Bahrain customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving in Bahrain in 2026, non-Muslim travelers aged 18+ can bring duty-free: 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco (choose one option). Cash or monetary instruments equivalent to BHD 3,770 (USD 10,000) or more must be declared. Personal goods and gifts up to BHD 300 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Pork and alcohol for personal use are allowed for non-Muslims but strictly regulated and must be declared. Prohibited items include narcotics, firearms, counterfeit goods, and pornographic materials. Restricted items include controlled medicines, live animals, drones, and satellite phones requiring permits.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+ and non-Muslim. Muslim travelers cannot import alcohol.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash or monetary instruments equivalent to BHD 3,770 (USD 10,000) or more must be declared on the arrival form at the red channel. Failure to declare may result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to BHD 300 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Above that, duty applies at the standard rate. Commercial samples and goods for resale are excluded.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with special medical authorization)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Pornographic materials (including digital content)
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items without permit)
  • Used tires and certain used machinery (restricted for environmental reasons)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (must have a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Live animals and plants (require import permits and health certificates)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require approval from the Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority)
  • Alcoholic beverages and pork products (allowed for personal use only for non-Muslims; must be declared and within duty-free limits)

Rules worth knowing

Pork and Alcohol Declaration for Non-Muslims

Pork and alcohol are legal for non-Muslim travelers but must be declared on arrival. They are subject to duty-free limits (1 liter spirits or 2 liters wine/beer for alcohol; no specific limit for pork but must be for personal use). Muslim travelers are not allowed to import these items.

Gifts and Commercial Samples

Commercial samples and goods intended for resale are not covered by the personal duty-free allowance of BHD 300. You must pay duty and may need a commercial import license from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Currency Declaration

If you carry BHD 3,770 (USD 10,000) or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments, you must complete a declaration form at the red channel. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines of up to 25% of the undeclared amount.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, non-Muslim travelers aged 18+ can bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer duty-free. You must declare it on arrival. Muslim travelers are not allowed to import alcohol.
You can bring 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco duty-free. You cannot combine these allowances; choose one option.
Yes, if you carry BHD 3,770 (about USD 10,000) or more in cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments, you must declare it on the customs arrival form at the red channel.
Yes, for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, sedatives), you need prior approval from the Ministry of Health at least 2 weeks before travel.
Drones are restricted. You must obtain prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority and follow local regulations. Unauthorized drones can be confiscated and fines imposed.
Personal goods and gifts up to BHD 300 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items above that value are subject to customs duty at the standard rate of 5% for most goods.

Official source

Bahrain Customs Affairs

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Bahrain Customs Affairs before travelling.