Streamlined permit system introduces for Kuwaiti yachters to access Bahrain's waters
Looking to set sail in Bahrain's shimmering waters? The Kingdom has rolled out a swell of new regulations to make it a breeze for foreign travelers, particularly those from neighboring Kuwait, to navigate their beautiful seas.
In a commendable move to bolster marine tourism, Bahrain's Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Salah Al-Maliki, has announced that the Kingdom is streamlining the procedure for securing entry for foreign non-commercial pleasure yachts, sans the need for a marine agent. Per Al-Jarida daily, the new regulations are implemented by the Ports and Maritime Affairs Department within the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.
Under this new decree, visitors can procure a navigation permit effortlessly, simply by reaching out to the aforementioned department. The sea-pass, valid for an entire year and allowing numerous entries, is granted when certain documentation requirements are met—including a copy of the yacht's registration and navigation license (or safety certificate), a comprehensive insurance policy, AIS (Automatic Identification System) activation, and crew certification. The cost for this privilege is a fair 50 Bahraini dinars ( roughly equivalent to 40 Kuwaiti dinars).
The rules also set forth the entrance procedure, mandating vessels to report to designated Coast Guard checkpoints prior to heading to port for customs and passport clearance.
Al-Maliki underscored the initiative's potential to boost maritime security, tourism, and underline Bahrain's commitment to its Vision 2030 and sustainable development goals. The objective is to establish Bahrain as a regional hub for yacht tourism and drive environmental and marine sports tourism.
Notably, vessels are expected to adhere to all maritime laws, maintain their seaworthiness, keep their AIS running, report any incidents, and depart Bahraini waters within seven days of permit expiration, unless extreme circumstances justify a stay.
Kuwaiti seafarers are encouraged to explore Bahrain's waters, with Al-Maliki branding it as a "second home." For details, applicants can check out www.mtt.gov.bh, shoot an email to [email protected], or dial +97317162010 (available round the clock).
Behind the Waves:
The new regulations are in keeping with Ministerial Edict (9) of 2025, which aims to simplify the process for non-commercial, foreign-flagged leisure vessels entering Bahraini waters[1][2][4]. The edict is geared toward enhancing maritime safety and security while investing in infrastructure to position Bahrain as a global superyacht hub[5].
The application process for a navigation permit demands submission of the vessel's registration certificate, comprehensive insurance policy, AIS device, crew licenses, and details of all passengers and crew[3]. Upon submission, you will receive a navigation permit that is renewable and valid for an entire year. Upon arrival in Bahraini waters, steer your vessel to one of the designated official entry points, primarily leisure marinas[5].
For a more meticulous understanding of the entry and exit procedures, delve into the Guidelines for the Entry and Exit Procedures of Visiting Vessels in Bahraini Waters, which may be accessible in Arabic[3]. Be sure to contact the Maritime Control Office with your yacht's details before setting sail to ensure a hassle-free entry[5].
- Foreign tourists, including those from Kuwait, can easily sail in Bahrain's waters with the new regulations that streamline the entry process for foreign non-commercial pleasure yachts.
- To secure a navigation permit in Bahrain, visitors need to contact the Ports and Maritime Affairs Department and submit required documents such as the yacht's registration, insurance policy, AIS activation, crew certification, and passport details.
- The cost for the navigation permit, which is valid for a year, is 50 Bahraini dinars, roughly equivalent to 40 Kuwaiti dinars.
- To adhere to maritime laws, vessels should keep their AIS running, report any incidents, and depart Bahraini waters within seven days of permit expiration unless extreme circumstances justify a stay. For more information, applicants can check the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications' website, email, or contact the designated phone number.
