Bahrain : Safety by City
Bahrain is an archipelago with desert islands surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
The entire country is smaller than Rhode Island in the United States.
The island nation is in the Arabian Gulf, just off the coast of Saudi Arabia and a short flight from Dubai.
This place has been a major trade hub for thousands of years, dating back to the Dilmun civilization, which made Bahrain a key stop on ancient trade routes.
It was once the epicenter of the world’s pearl diving industry before oil reshaped its economy.
Today, it’s independent, progressive, and packed with things to see and do.
Picture a place where sleek skyscrapers sit next to centuries-old forts and where you can go from wandering around ancient ruins to sipping coffee in a high-end café overlooking the water—all in the same afternoon.
Manama, the capital, is the country’s buzzing core, where you’ll find luxury shopping, lively souks, and some of the best food in the Gulf.
Muharraq, with its beautifully restored historic homes and the UNESCO-listed Pearling Trail, offers a glimpse into Bahrain’s merchant past.
Head inland, and the desert has its own magic—off-road adventures, the enigmatic Tree of Life, and even a world-class Formula 1 track.
Then there are the islands, like Al Dar and Hawar, perfect for a quiet escape with clear blue waters and plenty of sunshine.
Whether you’re here for history, beaches, or just to experience a different side of the Middle East, Bahrain is welcoming, easy to explore, and surprisingly full of character.
Warnings & Dangers in Bahrain
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The overall risk level is at the high end of a low risk. The actual risk level at the time of your visit will largely depend on tensions in the Middle East.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
A bus system covers most of the country, and rideshare/taxi opportunities are quite common. Rental cars are another option, with a decent infrastructure around the island except for some narrow and tricky roads in older villages.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing is rare in Bahrain, but crowded areas like souks, malls, and public transport hubs require basic precautions.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Bahrain has minimal risk of natural disasters. It doesn’t experience earthquakes, hurricanes, or significant flooding. Sandstorms occasionally reduce visibility, and extreme summer heat can be hazardous, but there are no major environmental threats that would significantly impact travelers.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Violent crime, including muggings, is extremely rare in Bahrain. It’s one of the safest countries in the region as far as personal crime, and tourists are unlikely to face physical threats.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There's a slightly elevated risk in Bahrain, mostly due to its location in the Middle East. The best thing you can do is avoid crowded areas and protests or demonstrations.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams targeting tourists aren’t common in Bahrain, but always be on the lookout for typical romance or financial scams. You can read the latest scam warnings on your home country's travel advisory website.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
While Bahrain is one of the more progressive Middle East countries, women should still take steps to dress conservatively, blend in, and avoid wandering around alone. Don't use dating apps to meet people in Bahrain.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water quality is hit or miss. Even if the water is technically safe for consumption, most opt for a filtering system to flush out the minerals that impact the taste. I would treat this as a medium risk and stick to bottled water for hydration and activities like brushing your teeth.
Safest Places to Visit in Bahrain
Bahrain’s official tourism site is VisitBahrain.bh.
The handle for social media sites is @VisitBahrainBH.
You can use WhatsApp to call the tourism bureau at +973 33338903 or email hello@VisitBahrain.bh.
Bahrain may be small, but it packs a lot into its island setting.
Whether you’re into history, modern attractions, outdoor adventures, or just soaking up the culture, there’s plenty to explore.
History & Culture
Bahrain’s history goes back thousands of years, and you can see it firsthand at the Bahrain Fort (Qal’at al-Bahrain), a UNESCO-listed archaeological site built on ancient Dilmun ruins.
The National Museum is another must-visit, offering a well-curated dive into the island’s past, from ancient civilizations to pearl diving.
For a different historical experience, Muharraq is the place to go—its restored merchant houses, like the Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House, offer a glimpse into Bahrain’s past wealth and trade history.
Modern Attractions & Experiences
Manama is where you’ll find the modern side of Bahrain.
The Bahrain World Trade Center and the iconic Four Seasons Hotel dominate the skyline, while the high-end Avenues Mall and City Centre Bahrain cater to shoppers.
If you’re into motorsports, the Bahrain International Circuit is world-famous for hosting Formula 1 races and offers track experiences for visitors.
For a more traditional experience, the Manama Souq is a vibrant spot filled with spices, textiles, jewelry, and local crafts.
You can also find plenty of gold shops and perfume stalls, plus some great street food along the way.
Beaches & Islands
While Bahrain isn’t a tropical paradise, it does have some excellent beach options.
Al Jazayer Beach is one of the most popular public spots, great for families and water sports.
