International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
BAHRAIN On behalf of UniGroup Relocation, we will be coordinating the shipment of your goods to Bahrain. To simplify the process, we have outlined the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. This will also review your responsibilities in assisting with this process. In addition to the points below, the following pages will outline the requirements, which will be facilitated by our local representative to complete the clearance. They will assist with each item specific to your shipment so please be assured they will do whatever is necessary to facilitate a quick and efficient clearance. The documentation process, for example, passports, visas, power of attorney, etc., can take one week to 14 days plus the transportation – airfreight – seven to 21 days / weeks and ocean – six to eight weeks, depending on the origin. It is extremely important that you take a few moments to review these important requirements, as they will allow us to process the release of your personal property through foreign customs. Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import and not by UniGroup Relocation. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. Such regulations, however, are subject to change without notice by the country of import. UniGroup Relocation assumes no liability for changes in the law or interpretation by enforcement personnel as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country.
Visa Requirements – Details Please advise your local representative or UniGroup Relocation Representative of the “Type” of passport or visa you will be travelling under (working visa, temporary visa, diplomatic, etc.). When moving to Bahrain, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials. *Contact address and telephone number must be listed on all documents.
Required Documents
Details
Visitors Entry Visa
Entry visas can be obtained through hotels, travel and tourist agencies and other firms licensed to carry out tourist activities in Bahrain Requirements for Entry Visa are: • Valid Passport • Completed Visa Application Form • Letter from company/applicant stating the reason and duration of visit • One passport size photo • The applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration Department in Bahrain through an employer, agent or relative residing in Bahrain. The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate): Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium,
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican. Visit Visa
Visa for foreign nationals who intend to visit Bahrain to meet their relatives or friends. The friend or relative is the applicant in this case. • Application must be signed by a local sponsor and presented to the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports (GDIP). • A letter from the applicant's sponsor • A copy of the applicant's CPR card • A copy of the visitor's passport • One passport size photo • The applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration Department in Bahrain through an employer, agent or relative residing in Bahrain. The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate): • Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican.
Tourists Tourist Visa
Valid for two weeks and are renewable once. Applicants must not seek employment while in Bahrain. Citizens of the following countries do not require sponsor for a Tourist Visa: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Vatican City. Requirements for Tourist Visa are: • Valid Passport • Completed Visa Application Form • A letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit and that the applicant is responsible for all travel expenses.
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
• • •
One1 passport size photo Applicants must hold return or onward air tickets. The applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration Department in Bahrain through an employer, agent or relative residing in Bahrain.
The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate): • Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican.
Businesspeople Business Visa
Requirements for Business Visa are: • Valid Passport • Completed Visa Application Form • An original letter (on company letterhead) stating the purpose and duration of the visit and that the applicant is responsible for all travel expenses. (Photocopies are not accepted). • One passport size photo • The applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration Department in Bahrain through an employer, agent or relative residing in Bahrain. The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate): Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican.
72-Hour And 7-Day Visa
Visa for business visits, trade delegations, and exhibition or seminar attendance, these can be obtained on arrival into country. • Foreign nationals who have lived in a GCC State for a minimum of six months are automatically granted a 72-hour visa on arrival. Requirements for Visa are: • Valid Passport
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
• • • •
Completed Visa Application Form One passport size photo Visitors must hold confirmed return on onward journey tickets. The applicant must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Immigration Department in Bahrain through an employer, agent or relative residing in Bahrain.
The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC (No Objection Certificate): • Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican.
Employees Employment Visa
An employment visa is required to work legally in and become a resident of Bahrain. Requirements for Employment Visa are: • Valid Passport • Completed Visa Application Form • One passport size photo • Letter from company/applicant stating the reason and duration of visit • A work permit is required from the Ministry of Labor. • No Objection Certificate from the Directorate of Immigration before this visa is granted. The following countries are exempted from obtaining NOC: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Vatican.
Diplomats Diplomatic Visa
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
Requirements for Diplomats are: • Diplomatic Passport • Completed Visa Application Form • One passport size photo 4
International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
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A letter (on official letterhead) from the U.S. Armed Services or State Department, stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Details: • • • • • •
Visitors continuing their journey within 24 hours, holding confirmed tickets and appropriate travel documents, will be issued a 24-hour visa on arrival. Visitors who hold valid Saudi Arabia residence permits will be issued a free twoweek visa. Visitor visas are valid for a period of 1 month but may be extended to maximum of three months. A longer stay may be granted in exceptional circumstances. A person on a visit visa cannot work or engage in business activities during his/her stay in Bahrain. No transit visa is required if applicant is only transiting through Bahrain. Groups may obtain visa to Bahrain for a duration of up to two weeks which is renewable once. In Business multiple entry visa the validity is for six months.
Documents Requirements – Details When moving to Bahrain, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials.
PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD GOODS The following documents are required to import personal & household goods into Bahrain:
Required Documents
Details
Residence Permit
A Residence permit valid for two years, endorsed on the passport.
Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
Original bill of lading/airway bill, stating “used household goods & personal effects”.
Inventory List
Please verify with local representative.
Passport
Required.
Insurance Policy
Copy of insurance policy (if available)
Bank Guarantee
Please verify with local representative.
For Diplomatic Shipments Certificate from Embassy
Certificate from the Embassy or the Consulate.
Duties Personal & household goods can be imported duty-free under the following conditions: • •
The shipper has used the goods for at least one year in a foreign country. The shipper has a two year Residence Permit endorsed on his/her passport.
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
Details: • • • • • • •
Alcohol has 150% duty. Do not recommend including in Household Goods shipments as it delays customs clearance process. Video cassettes and DVDs will require a screening fee. Customs clearance takes about three to four days and the shipper’s presence is required for clearance. If residence permit is not ready in time shipment can be cleared by payment of refundable deposit to customs authorities or non-refundable payment of customs duty of 10% on full shipment. Duty-free entry for foreign diplomats. For diplomatic shipments clearance takes three to four days and the shipper’s presence is not required. In diplomatic shipments customs authorities are authorized to make a survey at domicile.
Restricted and Prohibited – Imports All countries, including Bahrain prohibits and restricts the importation of certain dangerous or sensitive items.
Restricted Items • • • • • • • • • •
New items Personal Computers Wine/Alcohol (Alcohol has 150% duty taxes) Piano/Musical Instruments Fax Machines/Copiers Food Items Electrical appliances Cordless telephones Perfume products Tobacco products
Prohibited Items • • • • • • • • •
Pornographic materials, videos, films, literature Wireless transmitters, communications equipment, satellite dishes/receivers Political or religious literature offensive to Islam and/or the Bahrain government Narcotic and psychotropic drugs Commemorative articles or military uniforms Cultured pearls Remote control airplanes Articles made from ivory Medicines (requires a check by the Ministry of Health)
Restricted and Prohibited – Exports •
Not available.
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
Motor Vehicles – Imports The following documents are required for the importation of motor vehicles:
Required Documents
Details
Title
Not required.
Certificate of registration
Not required.
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
Original bill of lading with complete details of the vehicle.
Export certificate or ownership title
Export certificate or ownership title from point of origin.
Inspection Certificate
Inspection Certificate must be requested by shipper before automobile arrives. No vehicle will be accepted for import without it.
Details: • • • •
The shipper must pay a duty of 20% on either a new or used vehicle. Customs authorities reserve the right on the valuation assessed by them. Clearance will take 2 to 4 days Vehicle must have new insurance coverage and temporary plates before leaving seaport or airport.
Motor Vehicles – Exports •
Not available.
Pets The requirements to transport dogs and cats may vary per country. If you wish to ship your pet, please contact the airline or country Consulate/Embassy for specific details concerning your type, breed and documentation for pets.
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
IMPORTANT CUSTOMS REMINDER Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import, not by UniGroup Relocation and are subject to change without notice by the country of import. All regulations may vary according to the customer’s nationality or immigration status. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. UniGroup Relocation cannot be responsible for changes in the law, or interpretation by immigration or customs enforcement personnel, or non-compliance with the law as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Contact with the local Consulate or Embassy for further information concerning your specific visa, residence and entry situation is strongly recommended prior to planning your move.
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL International wood packing requirements are in accordance with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade*) as of 5 July 2006: *ISPM 15 is produced by the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). ISPM 15 requires certain phytosanitary procedures, in particular heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation, relating to wood packaging material (including dunnage) made of raw wood in use in international trade; the phytosanitary procedures are meant to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading certain pests that live and breed in raw wood.
REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 Wood packaging material in the form of: • • • • • •
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings Pallets, box pallets, skids, and other load boards Pallet collars actually in use in the transport of objects of all kinds, except: Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or any combination thereof
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
The wood packaging material shall: • •
Be subject to one of the approved measures as specified in Annex I To FAO ISPM 15 (currently, heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation) Display a mark with: o The two-letter ISO Country Code (in place of XX in the image below) o A code identifying the producer (in place of 000 in the image below) o The code identifying the approved measure applied to the wood packing material in the mark as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (in place of YY in the image below; examples are HT For “Heat Treatment” and MB for “Methyl Bromide Fumigation”) o Where “debarking” is required, the letters “DB” shall be added to the abbreviation of the approved measure included in the said mark o The logo as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (this logo is the ippc trademarked graphic symbol shown in the image below on the left side)
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Bahrain
REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 (Continued) Wood packaging material in the form of:
The wood packaging material shall: •
Markings should be: 1. 2.
• •
Permanent and not transferable Legible and visible, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article being certified
Be marked in accordance with Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (see directly above under "Display a mark with:") If not, at a minimum it should be made from bark-free wood that is free from pests and signs of live pests
DUNNAGE, i.e. wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, including that which has not kept its natural round surface except: • •
Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof
Effective: Oct. 18, 2012
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