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With a name meaning ‘Two Seas' it is little wonder that Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands in the Gulf, defines itself in relation to the water that surrounds its shallow shores.
The twin 50-storey towers of Bahrain's World Trade Centre and the horseshoe of man-made islands at the southern tip of the country are sights to behold. Enter into the past at the excellent Bahrain National Museum before venturing beyond Manama to find traces of Dilmun, Bahrain's ancient civilization.
Amble through the souks around Bab al Bahrain and enjoy the aromas of cardamom coffee, apricot sheesha, sizzling kebabs and heady incense-laced perfumes.
Take a 40-minute boat ride to the Hawar Islands and look out for the dolphins who play in the calm Gulf seas while flamingos stalk through the shallow waters.
Best time to go: November to February (for warm days & cool nights)
Capital: Manama
Currency: Dinar (BHD)
Dialling code from SA: 00973
Language: Arabic
Time: UT + 3
This information should be used as a guide only. Please confirm requirements with the consulate or embassy.
Visas are required by SA passport holders. WARNING! - With the exception of those holding valid passports from the GCC states and the United Kingdom, visitors to Bahrain require entry visas. As there is no Embassy in SA, the best way to obtain a visa is through a hotel in Bahrain if travelling for tourism purposes. To apply for an e-visa: www.evisa.gov.bh Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain: SA REPRESENTATIVE:
Passengers with Israeli stamps in passport will not be granted entry > into Bahrain.
(Gulf co-operating countries are: Qatar, Bahrain, U.A.E., Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.)
Hotels can act as a sponsor for the passenger. In order to arrange this, a fax should be sent to the hotel a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the arrival date in Bahrain. The passport details, purpose of visit, a detailed itinerary and contact details of where you can be reached (telephone, fax numbers and e-mail address) must be included in the fax. NB Always reconfirm everything by phone a few days prior to arrival in Bahrain.
The cost is approximately BD5.00 which the hotel usually adds onto the bill.
30 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8QB
Tel: (020) 7201 9170 Fax: (020) 7201 9183
Website: www.bahrainembassy.co.uk
E-mail: information@bahrainembassy.co.uk
SA Consular Office:
Bahrain International Bank (EC), Al Salam Tower, Manama
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: +973 538777 / 973 699 675 Fax: +973 535 160