If you’re after something more exclusive, Marassi Beach offers clear waters and an upscale vibe.
For an island escape, Al Dar Islands is a quick boat ride away and offers snorkeling, jet skiing, and a laid-back beach scene.
Hawar Islands, near the Qatar border, are more remote and known for wildlife like dolphins and rare birds.
Outdoor Adventures & Unique Attractions
Despite being mostly desert, Bahrain has plenty of outdoor experiences.
The Tree of Life, a lone tree thriving in the barren desert, is an iconic sight.
If you’re up for an adventure, dune bashing and off-roading in the Sakhir Desert are popular activities.
The Royal Camel Farm is a quirky stop where you can see hundreds of camels up close.
Places to Avoid in Bahrain
One of the only real risks in Bahrain would be if there were a protest or demonstration that got out of hand or became a terrorist target.
Areas prone to demonstrations, according to the U.S. State Department, include:
- Bani Jamra
- Budaiya Highway and surrounding villages.
- Karbabad
- Karzakan
- Saar
- Sitra
If you’re traveling from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, ensure your Saudi visa permits land crossings.
Some visas are valid only for air travel, and attempting to enter Bahrain by land without the appropriate visa can lead to being denied entry.
Avoid getting a taxi on the street.
Arrange a ride by phone or through a trusted ridesharing app.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Bahrain
- In any emergency—be it medical, fire, or security-related—dial 999 to reach Bahrain’s emergency services. The local police hotline can also be reached at 8000 8008.
- Consider enrolling in your home country’s traveler programs, such as the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive emergency alerts or safety updates.
- Bahrain enforces strict health regulations. Verify the latest health entry requirements with the Bahraini Embassy before traveling. Visitors diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C may face immediate deportation.
- Vulgarity, profanity, and offensive gestures can lead to criminal charges or steep fines. That includes cursing in public or written formats, like online forums. The charges could be especially tough if you use profanity or gestures in reference to the Bahrain government.
- Bahrain has a unique climate in the sense that it’s an island but not a lush landscape. It’s a desert environment. At the same time, the desert landscape has high humidity because of the surrounding water. That means the summer heat will be even hotter with the humid air factored in.
- Boaters should look into the curfews on the water, as most waterways will limit travel between 6 pm and 4 am. Be prepared to show ID and proof of ownership or rental if you’re stopped while exploring the Gulf.
- Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi systems in Bahrain. Have a virtual private network (VPN) ready and encrypt voice-over IP (VOIP) communications.
- If you run into any legal trouble, even a car accident where you’re at fault, you can be detained until the case is resolved through the Bahrain court system. Your country will not foot the bill for the time you’re stuck there.
- Bahrain has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. If you have any alcohol in your system while driving, you can be fined, deported, or put in jail. It’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive. You can also face arrest if you’re drunk in public.
- Don’t take photos of sensitive sites, including military installations, government buildings, and certain religious sites. Capturing images of these areas can lead to legal issues. Always seek permission before photographing locals, especially in traditional settings.
So... How Safe Is Bahrain Really?
Bahrain is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with crime rates lower than many Western nations.
In fact, crime has dropped by about 30% in the last four years, thanks to strong law enforcement and a focus on community safety.
Tourists rarely run into trouble, and violent crime is extremely uncommon.
But that’s just one part of the safety question in Bahrain.
And it can also give a false sense of safety among other risks.
The United States and Canada have a four-tiered system for ranking the risks in a country.
Bahrain ranks at Level 2 out of 4, which is the second lowest and generally means “Use increased caution.”
The reason?
Potential terrorism.
While Bahrain isn’t known as a terrorist hub, its location is in the middle of the Middle East conflict region.
Understanding the current state of tensions and warfare between countries, like Iran and Israel or Israel and Lebanon, can impact the potential of terror attacks in any Gulf country.
In summary, you’re likely safe from petty crimes in Bahrain.
It’s the larger, unpredictable, and potentially mass-scale attacks that pose the biggest potential threat.
Then again, you could say the same about many other countries, including the United States.
Nobody on 9/11/01 was in New York City thinking there might be a major terror attack that day.
The best you can do is be informed and educated about the news headlines in Bahrain and the Middle East before and during your trip.
How Does Bahrain Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bahrain | 46 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
| Kazakhstan | 72 |
| Germany | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most visitors can get a visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa. If you are traveling with family, all visa applications and payments must be handled at the same time. Always check the latest rules before traveling, as visa policies can change.
