 |
|
|
|
| Entry Regulations / General Information |
|
|
|
Entry for German Nationals |
|
|
On arrival travellers can obtain a visa for a stay of 14 days (on payment of a fee), provided they are holding a national passport valid for at least a further six months, confirmed tickets for their return or onward journey, the travel documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographical Location |
|
|
The Kingdom of Bahrain lies in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, 32 km to the east of Dhahran/Saudi Arabia. The sheikdom consists of a group of 33 islands, the largest of which is Bahrain. Bahrain is 43,5 km long and 16 km wide and the island´s inland has a desert character. Bahrain is connected with Saudi Arabia through a 25 km long bridge and dam road (King of Fahd Causeway). This Causeway connects the cities of Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia and Jasrah in Bahrain.
Total area: 710.9 km², of which Bahrain 572 km², Al-Muharraq 20.5 km² and Sitrah 29.2 km².
Administrative divisions: 12 municipalities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Population |
|
|
Population: approximately 716,000.
Cities (approximate numbers): Manama (capital) 153,400, Muharraq 92,000, Rifaa 80,000, Hamad Town 53,000.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
Bahrain´s national language is Arabic. English is used in commerce.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time Difference |
|
|
Central European Time (CET) + 2 hours.
During European summer time, the time difference is +1 hour.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electricity |
|
|
220/230-Volt Alternating Current, 50 Hertz; in Awali 120-Volt Alternating Current, 60 Hertz.
It is advisable to carry an adapter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone |
|
|
The international dialling code from Western Europe to Bahrain is 00973; for international calls from Bahrain, the prefix "00" must be dialled before the relevant country code (in the case of calls to Germany, for example, 0049).
Public phones are operated with coins and telephone cards, which can be purchased in grocery shops and hotels. Some public phones can also be used with credit cards.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Police, ambulance and fire brigade 999.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile Phones |
|
|
Mobile network technologies: GSM 900/1800.
Information for users of mobile phones registered with German network providers: Mobile phones connected to the T-Mobile, E-Plus, O2 or Vodafone networks can be used due to international roaming agreements. Travellers intending to use other mobile phones are advised to contact their network provider for detailed information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Internet |
|
|
Country code suffix: .bh
There are many internet cafés in Manama. Some hotels also offer internet access.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Holidays |
|
|
1st January (New Year), 16th December (National Holiday). Additionally, there are numerous Islamic holidays, the dates of which change annually. Friday is the weekly closing day. If a holiday falls on a Friday, it is usually brought forward to the following workday.
Please note that since 1 September 2006, the local weekend for public institutions has changed from Thursday/Friday to Friday/Saturday.
The main holiday season ranges from July to August.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opening Hours |
|
|
Please note that from 1 September 2006, the local weekend has changed from Thursday/Friday to Friday/Saturday. This regulation applies to all state and public institutions, but it can be assumed that the private sector will gradually adapt to the new regulation.
Banks: Sat to Wed (or Sun to Thur) 7.30a.m.-12p.m., Thurs 7.30a.m.-11a.m., some banks are open also in the afternoon from 3.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Government Offices: Sun to Thurs 7a.m.-2p.m. Offices: Sat to Wed (or Sun to Thur) 8a.m.-12.30p.m. and 3p.m.-6p.m., Thurs 7:30a.m.-12p.m. (during Ramadan, most offices are only open from 8a.m.-2p.m.).
Shops: Sat to Thurs 8.30a.m.-12.30p.m. and 3.30p.m.-7.30p.m..
Supermarkets: Sat to Thurs 8a.m.-8p.m. (some are open until 10p.m. or even longer, as well as on Friday mornings).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clothes |
|
|
Light woollen clothing and protective rainwear should be carried during the winter season. Summer clothing is appropriate throughout the rest of the year. Hotels and shopping centres are almost always air-conditioned. Short trousers and mini-skirts are inappropriate and should not be worn. Evening dress is expected on formal occasions. Good sunglasses are a must. Women should dress somewhat reserved and avoid sleeveless dresses or blouses. Bathing or casual clothing should only be worn on the beach or at the swimming pool and not in the city or town or in restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 2001 All rights reserved TIP Gesellschaft für Touristik-Informations-Programme mbH, München Last updated: 14.03.2007 - Proposals, hints and contact - Copyright
|
|
|
|
|