Passports/Visas
All active duty military personnel are required to have an official passport prior to arrival in Bahrain. Official (No-Fee) passports will be issued through NSA Bahrain Immigration office. Do not delay, it is critical that you have an official passport plan early. Passport application can take as long as two months. The Kingdom of Bahrain requires a visa for all personnel entering the country. All service members and DOD Civilians should ensure they have a "no fee" passport in their possession prior to the move.
Civilian Attire/Dress Code
U.S. personnel and their families must be aware of local sensitivities and cultural values in order to minimize the impact of U.S. military presence and reduce, to the maximum extent possible, any potential host-nation friction. Unless otherwise directed in writing by higher authority, all U.S. Navy personnel attached to COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT units and family members must adhere to the requirement of General Order OPORD 1000-10 (U).
It is impossible to cover all combinations of attire. The goal is to blend with the local environment and not draw undue attention to yourself. Civilian attire will present a neat, conservative appearance. Clothing will be loose fitting and concealing. Neither males nor females shall wear shirts or blouses of sheer fabric that could be considered revealing. Long pants are required between sunset and sunrise in all hotels, restaurants and clubs without exception (excluding fast food restaurants). Capri and cropped pants are considered long pants for women. Casual shorts will not be more than 2 inches above the knee for both male and female. Conservative slacks, denim pants (jeans), skirts, dresses, or shorts and collared shirts are generally acceptable. Shirts or ball caps with military, political, religious, musical, or heavy metal logos should not be worn.
Traditional host-nation male attire (thobe and guttra) and female attire (abaya) shall not be worn by U.S. personnel or family members.
Pay
- Single Personnel receive Single COLA (if they are not on per diem), BAS and Hardship Duty Pay.
- Personnel with dependents OHA, BAS, HDP, and COLA
- FSA at 250.00 dollars a month
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
For EFMP questions or assistance, please contact the Medical Department at DSN 318-439-4260 COM 011-973-1785-4260.
Repatriated Family Members
For information about Family Member repatriation, please see the CNIC NSA Bahrain website.
Passports/Visas
All active duty military personnel are required to have an official passport prior to arrival in Bahrain. Official (No-Fee) passports will be issued through your Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). Do not delay, it is critical that you have an official passport plan early. Passport application can take as long as two months. The Kingdom of Bahrain requires a visa for all personnel entering the country. All service members and DOD Civilians should ensure they have a "no fee" passport in their possession prior to the move.
Civilian Attire/Dress Code
U.S. personnel and their families must be aware of local sensitivities and cultural values in order to minimize the impact of U.S. military presence and reduce, to the maximum extent possible, any potential host-nation friction. Unless otherwise directed in writing by higher authority, all U.S. Navy personnel attached to COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT units and family members must adhere to the requirement of General Order OPORD 1000-10 (U).
Pay
Single personnel and personnel with dependents receive COLA (if they are not on per diem), Hardship Duty Pay and BAS at current rate.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
For EFMP questions or assistance, please contact the Medical Department at DSN 318-439-4260 COM 011-973-1785-4260.
Repatriated Family Members
For information about Family Member repatriation, please see the CNIC NSA Bahrain website.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