Currency
Bahrain uses the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), with a fixed rate to the U.S. dollar (1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash for taxis or local markets is useful.
Weather
Bahrain is hot and humid for most of the year, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild and pleasant, usually between 60-75°F (15-24°C), making it the best time to visit.
Airports
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is the country’s main gateway. It’s modern, efficient, and well-connected to major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The airport is close to Manama, making transfers easy.
Travel Insurance
It’s smart to get travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft. Some visas may require proof of coverage.
Bahrain Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 21 | 22 | 26 | 31 | 37 | 40 | 41 | 40 | 39 | 35 | 29 | 24 |
| Low °C | 14 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 16 |
| High °F | 70 | 72 | 79 | 88 | 99 | 104 | 106 | 104 | 102 | 95 | 84 | 75 |
| Low °F | 57 | 59 | 64 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 79 | 70 | 61 |
Bahrain - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Manama | 54 |
Your article on Bahrain contains some errors including:
(a) Bahrain is in the Arabian Gulf
(b) The currency is the dinar, consisting of 1000 fils per dinar
In a Bahraini dinar there are 10 fils.
I lived in Bahrain my hole life and never heard of pick pocketing.
There is no harm of wearing expensive jewelry and hi tech technology because every one around me is doing so, and there are no response in doing so.
please I will like to come and work there can we be friends
If you mean 10 ربيّة as we call it, then yes. What we call a ربيّة is 100 fils, and the Bahraini Dinar consists of 1000 fils, which is 10 ربيّة but not 10 fils.
Persian Gulf!!!!!!!!!!
there is no such a thing as Arabian Gulf Historically speaking
Western Eyewitness
This Persian Gulf island used to be nice but couple of years ago was military invaded by Saudi Arabia because of an uprising by it’s oppressed people, how could it be safe?!
People are thrown in jail for political reasons. Riot police chasing people every so often.
Very unstable country.
What a load of rubbish
You are talking complete rubbish. Lived in Bahrain most my life, including throughout the uprising. Dont cause problems and you wont get problems. Bahrain is a great place.
Bahrain is very safe to travel
Bahrain is an amazing place to travel to.
If anyone’s looking for a couple weeks to relax and enjoy without breaking bank, then Bahrain is the perfect place.
The beaches are welcoming of foreigners who wish to sunbath
Theres a lot of amazing eateries thats high in quality and affordable in rates.
Many malls to shop your hearts content.
Its safe for women travellers, yes there are a few creeps, but they are mostly not the locals but other travellers from neighboring countries.
Crime rates in the country is extremely low.
And the report of possible terrorist threat is utter BS!
Every religion co exist peacefully in this gem of a nation.
This article is very misleading.
Not as bad as its rated
Im not sure when you wrote that but, i live in bahrain and now there aren’t any problems politically, and now its way better than before, and even then when there were problems, as long as you dont go to known areas that has violence with the police you should be fine, now there arent any problems even deep down Sitra which was known for its violence. Saudi arabia did come and we saw them with their military vehicles but as long as you dont do anything bad nothing will happen, and that was maybe 4 years ago, its 2019 now, pick pockets are rare compared to Europe, I’ve visited Europe and its way worse to be honest, and the chances of a terrorist attack is low like come on, you shouldnt be afraid of a terrorist attack. So in general, its a very safe country, i’ve witnessed robbery’s and crimes in front of my eyes in europe and i was there for a short time, i lived for my whole life in bahrain and i barly see any crimes in my experience at least.
Jobs in Baharia
What of Jobs in Baharia for Foreigners@?
So true , Bahrain has rare crimes .
I disagree with this article
This article is really exaggerating the situation. Bahrain is a really safe place to be whether you are from here, or not. As a Bahraini woman I feel safe to drive at any time and go places on my own. Like any country, be smart about your belongings and don’t put yourself in a potentially risky situation by walking into a dark alley by yourself. The roads are very well lit in almost all places and overall the people are extremely friendly and helpful if you get lost or need road side assistance. Also, the fact that this article talks about theft around train stations makes me laugh because there are no trains in Bahrain!
Thanks very much Amna, that’s how they paint people and countries bad.
I am just planning to visit and carry a study of wind energy in bahrain.dear sister thx for sharing the information.
Thank you.
