, an international driving permit is required in addition to a Swiss driving licence.
• The minimum age for car hire is between 21 and 25 years, depending on the rental company.
• After a road accident, the vehicles should not be moved until the police arrive, as altering the accident scene may be interpreted as an admission of liability.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰.

• In Bahrain, the public transport system is mainly centred around buses, as there are no long-distance or regional trains and no metro system. The bus network is well developed and provides an affordable way to travel around the country. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, which is particularly welcome during the hotter months.
• Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or from ticket machines. Convenient day or weekly passes are also available, allowing unlimited travel within the specified period. These tickets are particularly useful for tourists wishing to explore the country. Overall, buses provide reliable connections between the main cities and tourist destinations.

• Bahrain International Airport (BAH) in Manama is the only international airport in Bahrain and serves as the main hub for all international flights. There are no direct flights between Bahrain and Switzerland. Travellers therefore need to connect through major cities such as Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.
• The airport is modern and served by numerous international airlines, including Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa. As the home base of the national airline Gulf Air, the airport also offers an extensive network of international routes.

01 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 999

The Address Tower, 2nd Floor, Office 201
Building 655, Road 3614, Block 0436
Al Seef, Manama
Tel. +973 1751 7780
Email: manama@honrep.ch

• To avoid difficulties, refrain from political and religious discussions and avoid critical comments, including on social media.

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

• Photographing uniformed personnel, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.

• Drug laws are very strict.