Manama Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Manama.
Healthcare System
Bahrain has a dual healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is primarily for citizens, while tourists typically use private hospitals and clinics. The standard of medical care is high, with many doctors trained in Western countries and fluent in English.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals for tourists include Bahrain Specialist Hospital, American Mission Hospital, Al Hilal Hospital, and Royal Bahrain Hospital. These facilities accept international insurance and offer 24/7 emergency services. Medical costs can be high, so insurance is essential.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Manama, many open until late evening, with some 24-hour locations. Most common medications are available, though some require prescriptions. Pharmacists often speak English and can provide basic medical advice. Bring prescriptions for controlled medications.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and often required by hotels. Medical treatment can be expensive, and insurance should cover emergency evacuation. Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to undertake.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers at all times
- Keep prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's notes, especially for controlled substances
- Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during summer months (May-September) when temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F)
- Private hospitals may require payment upfront or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare but can occur in crowded areas such as souks, shopping malls, and tourist attractions.
Aggressive driving, speeding, and sudden lane changes are common. Bahrain has one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the region. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited in some areas.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) with high humidity, posing serious risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for those unaccustomed to extreme heat.
Occasional demonstrations and protests occur, primarily in Shia villages outside central Manama. While rare in tourist areas, these can turn confrontational and roads may be blocked.
While alcohol is legal in Bahrain, public intoxication can lead to arrest. Some entertainment areas see alcohol-fueled disputes, particularly on weekends.
Strong currents, jellyfish, and lack of lifeguards at some beaches pose risks. Water quality varies by location.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some unlicensed taxis or drivers may claim the meter is broken and quote inflated prices, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
In some souks, vendors may misrepresent the quality or gold content of jewelry, or use deceptive weighing practices. Fake precious stones may be sold as genuine.
Vendors in traditional markets may quote extremely high initial prices to tourists, expecting negotiation but still ending with inflated final prices.
Unlicensed individuals may approach tourists offering tours or experiences at low prices but deliver poor service or disappear with deposits.
Use banks, ATMs, or licensed exchange offices; count money carefully before leaving; understand the exchange rate beforehand; avoid street money changers; be aware of any commission or service fees
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency alerts and assistance
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
- Carry identification at all times as police may conduct random checks
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis (red vehicles) or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked vehicles
- Always wear seatbelts; it's mandatory and enforced
- Avoid driving during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm) if unfamiliar with local traffic
- Never use your phone while driving; penalties are severe
- Be extremely cautious as a pedestrian; drivers may not yield at crossings
- If renting a car, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic
Legal Compliance
- Respect Islamic customs and laws, particularly during Ramadan
- Never photograph government buildings, military installations, or palaces without permission
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Do not consume alcohol in public spaces outside licensed venues
- Drug laws are extremely strict; even trace amounts can result in imprisonment
- Respect photography restrictions at religious sites
- Carry prescription documentation for all medications, especially controlled substances
- Be aware that insulting the royal family or Islam is a criminal offense
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food; choose busy vendors with high turnover
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, especially seafood
- Carry basic first aid supplies and any prescription medications
- Update routine vaccinations before travel; consider Hepatitis A and B
- Use insect repellent in evenings, though mosquito-borne diseases are rare
- Seek immediate medical attention for any heat-related symptoms
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels in well-established areas like Diplomatic Area, Seef, or Juffair
- Verify hotel bookings directly with the property before arrival
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Check room locks and emergency exits upon arrival
- Keep hotel contact information accessible at all times
- Be cautious about sharing room numbers with strangers
- Use hotel-recommended transportation services
Financial Security
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls rather than standalone machines
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Carry a mix of payment methods (cash, cards) but not all at once
- Keep small denominations for taxis and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Check credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges
- The Bahraini Dinar (BHD) is pegged to USD; 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Manama is relatively safe for women travelers compared to other cities in the region, and many women travel solo without incident. The city is cosmopolitan with a significant expat population, and women will see local women in various styles of dress from traditional abayas to Western clothing. However, women may experience occasional unwanted attention, particularly in less touristy areas. Conservative dress and awareness of cultural norms will enhance comfort and safety.
- Dress modestly in public areas; cover shoulders and knees; loose-fitting clothing is advisable
- In traditional areas and religious sites, consider wearing a headscarf and more conservative clothing
- Avoid making direct eye contact with men you don't know, as it can be misinterpreted
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Sit in the back seat of taxis; some women prefer to call a female driver if available
- Be firm but polite if experiencing unwanted attention; move to public areas or seek help from authorities
- Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas; stick to well-lit, populated streets
- Hotel areas and malls are generally very safe and comfortable for solo women
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling alone
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Swimming costumes are acceptable at hotel pools and private beaches; wear modest swimwear at public beaches
- Carry a phone with local SIM card and emergency numbers programmed
- Some restaurants and cafes have family sections; women traveling alone can use these areas
- Be aware that some traditional coffee shops are male-dominated spaces
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Bahrain and can result in imprisonment. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, prosecutions are rare and typically involve other circumstances.
- Avoid public displays of affection regardless of gender; this applies to all couples
- Do not discuss sexual orientation openly or in public settings
- Be extremely discreet about relationships and personal life
- Hotel rooms are private spaces, but exercise caution about who knows your relationship status
- Book hotel rooms carefully; some hotels may question unmarried couples of any gender
- Do not attempt to use LGBTQ+ dating apps, as they could be monitored
- Be aware that cross-dressing or gender non-conforming presentation may attract unwanted attention or legal issues
- Avoid any LGBTQ+ activism or visibility; it is not safe and is illegal
- If facing harassment or legal issues, contact your embassy immediately
- Research your embassy's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and their ability to assist
- Consider whether travel to Bahrain is necessary given the legal risks
- Some international hotels may be more understanding, but discretion is still essential
- Do not assume Western standards of acceptance apply; err on the side of extreme caution
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Manama. While not legally required for entry, many hotels require proof of insurance. Medical treatment at private hospitals (which tourists typically use) is expensive, and costs can quickly reach thousands of dollars for serious issues. Insurance provides financial protection and access to emergency assistance services, including medical evacuation if needed.