Packing list for Bahrain, insurance for Bahrain and taking your belongings

What to take to Bahrain: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and Money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Many travelers can obtain an eVisa or visa in advance (saves time) or upon arrival, but always check the rules for your nationality. The local currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). Debit cards and credit card payments are possible almost everywhere.
• Clothing: light, airy clothing made of cotton or linen is most comfortable due to the high temperatures. Bahrain is more modern and tolerant than many people expect, but outside of hotels, resorts, and beaches, the government requires shoulders to be covered up to the knees. Covered shoulders and long trousers and skirts are mandatory for visits to mosques. Also bring a cardigan; the air conditioning is often running at full power.
• Shoes: comfortable sneakers or sandals are suitable for cities and boulevards. If you are heading into the desert or nature reserves, closed shoes are more comfortable due to the hot sand and rocky terrain. Care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high protection factor, lip balm, and a moisturizing cream are not an unnecessary luxury.
• Packing and protection: a lightweight daypack.
• Insects and animals: mosquito repellent is usually only necessary during the warmer months or when staying near gardens, wetlands, or mangroves.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a basic first-aid kit with ORS, painkillers, and personal medication. Check in advance whether your medicines can be imported without problems; strict additional rules apply to some medicines.
• Outdoors and handy items: a reusable (insulated) water bottle, sunglasses, cap, or sun hat.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for Type G sockets.

To consider

• UV-protective swimwear for long days at the beach.
• A light scarf for visiting religious sites.
• Binoculars for birding areas such as Hawar Islands.
• A buff or scarf to protect against sand and dust during desert excursions.

Are there mosquitoes in Bahrain?

• Due to the dry desert climate, there are far fewer mosquitoes in Bahrain than in tropical destinations. They are mainly found around gardens, irrigation areas, mangroves, and stagnant water.
• Tropical mosquito-borne diseases are not a concern in the country. Therefore, as a tourist, you do not need to worry about this.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Bahrain?

• Sandflies are not a problem in Bahrain.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Bahrain?

• DEET and other insect repellents are available at pharmacies, drugstores, and larger supermarkets, but they can be expensive.
• See also DEET anti-mosquito repellents and the percentages.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Bahrain, or bring it to Bahrain?

• No, absolutely not. Bahrain has strict drug laws. Cannabis is prohibited, and possession, use, sale, or importation carry severe penalties.
• Also, carefully check that you do not have any CBD products or cannabis residue in your luggage; even small amounts can have serious consequences.