TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit and International Driving Permit are required |
| Currency |
(BHD)
Bahraini Dinar |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 973, City Code Manama 17+6D |
Climate
and clothing: Wear summer clothes from May to mid- October
and spring and fall attire from mid-October through April. Always
dress conservatively in public.
Customs: A visa is required for entry. US citizens may
purchase transit visas with 72-hour validity at Bahrain's international
airport. A 7-day visa is also available. Single women traveling
to Bahrain sometimes encounter difficulty obtaining airport visas;
they are strongly advised to secure their visas before traveling.
Travelers with Israeli visas and/or entry/exit stamps in their
passports will be barred from entry.
Health: No immunizations are required for entry, but malaria
suppressants are recommended. Health requirements change; check
latest information. Tapwater is potable but highly saline in most
areas; persons with sodium restrictions should drink bottled water.
No unusual precautions regarding food and drink are necessary.
Modern health services are provided in several hospitals and health
centers.
Telecommunications: Telephone connections are excellent
because international calls enter the satellite communications
system from Bahrain. Bahrain is 8 hours ahead of eastern standard
time. Cable and telex connections to leading hotels and businesses
are good. Bahraini television features Arabic-and-English-language
programs.
Transportation: Many major airlines serve Bahrain's modern
international airport. Taxis and rental cars are available in
Manama.
National
Holidays: Businesses and shops may be closed on the following
holidays. Actual dates depend on lunar calendar: Prophet's Birthday,
November 3; Eid al-Fitr, May 29-30; Eid al-Adha, August 5-7; Islamic
New Year, August 25; Ashura, September 3-6; National Day, December
16 (fixed date).
Further information available from the Superintendent of Documents,
United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
