Bahrain issues new guidelines for air passengers from today

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Due to the recent rise in Covid cases once again, Bahrain has issued fresh guidelines for international air passengers, which will come into effect from today (January 9).

As per the new entry procedures, fully vaccinated air passengers and passengers who have recently recovered from Covid infection must present, before boarding their flight to Bahrain, a certificate with a negative result for a PCR test administered within 72 hours of their departure. The order also stated that the results must be verifiable via a QR code on the certificate.

Guidelines for fully vaccinated passengers

They will have to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Bahrain. The passengers must note that they will be considered fully vaccinated if they have completed 14 days after their second dose in a two-dose vaccination series. 

In the new guidelines, Bahrain said that it will accept the vaccine certificates that are issued by GCC countries, and the certificates that are issued by countries with which Bahrain has signed a mutual vaccination recognition agreement. 

Moreover, the kingdom said it will accept the certificates that are issued by countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Guidelines for unvaccinated passengers

However, according to the new guidelines, the unvaccinated passengers must also present, before boarding their flight to Bahrain, a certificate with a negative result for a PCR test administered within 72 hours of their departure. Their results must be verifiable via a QR code on the certificate, the order added.

They will also in a similar manner undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Bahrain. Moreover, they will undergo quarantine for a period of 10 days at their residence or hotel.

The guidelines said that the cost of testing is BHD 12 per test. Earlier passengers were required to do three tests. However, now it has been reduced to just one. Passengers are encouraged to submit the payment before their arrival to Bahrain through the BeAware App or the Bahrain eGovernment Portal (bh.bh/covidpay).