Importing Vehicles to Bahrain: Key Procedures

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain has established itself as a central hub for business and international trade, sparking growing interest in vehicle transportation to and from this dynamic archipelago.

However, navigating through import procedures can be complex for newcomers, requiring a thorough understanding of the country’s specific customs regulations.

Whether you’re an expatriate looking to import your personal car or a business seeking to expand its fleet, this article will guide you through the essential steps to ensure smooth transportation.

Discover how, with proper preparation, Bahrain can offer a transparent and efficient vehicle import process while ensuring compliance with current legal and environmental standards.

Customs Procedures for Vehicle Import in Bahrain

Documents Required by Bahraini Customs for Vehicle Import:

• Original registration certificate from country of origin
• Purchase invoice (commercial invoice or Bill of Sale)
• Vehicle ownership certificate
• Certificate of compliance (if required)
• Certificate of origin
• Import permit issued by Bahraini authorities
• Valid insurance proof covering the vehicle upon arrival
• Customs declaration form
• Owner/importer identification
• Vehicle technical details (year, make, model, VIN, weight, dimensions)
• Original Bill of Lading

Document	Detail/Note
Registration Certificate	Must be original from country of origin
Purchase Invoice	Must specify buyer, seller, value, vehicle paid
Certificate of Compliance	May be required depending on vehicle age/type
Insurance Proof	Valid insurance mandatory for customs clearance
Import Permit	Issued by Bahraini authorities
Bill of Lading	Marine transport document

Applicable Customs Duties:

• General rate: 5% of vehicle value (CIF: cost, insurance, freight)
• Utility vehicles and trucks: generally similar rate, but may vary by category and size
• Potential exceptions/exemptions:
  • Some electric or hybrid vehicles may qualify for exemptions or reductions under current policy
  • Vehicles imported by diplomats or for government use: possible exemptions under conditions
  • Collector vehicles: partial exemptions based on age and rarity, to be verified with authorities

Vehicle Type	Customs Duty	Possible Exceptions
Passenger car	5%	Electric/hybrid vehicles, diplomats, etc.
Utility vehicle/truck	5% or by category	Special vehicles, collectors
Collector vehicle	5% or reduced	Depending on conditions (age, rarity)

Local Standards Compliance Requirements:

• Mandatory technical inspection by Traffic and Licenses Department upon arrival
• Compliance with local safety standards (brakes, lights, seatbelts, etc.)
• Compliance with emission standards: vehicle must meet pollution emission thresholds set by Bahrain
• Vehicles with unapproved or incompatible modifications may be refused registration
• Chassis cleaning to prevent soil contamination (possible phytosanitary control)

Customs Clearance Timeframes:

Usual timeframe: 2 to 7 business days, provided all documents are compliant and complete

Timeframes extended in case of thorough technical inspection or document verification

Assistance to Facilitate Procedures:

• Option to use local customs brokers or authorized importers for accelerated processing and procedure management
• International transport companies often offer turnkey services including file preparation, customs clearance management, and final delivery
• Specialized advisors can assist with vehicle compliance verification before shipment

Useful Official Resources:

https://www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh
https://www.traffic.gov.bh
https://www.bahrain.bh

Note: It is recommended to regularly check updated regulations on official websites, as conditions and rates may change without notice.

Taxes and Fees Related to Car Import in Bahrain

Taxes and Duties for Car Import in Bahrain

Tax/Fee Type	Rate/Terms	Calculation Basis	Important Notes
Customs Duties	5%	CIF value (cost + insurance + freight)	Applied to all imported vehicles, does not vary by vehicle type or value. Some exceptions exist.
VAT (value added tax)	10%	Total value after customs duties	Since 2022, standard rate increased to 10%. Applied after duty calculation.
Administrative/customs fees	Variable: generally between 29.5 BHD and 1,096 BHD	By type/weight/services	Includes registration fees, mandatory technical inspection and other possible services.

Possible variations by engine or age:
Additional taxes may apply based on engine displacement or age of imported vehicle, particularly to encourage import of more eco-friendly vehicles.

