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Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have launched a new travel health document to help facilitate safe travel between the two countries.
The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and Bahrain’s Information and e-Government Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm the new electronic document.
The two nations have introduced the new travel policy in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of the policy is to help protect the health of both travellers and citizens in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The new entry requirement should also encourage travel between the two countries once again, by assuring visitors of their safety while travelling.
Bahraini residents do need a Saudi visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, but the travel permit can be obtained easily online.
If you are a resident of Bahrain hoping to travel to Saudi Arabia, you must either be a citizen of an eligible country, or in possession of a GCC card.
Merging the Saudi and Bahraini health apps
One of the purposes of the new health e-passport is to achieve integration between the Saudi Tawakkalna application and BeAware Bahrain application.
The signed agreement is to activate the new policy and merge the two separate applications together. They will now work alongside each other to help monitor the health of those passing between the two countries.
Though it is currently only for use between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the eventual aim of the health e-passport is to be acknowledged as an official document worldwide.
<h2>What will the health e-passport be used for?</h2>
The new health e-passport will act as a travel health certificate for visitors moving between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The electronic document will hold important and official information about the traveller, related to COVID-19 requirements. It will be used to ensure that all arrivals are following the correct procedures.
<h3>Current safety measures for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain</h3>
If you are planning to travel between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, you must ensure that you follow all current restrictions. At present, all arrivals must have the following to enter both countries:
- Vaccination certificate showing you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Medical insurance to cover coronavirus expenses
- Negative COVID-19 PCR test result
Nationals and residents of the following countries do not need to have medical insurance:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
The health e-passport will be an official record to show that you are following the current safety measures. You must upload your documents onto the app before you depart for Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
Restrictions often change, so you should check the relevant government’s official information before arranging your trip.
<h2>Do I need the health e-passport to travel between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia?</h2>
The primary purpose of the new health e-passport is to manage the movement of travellers, citizens, and residents through the King Fahd Causeway.
If you are going to travel between the two countries by this route, then you will need to have a valid health e-passport.
Travel through the King Fahd Causeway
The King Fahd Causeway is a 25 kilometre (15.5 mile) long series of bridges and causeways that link Khober in Saudi Arabia with Al Jasra in Bahrain. It is the principal way to travel between the two nations.
The health e-passport will allow immigration staff working at the King Fahd Causeway to immediately verify the personal and health data of each traveller.
The electronic data will confirm your identity and show proof of the COVID-19 measures you have followed.
Benefits of the new Saudi and Bahraini health passport
There are numerous benefits to the new travel health document.
The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is to help both the authorities and travellers.
Monitor safety measures between countries
One of the main benefits of the e-passport is that health and immigration authorities can check that you are following the current restrictions for the country you are travelling to.
This helps to ensure that the COVID-19 measures are working to their full potential.
Protect public health
The electronic document monitors the current health status of each passenger. This makes it easier to trace possible risks of infection and contact those who could be at risk.
Facilitate faster immigration checks at the King Fahd Causeway
The health e-passport is a fast and efficient way to check the status of each traveller as they cross the border.
Using this system means that you can pass through immigration more quickly.
