Destinations / Bahrain
Driving in Bahrain as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bahrain drives on the right and enforces zero alcohol behind the wheel; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bahrain expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BHD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Speed cameras widespread. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory front and rear. |
| Phones | Phone use while driving heavily fined. |
On the road in Bahrain
At the pump
Petrol (sold by octane grade) and diesel are widely available and heavily subsidised, making fuel very cheap by global standards. Stations are attended and accept cards across the island.
After a crash
Call 199 for traffic accidents without injuries and 999 if anyone is hurt; you will be directed to one of the accident report centres to file a report. Do not move the vehicles before reporting, as a police report is mandatory for any insurance claim.
Sources: expatfocus.com · newsofbahrain.com · gaurav.imapro.in · countryreports.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bahrain?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bahrain drives on the right and enforces zero alcohol behind the wheel; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence.
Which translation format is used for Bahrain?
Bahrain uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Bahrain ask for a translation?
Manama desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Bahrain?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.