Exemptions and Reductions

• Diplomats and consular members generally benefit from complete duty and tax exemption for their personal vehicles
• Tourists or temporary visitors may import a vehicle without paying taxes if a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) is presented; validity up to 12 months
• Resident expatriates: no systematic exemption but need valid permit/residence to proceed with registration. A “No Objection” certificate may be required in specific cases

Tax/Fee Payment Procedure & Key Steps

1. Customs declaration: Upon vehicle arrival at main port (e.g., Mina Salman), mandatory declaration to customs authorities with presentation of:
   • Ownership certificate
   • Commercial invoice
   • Original Bill of Lading
   • Valid identification
   • Permit/official import approval
   • Valid car insurance certificate
2. Technical inspection: Conducted by Traffic and Licenses Department
3. Tax/duty calculation & payment:
   • Amounts due determined by authorities based on CIF
   • Payment made directly at port counters or via government electronic platforms
4. Obtaining tax clearance/customs clearance: Once all amounts settled, certificate issued proving all tax obligations fulfilled
5. Final registration:
   • Presentation of complete file including tax/fee payment proof
   • Successful technical control passage
   • Local insurance subscribed
   • Payment of variable registration fees based on technical characteristics
   • -> Assignment of definitive Bahraini license plate

> Always verify with competent authorities any recent changes before any import operation to avoid administrative delays or unexpected additional costs.

Key Points to Remember

• Standard applicable duties: 5% customs duty, 10% VAT
• Notable exemptions for diplomats/tourists with specific conditions
• Complete documents required upon port arrival; registration possible only after all obligations fulfilled

Expat Guide: Driving License in Bahrain

General Conditions for Obtaining a Driving License in Bahrain for Expatriates

To drive in Bahrain as an expatriate, it is imperative to have an international driving license accompanied by your national license during the first weeks of stay. However, once you obtain resident status (CPR card), you must convert your foreign driving license to a Bahraini license.

Documents Required for License Conversion or Obtainment:

• Passport (original + copy) with valid visa
• Original CPR (residence) card + copy
• National and international driving license (originals)
• 2 recent passport photos
• Completed application form
• Administrative fee payment

Procedures for Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

1. Go to Traffic Department (Road Traffic Directorate)
2. Take vision capacity test (sight and color differentiation)
3. Present documents listed above
4. Wait for local license issuance (generally within minutes if file complete)

Note
Direct conversion is possible for certain licenses (e.g., French license) without driving or theory exam. For other nationalities, a theoretical and/or practical test may be required.

Procedure if Conversion Not Possible

• Registration at accredited driving school
• Attendance of theoretical and practical courses
• Passing theory exam and driving test

Summary Table: Conversion or Examination

Original License Nationality	Direct Conversion Possible	Required Test (vision/colors)	Theory Exam	Driving Exam
France, certain EU countries, etc.	Yes	Yes	No	No
Other countries	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Associated Costs and Timeframes

• License conversion: approximately 20-30 BHD
• Courses and exams (if necessary): variable, generally starting from 150 BHD for entire process
• Obtainment timeframe: from few minutes (direct conversion) to several weeks (with training and exams)

Restrictions on Certain Vehicle Types

• Standard driving license only permits driving light vehicles
• Specific category required for motorcycles, heavy or utility vehicles
• Driving certain professional vehicles prohibited without adequate license

Importance of Knowing Bahraini Traffic Code

• Right-hand traffic
• Strict speed limit compliance
• Mandatory seatbelt use
• Mandatory turn signal use for every lane change or turn
• Strict legislation on drunk driving (zero tolerance)

Resources and Official Contacts

Bahrain Traffic Department: http://www.traffic.gov.bh/index.asp
Official website for all procedures, forms, updated guides, appointment booking and local legislation information.

International Driver’s Association
For obtaining international driving license before your departure.

Key Points to Remember
Every resident expatriate must convert their foreign license to local license to drive legally in Bahrain.
Knowing local traffic code and respecting administrative procedures is essential to avoid problems with authorities.