MANAMA — Bahrain will suspend entry of travelers from countries on its ‘Red List’, which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, from May, 24, state news agency (BNA) said.

Bahrain has introduced new travel restrictions for those coming to from five countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, state run BNA reported.

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) announced that entry would be limited to Bahrainis, GCC nationals and travellers with Bahraini residence visa from Sunday (May 23).

Though Bahraini citizens and residency visa holders are not covered by the suspension, they will, however, have to provide a PCR test before boarding a plane and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, BNA added.

Bahrain will also apply precautionary 10-day quarantine to vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals from all other countries, in their homes or in places licensed for quarantining, BNA added.

In the wake of rising COVID cases in the aforementioned countries, NPRA mandates quarantine for ten days and negative PCR certificate taken 48 hours before the arrivals for all those permitted entry.

Upon arrival, all travelers are required to undergo a series of three PCR tests costing BD36, on the first day, the fifth day and the final one on the 10th days of the arrivals.

Travelers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal holding new work visas are advised to produce a letter confirming their lodging in Bahrain from the respective firms.

Meanwhile Bahrain has restricted entry access to most public areas, including shopping malls, restaurants, salons, cinemas and government offices, to immunized residents, those who recovered from coronavirus or completed 14 days after receiving the second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Commercial centers such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and hospitals are open to non-vaccinated people. — Agencies