Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bahrain
A beautiful desert island, Bahrain is a small monarchy located in the Persian Gulf. It has a rich history and is home to some UNESCO world heritage sites.
With its booming economy, malls and shopping centers are a common tourist draw. But, its ancient ruins and outdoor activities make it popular among cultural and adventure tourists.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bahrain?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bahrain
Do I Need a Visa for Bahrain?
What Is the Climate Like in Bahrain?
How Safe Is Bahrain?
Visit Bahrain’s Great Mosque
What Should I Pack for Bahrain?
Canadian Embassy in Bahrain
Do I Need Vaccines for Bahrain?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bahrain. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bahrain: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bahrain |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bahrain |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travellers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bahrain
Prevent Bug Bites in Bahrain
When bitten by bugs, clean the area with soap and water, refrain from scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies. For severe reactions or tick bites, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Following PHAC guidelines can help prevent and manage bug bites effectively.
Food and Water Safety in Bahrain
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Bahrain
- MERS – MERS, caused by MERS-CoV, was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Preventing MERS involves practicing good hygiene, staying away from infected individuals and camels, and following PHAC travel guidelines. It’s worth noting that there is no vaccine available to protect against MERS at present.
Do I Need a Visa for Bahrain?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the country. A visa is required for all business and tourism purposes. This visa should be obtained from the nearest Bahranian embassy or online from an e-visa service prior to arrival.
Bahrain Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bahrain? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bahrain and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a generally arid climate; the average annual rainfall is around 70 centimetres. Rain is more likely to fall in January, and some thunderstorms may occur during the winter as well. Summer has less changeable weather characterized by high temperatures and clear skies. The periods of spring and autumn tend to have high winds.
During winter the temperature will at times drop to 10. The summer temperatures are much higher. Temperatures of 40 are not uncommon.
How Safe Is Bahrain?
To stay safe in Bahrain, travellers should be aware of their surroundings and avoid any suspicious activity or behavior. It is important to respect local customs and laws. Be sure to carry any necessary documents like a passport and visa.
Avoid political demonstrations and protests, and be cautious when using public transportation or taxis. Choose reputable and secure accommodation and take care of your health by drinking bottled water and avoiding street food.
Bahrain is a conservative Muslim country, it is important to be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites.
Staying safe in Bahrain involves being aware and cautious while enjoying the culture and attractions of the country.
Visit Bahrain’s Great Mosque
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Bahrain is known for its beautiful mosques. One of the biggest and best-known is its Great Mosque, also known as Al-Fatih Mosque. Encompassing over 6,500 square meters, this is one of the largest mosques in the world.
In this mosque, you can take a tour of some of the area’s most stunning architecture. In the mosque’s library you can see dozens of historical Arabic books, some hundreds of years old.
What Should I Pack for Bahrain?
Don’t forget a few must-haves for your trip to Bahrain to go as smoothly as possible.
- Modest Clothing – While Bahrain is one of the most tolerant countries in the Middle East, both men and women should try to cover their shoulders and knees.
- Light Layers – Not only can these help you cover up more skin, but a sweater or scarf can be helpful if you get chilly during windy winter nights in Bahrain.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen – Since Bahrain is a desert, the sun can be stronger than many people from Canada are accustomed to. Be sure you have plenty of sun protection and avoid sunburns as best you can.
Canadian Embassy in Bahrain
Bahrain is served by the Canadian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Be sure to contact them in regard to any consular needs.
Embassy of Canada in Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic Quarter, P.O. Box 94321,
Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia
966 (11) 202-3288
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bahrain
“We went for our travel vaccinations for Bahrain this morning, in Kitchener, ON…we had the best nurse! Not only was she knowledgeable she administered “pain less” needles to us!”
“This is my second time visiting the clinic and like previously I received excellent service. My appointment was on time, the staff is very knowledgeable and overall my experience was a positive one. Can’t wait to visit Bahrain!”
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