Bahrain has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its strategic location in the Persian Gulf. As an island nation, it has been a center of trade for thousands of years, creating a diverse and cosmopolitan society.

Bahraini culture reflects influences from across the Arab world and beyond:

• Ethnic composition: Majority Bahraini Arabs, with significant communities of expatriates from South Asia, the Philippines, and other countries.
• Religious diversity: Both Sunni and Shia Muslims, with small communities of Christians, Hindus, Jews, and others.
• Pearl diving heritage: For centuries, Bahrain was known as the center of the world's pearl industry before the discovery of oil.
• Modern outlook: Bahrain is considered one of the more liberal Gulf states, with a vibrant arts scene and cultural sector.

Traditional Bahraini music includes fidjeri (pearl diving songs), sawt (a type of performance art), and liwa (African-influenced drumming and dancing). The country hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

Bahraini cuisine combines Gulf, Persian, and Indian influences, featuring dishes such as:

• Machboos: Spiced rice dish with meat or fish
• Muhammar: Sweet rice with dates and sugar
• Qoozi: Grilled lamb with rice
• Samboosa: Crispy pastries filled with savory ingredients

Traditional crafts include pottery, boat building, weaving, and palm leaf products. Bahrain National Museum showcases the country's heritage, from its ancient Dilmun civilization to the modern era.

Bahrain offers visitors a blend of historical attractions, modern architecture, and cultural experiences. The small island nation is easy to navigate, making it possible to see many sites in a short time.

Here are some of Bahrain's most impressive attractions:

Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)

Northern coast

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Manama

Tree of Life

Jebel Dukhan

Bahrain International Circuit

Sakhir

Manama Souq

Manama

Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 16th-century Portuguese fort is built over the ruins of ancient settlements dating back 4,500 years.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers. The mosque offers guided tours for non-Muslim visitors.

Tree of Life: A 400-year-old mesquite tree surviving in the desert with no apparent water source. It's become a popular tourist attraction and symbol of life's resilience.

Bahrain International Circuit: Home to the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, visitors can tour the facility and even experience driving on the track in certain programs.

Manama Souq: A traditional market where you can find everything from spices and fabrics to gold and electronics. Perfect for experiencing local culture and finding souvenirs.

Bahrain's small size makes it relatively easy to navigate. The country has modern transportation infrastructure with several options for travelers:

• King Fahd Causeway: Connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia via a 25km long causeway. It's one of the longest bridges in the world and serves as a major entry point to the country.
• Public Buses: Bahrain has a public bus network that covers major areas. The service is reliable and air-conditioned, making it a budget-friendly option for tourists.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem also operate in Bahrain.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car is a popular option for tourists, as Bahrain has well-maintained roads and driving is on the right-hand side. International driving licenses are accepted.

Note: Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands, and while the main island is connected by bridges, boat services are available to reach some of the smaller islands.

Bahrain has one main international airport that serves as the primary gateway to the country:

• Bahrain International Airport (BAH): Located in Muharraq, approximately 7 km northeast of the capital, Manama. The airport underwent a major expansion and modernization in 2021, with a new passenger terminal that increased capacity to 14 million passengers annually.

Bahrain International Airport serves as a hub for Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain. Numerous international airlines operate flights to and from Bahrain, connecting it to major cities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Airport Facilities: The airport offers modern amenities including duty-free shopping, dining options, lounges, prayer rooms, currency exchange services, and car rental facilities. A dedicated shuttle service and taxis connect the airport to Manama and other parts of Bahrain.

Bahrain has implemented a range of visa policies to facilitate tourism and business travel. The country offers both traditional visas and an efficient eVisa system.

Visa options for visiting Bahrain include:

• Tourist visa (online eVisa available)
• Business visa
• Work visa
• Transit visa
• GCC resident visa

eVisa Process: Many nationalities can apply for an eVisa through Bahrain's online portal. The process typically requires a valid passport, a return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and visa fee payment.

Travel Restrictions by Nationality

The following table provides general information about visa requirements for entering Bahrain:

Note: Visa regulations can change, so it's advisable to check with the Bahraini embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official Bahrain eVisa website for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Entry Restrictions: There are currently no specific countries whose citizens are fully banned from entering Bahrain, but entry requirements and scrutiny may vary based on diplomatic relations and security considerations.