Travel advisory · BahrainSome governments advise against all but essential travel to Bahrain.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
Also named by one government: Far south of the island (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Reconsider Travel | Oct 23, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid non-essential travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Von Reisen wird dringend abgeraten | Oct 29, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Avoid non-essential travel to Bahrain | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Déconseillé sauf raisons impératives | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Riffa
Riffa is a quiet, residential town in southern Bahrain, a short drive from Manama, where you go for local life and a slower pace than the capital.
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Riffa is a town in southern Bahrain, an island kingdom in the Persian Gulf. It sits inland, a short drive southwest of Manama, the capital. The Al Khalifa family, Bahrain's ruling family, has long been based here, and the old fort is a reminder of that history. Most of Riffa is residential, with neighborhoods, local shops and restaurants, and few large hotels or big sights.
Go to Riffa if you want to stay outside Manama's hotel districts, if you are visiting family, or if you want a calmer base for day trips to the capital and the coast. Evenings are quieter than in Manama. One day covers a relaxed visit, and two days let you add the fort, local meals and a drive along the coast. November to March has mild temperatures. Summer is very hot and humid, so plan indoor stops and outdoor visits for early morning or evening.
Riffa in five
- Buy a local eSIM before you landBatelco, Zain and stc Bahrain are mobile operators in Bahrain. An eSIM can be set up before you fly if your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.Phones and eSIM
- Get a car or ride-hailing app for RiffaRiffa has no train or metro, and its areas are spread out. Use Uber or Careem from Manama, or hire a car. Plan on a car or app rides between sights.Getting around
- Carry dinars for small purchasesThe Bahraini dinar (BHD) is pegged to the US dollar. Keep small notes for taxis and small shops.Money and costs
- Check your entry route before you book flightsVisa-free entry, visa on arrival and eVisa depend on your passport. Check the official eVisa information before you pay for flights.Visas and entry
- Stay in Manama for evenings, Riffa for quietRiffa is mostly residential, so evening options are thinner than in Manama. Stay in Riffa if you have a car and want quiet nights.Where to stay
Things to do in Riffa
See all attractions in Riffa
Need to know
- Currency
- Bahraini dinar (BHD)
- Entry
- Visa-free, visa on arrival or eVisa by passport; check the official eVisa information
- Emergency
- 999 police and emergency services
- Tipping
- Not usually expected beyond rounding up; check whether a service charge is added
- Time
- UTC+3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, mild days
- FebruaryMild, pleasant
- MarchWarm, pleasant
- AprilWarm, pleasant
- MayHot, dry
- JuneVery hot
- JulyVery hot, humid
- AugustHottest, humid
- SeptemberHot, humid
- OctoberWarm, easing
- NovemberMild, pleasant
- DecemberMild, cool nights
Right now in Riffa
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 73%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Riffa
01:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today34°27°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 34°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed33°26°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 33°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu34°26°3%Thursday: Clear. High 34°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Fri34°27°0%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 34°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat33°27°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun33°28°0%Sunday: Clear. High 33°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 12:23 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.376 BHD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Manamaby carThe capital, with the Bab Al Bahrain souk and the Bahrain National Museum.Read the guide
- Muharraqby carOld merchant houses and the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Bahrain Fortby carThe ancient site of Dilmun, with burial mounds and a fort on a tell.
Before you go to Riffa
Rules for Riffa, checked
- Check your passport's entry route on the official eVisa information before you travel, since the list of visa-free countries can change.
- Alcohol is sold only in licensed venues such as hotels and bars, and drinking in public streets is not allowed.
- During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
- Dress modestly in public areas, covering shoulders and knees; swimwear belongs at the beach or pool.
Plan around Riffa
Manama, Muharraq and the rest of the country.
Read the guideWhere to stay in BahrainManama or Riffa, and which base suits your trip.
Read the guideGetting around BahrainTaxis, ride-hailing apps and car hire.
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa-free, eVisa and visa on arrival, depending on your passport.
Read the guideMoney and costsDinar prices, cards and when tipping applies.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMLocal SIM or eSIM options for Bahrain.
Read the guideRiffa FAQ
Is Riffa worth visiting?
Riffa is mainly a residential town with few set sights. Visit for a local meal or a stay if you want quiet nights, and skip it if you want busy streets and evening life.
How many days do you need in Riffa?
One day covers a relaxed visit. A second day fits Manama or Muharraq if you have a car.
Can you get to Riffa without a car?
Yes, by taxi or ride-hailing app from Manama, since there is no rail link. Install the app before you arrive.
Do I need a visa for Bahrain?
It depends on your passport. Some visitors enter visa-free, others get a visa on arrival or an eVisa. Check the official eVisa information before you book.
Can you drink alcohol in Riffa?
Only in licensed venues such as hotels and bars, and not in the street. Check with your hotel about what it serves.
What is Ramadan like for visitors?
Eating, drinking and smoking in public are not allowed in daylight during Ramadan. Plan lunch indoors or in a private space.