Passengers coming to Bahrain to bear cost of mandatory coronavirus test
July 13, 2020
The ministry emphasized that citizens and residents in Bahrain will continue to be entitled to free COVID-19 medical treatment in line with international standards, and as outlined by the World Health Organization. — Courtesy photo
MANAMA — All travelers arriving in Bahrain will need to pay 30 Bahraini dinars (nearly SR300, $80) for mandatory coronavirus test, the country’s Ministry of Health announced on Sunday.
The move, which will come into force on July 21 (Tuesday), is part of the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to review screening measures as the global response to COVID-19 continues to evolve with the reopening of borders and resumption of international flights, the ministry said in a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency.
The ministry emphasized that citizens and residents in Bahrain will continue to be entitled to free COVID-19 medical treatment in line with international standards, and as outlined by the World Health Organization.
As part of the decision, cash and electronic payments will be accepted with the option for travelers to pay in advance through the “BeAware Bahrain” mobile application to ease proceedings. This decision does not extend to cabin crew, diplomatic or other official travelers, and those who are traveling for medical needs. Additionally, transit passengers will not be required to undergo COVID-19 tests or put in quarantine.
The Civil Aviation Authorities will coordinate with Bahrain International Airport and airlines on this matter, the ministry added.
Travelers who test negative are required to self-isolate for a period of 10 days and test again at the end of their quarantine period. Exit swabs will cost an additional 30 Bahraini dinars, to be incurred by travelers and can be paid through the app or at the testing center.
In this regard, all self-isolating cases are mandated to register on the “BeAware” application.
The ministry underlined that citizens intending to travel abroad must understand the entry procedures and requirements in place at their chosen destination. They must also sign a declaration form either through the “BeAware Bahrain” app or handwritten prior to departure, agreeing to bear any medical costs incurred while abroad as well as mandatory COVID-19 testing, at their own cost, and 10-day self-isolation upon return to Bahrain.