Working abroad
Hi Amna, am Modesta , I love the way you talk about your country I would love to live and work there too…any guidelines or help from you. By the way am an Architect. Thanks
Beautiful and fun place, just be cautious
Most locals are very friendly. Women should never travel alone. You will get stared at by every man, and glared at by every woman. Very uncomfortable. Beautiful country, lots to enjoy. Never let your guard down, and negotiate every price. Drivers are more offensive than defensive, be careful. Uber is a great alternative. Seriously, if you are a woman, do NOT travel without a male counterpart. Even if you can bench press 315lbs and are a hardcore feminist, there are some certain situations that get a little sketchy. Overall, it was a great experience. Locals are mostly friendly towards everybody, but on the weekends some visitors come in from other surrounding countries…not all too friendly. Would definitely come back
This article l and all ratings are false! Bahrain is one of the safest counties in the region and world for tourism and making business.
Bahrain is a safe country, this article just wants to make Bahrain guilty in its crime.
This article has some information that is fake .
Evidence: Bahrain has never had trains.
Im honestly laughing to myself about how racist these people are.
This article has lot of errors and wrong info. Bahrain is really safe. People are courteous and helpful. Very safe for wome. I love bahrain
You will love Bahrain!
Very inaccurate article in general.
How do you assign an overall risk rating of HIGH when none of the specific risks exceed MEDIUM.
In nearly 50 years of living and visiting Bahrain I never once heard of someone being pickpocketed.
I can GUARANTEE that won’t happen in the train station (as there are no trains in Bahrain).
Sandstorms are rare; thunderstorms are occasional.
Visitors should always exercise a degree of caution when traveling. That is all that is necessary in Bahrain which is far safer than many countries you rank higher.
I want to live in Behrain
Is there any work opportunities for foreigners??
All in all,U will love Bahrain!!!
I am living in Bahrain for almost 7 years. I haven’t heard of any criminal attacks/things. It’s the safest country. Anyone can go alone, anywhere, particularly women, they can go anywhere, anytime. I disagree with this statement. And there are no terrorists in Bahrain. U marked as MEDIUM, but we say very LOW!!!
Please Isaac inbox me via Okonkwoprosperchisom@gmail.com…want to confirm something from you about the country ..please sire
Please can I contact you through your e-mail?
Olawumi
Hello Mr. Isaac pls I need your assistance with this country. I would be glad to hear from you soon, thanks.
HI AM PLANNING TO COME TO BAHRAIN FOR JOB OPPORTUNITY. I WISH TO KNOW THE EMPLOYMENT RATE AND STANDARD OF LIVING
Tell about your experience or leave a tip for other I wan to visit Bahrain in search of a job is there any job opportunity for foreigners.
Good Bahrain
Bahrain is a Safe country indeed I went there 11 times in the last 20 years and saw nothing bad happen
Please I will like to visit Bahrain. I need a job, foreigner is allow to work in Bahrain.
Please I like to visit Bahrain an I will like to have job there
Please is there job opportunities for the the foreigners in Bahrain
this has made me recondisder this entire sites credibility.
Dont trust anything on this page. Bahrain is safe as of writing this comment. very dissapionted i used to use this site to plan my visits to other countries then decided to check my own countries safety level. from what i read this site is not a dependable place for your travel safety information.this has made me recondisder this entire sites credibility.
Beautiful Island
I was born in Bahrain and lived there over 25 years. it’s the most beautiful place in the world. Every country has its pitfalls. It’s a monarchy so it is run differently. I made my life in Bahrain. If you are negligent you will face trouble in any country. Bahrain is quite liberal and westernised.
it has an old world charm souq. My childhood memories are awesome. Theft; robbery is minimal compared to most other countries. The people are friendly. The country is clean.
The political situation is now under control. I would go back to Bahrain in the blink of an eye. I love my birth place.
I live in Bahrain for 12 years and I never heard of a single crime or pick pocketing or anything like this. Btw there are no trains in Bahrain and no terrorists. Bahrain for me is way safer than Europe and America. I would advice you to travel/live to/in Bahrain because you will have a job, have a quality and cheap apartments and hotels. I was upset about the high rate of overall risk when nothing was above MEDIUM.
I want travel to Bahrain, but do you have zambians living in Bahrain would like to know because there is no embassy fir zambau
Such a misleading and incorrect article, whoever wrote this should give up their job in journalism unless they research correctly.
A
In simple terms you are much Safer here than Uk and Europe regardless if you are a man or a woman or child.
I have never felt safer after 10 years here .
