New travel restrictions come into effect

TDT | Manama

New travel restrictions have been put into place in Bahrain in light of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A notice posted on the government’s eVisa service announced that the revised measures are effective from 00:00 Bahrain time, today (July 22, 2020).

The notice states:

“In light of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 11 March 2020 declaration that the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global pandemic, the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain announces the following revised measures with effect from 00:00 Bahrain time, 22 July 2020.

“The issuance of visas on arrival for all nationalities remains suspended until further notice. Furthermore:

“1. Entry is restricted to Bahraini citizens and residents, GCC citizens who do not require visas, diplomats, passengers holding a valid e-visa prior to boarding, military personnel, airline crew or holders of official, service, or UN passports. All other passengers will be denied entry to the Kingdom.

“2. Any citizen, resident, diplomat, e-visa holder, military personnel, airline crew or holder of an official,service or UN passport arriving from any other country will be required to undergo the Kingdom’s enhanced arrivals testing procedure for COVID-19 (at their own expense) and will need to self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of arrival.”

Meanwhile, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) has announced that as of today (July 22, 2020), valid visa holders can enter the Kingdom without the need for a letter of prior permission. The requirement of prior permission has been suspended.

This decision includes holders of valid visas issued only by the NPRA and does not include visas that are issued through the country's ports, the NPRA said.