Bahrain customs regulations

It is important to know about customs regulations before traveling to Bahrain to avoid legal issues and potential fines. As you know, customs regulations widely depend on the country. Before traveling to (or from) Bahrain make sure to check the allowance and limits for the next things:

  • Alcohol and tobacco
  • Currency
  • Medicines (especially those containing drugs)
  • Animals
  • Cultural artifacts
  • Plants, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products

Check the information below to be sure that you are complying with Bahrain customs regulations.

Import rules Export rules

Import regulations in Bahrain

Duty-free allowance

Tobacco limit

  • Restricted to travellers 18 years and over;
  • 400 cigarettes;
  • 50 cigars;
  • and 250 grams tobacco.

Bringing alcohol

  • Restricted to travellers 18 years and over;
  • 1 litre spirits;
  • 6 cans of beer.

Other Goods

  • Personal gifts and effects whose value does not exceed BD250.
  • 8 ounces of perfume.
  • There are no import restrictions on local or foreign currency for Bahrain.
  • Medication for personal use should be accompanied by a prescription.

Prohibited items

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

  • Narcotics, such as heroin, cocaine, and hashish.
  • Indian paan and its derivatives.
  • Cultured pearls.
  • Advertising material for cigarettes.
  • Radio/ Remote controlled model aircraft.
  • Children's toy guns capable of firing projectiles.
  • Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos.
  • Printed publications, photographs, and other media which contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or morality.
  • Seditious or treasonable material.
  • Asbestos, or items containing asbestos.
  • Raw ivory, ivory articles and rhinoceros horn.
  • Live swine.

Restricted items

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

  • Live wild animals require a valid certificate from the veterinary authority, and a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs.
  • Animals, birds, and their derivative products require a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs.
  • Meat, fish, and their derivative products require a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs.
  • Fruit, vegetables, plants, and their derivative products require a permit from the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs.
  • Radioactive chemicals and active isotopes require permission from the Ministry of Health.
  • Food products and pharmaceuticals require permission from the Ministry of Health.
  • Unadulterated ethyl alcohol and isopropanol require a permit from the Ministry of Interior.
  • Pedestrian controlled four wheel mini cars require a permit from the Ministry of Interior.
  • Handcuffs made from iron and steel, arms, ammunition, explosives and military weapons require a permit from the Ministry of Interior.
  • Magazines, publications, films, and videos require a permit from the Ministry of Information Affairs.
  • Optical and magnetic audio-visual media and items infringing intellectual property rights require a permit from the Ministry of Information Affairs.
  • Telecommunications, radio and television receiving and broadcasting equipment require a permit from the Telecom Regulatory Authority.

Information has been updated: .