How safe is Bahrain for travelers?

Crime

• Crime is low across most of Bahrain. Ordinary precautions with belongings, and established taxi services rather than an unofficial car.

Protests

• Demonstrations and protests take place and can cause traffic disruption and localised confrontations between police and demonstrators.
• They happen in specific places: Sitra, Bani Jamra, Diraz and the villages along Budaiya Highway. Risk rises around significant political anniversaries.
• Public gatherings in roads or squares face temporary bans.
• Leave any area where a large gathering is forming. Do not stop to watch or film.

Alcohol

• Alcohol is legal in Bahrain in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants - which is a large part of why Saudis cross the causeway at weekends.
• Public intoxication risks fines, imprisonment or deportation. Airport staff will not let a drunk passenger board.
• Drink-driving is treated very seriously.

Drugs

• Even trace amounts mean prison and deportation. Trafficking carries a life sentence.
• This applies to residue in a bag or on clothing. It is a genuine risk for anyone arriving from a country where cannabis is legal.

Photography

• Filming, photographing, publishing or redistributing images of security and military sites is prohibited, and the FCDO notes arrest and prosecution follow.
• The "redistributing" part is worth reading twice - sharing someone else's image can be the offence.

Dress and behaviour

• Conservative dress in public. Women should avoid exposing shoulders or knees. Bahrain is more relaxed than Saudi Arabia and less so than Dubai.
• Swimwear at pools and hotel beaches only.
• Ramadan: eating, drinking, smoking or playing loud music in public during daylight are criminal offences, not discourtesies.

LGBT+

• Same-sex activity between consenting adults over 21 is not itself prohibited, which makes Bahrain unusual in the region - but public displays of affection are illegal for anyone.