Safe and cheap
I am living in Bahrain from last 7 years. If I compared this article to this year i.e. 2021 I can say that it’s pretty safe to visit and travel anytime. As mentioned by everyone, there are no trains yet in Bahrain. Because of pandemic, most of the months it’s lockdown but still all the necessary things are available. Government really care of everyone here and people are good. Like every other country business got hit due to covid so job opportunities are less. Before pandemic, weekends are very busy as people come here from different countries especially Saudi people as there are lot of options here for entertainment. Crime is very very rare and in my experience women can also travel anytime. Local taxis might fool you so better go for uber. Public transport is safe and cheap. Just rent a car and in one week you can see the entire country as it’s very small. I love Bahrain 😊
Am already prepared to live and work in Bahrain,how safe is the country
Bahrain is amazing!
Bahrain is the safest place I’ve lived in my 20 years in the military! In total I’ve spent 7 years on the island and NEVER had an issue. The petty crime happens in the clubs, keep your valuables close, and via traffic accidents. If I was a woman I probably wouldn’t travel alone. UBER should be your primary transportation and it’s EXTREMELY cheap compared to the US. Not a vacation destination during the summer, but from November to April it’s nice. Ramadan needs to be taken into consideration if you plan on a visit, lots of customs need to be adhered to.
Im a christian. Will i be threatened in bahrain because of my religion ?
Nope, it’s a religiously tolerant place.
A true hidden gem in the Gulf!
It is truly one of the safest places in the world. Unlike their gulf neighbors, Bahrainis are exceptionally tolerant and weep accustomed to immigrants and their expatriates. The island has been a trading hub for centuries, hence its citizens have developed an international & cosmopolitan mindset whilst maintaining their heritage and identity. They are know for their hospitality and the genuine interest in other people. A place of commerce, culture, entertainment and hospitality. Bahrain is the home known to be a home for a diverse ethnicities and religions even among its citizen. Here are things you need to know:
1- A very high HDI and literacy rate. Almost all local speak and write English as well as other language such as Farsi or Hindi/Urdu.
2- Shia & Sunni mosques can be found side by side with churches and hindu temples.
3- large number of the expats call Bahrain home.
4- Immigrants and expats interacts and establish relationships with locals unlike other gulf counties.
5- Dinning and entertainment range from cheap quality eats to international fine dining and luxury entertainment.
6- People are generally friendly, trustworthy and compassionate.
7- World class schools such as, St. Christopher’s, British School, Bahrain School, as well as specialized schools like the French school, Indian school, Pakistani school and so on.
8- World class strategically located international airport.
9- Alcohol is accessible for purchase and many dine in restaurants as well as night clubs, bars and private clubs.
10- Women in leadership positions across several industry including the government. one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East for women’s equality and advancement. It is a diverse and more religiously liberal country in comparison with some of her neighbors. Legally, Bahraini women are recognized in the Bahraini Constitution as equal to Bahraini men in political, social, cultural and economic spheres of life. Just like the rest of the world, activism is for more female empowerment programs and reform are needed.
What part is good to stay and work, I plan to come and work but do not really know the place to stay in bahrain, where the rent are cheap too and where I can locate Rotary Club. Please I need your advice….
Job Opportunities
In what currency does Bahrain paid foreigners. And is it safe to stay and work because I got a job opportunities in Bahrain. I’m aware it’s an Islamic country, do they maltreat foreigners?
Animals
it’s not safe anymore, especially for animals. they kill dogs by shooting them in Bahrain national guard. they ignore expert advice on how to deal with friendly homeless dogs so they collect dogs in an industrial zone then shoot them. It’s all really beyond horrific. and threaten the animals’ activities…
I am an indian you can’t be safe if you are a single woman anywhere u go alone u can see dirty men sticking their tongue out, winking at you making ugly signs.. If they know you are a foreigner they can even go to another level of calling you out with a bad intention. There is no much places to see.. Tourist point of view I think it’s not that great of a place.
Job Opportunity and Communication
There have really been no replies on job opportunities in Bahrain. Please this is very important. How easy can a new immigrant get a job and what kind of jobs should be expected to be available especially initially? Someone should reply pls.
Secondly, do Bahrainis communicate well in English?
To answer your second question, yes, most Bahraini’s speak English fluently. Though we do appreciate the extra effort of foreigners trying to learn basic Arabic phrases.
Not a good time for expats in the job market unfortunately, there’s been increasing preference to hire Bahraini’s in all sectors as unemployment is high.
My husband is from Bahrain. I have visited many times over the years alone to get to him and then he had surgery and o was along with our kids walking to the store and in the mall. People did stare but it felt like a cultural difference state rather than a nasty stare. Everyone there is so kind and very accepting. Inshallah we will be back someday soon to stay for good. Bahrain feels like home❤️