Dhaka: Bahrain has updated its red list countries and the latest update includes addition of three new countries – Georgia, Ukraine and Malawi – effective August 12.

Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs made the announcement saying the latest move is in line with directives issued by the Government Executive Committee in response to recommendations made by the National Medical Taskforce for combatting Covid-19.

Bangladesh still remains in the red list as well as other South Asian neighbours such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines.

Besides these countries, the rest currently in the red list are: Iran, Iraq, Tunisia, Mongolia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Panama, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Passengers arriving from the red list countries, including those who have transited through the red list countries in the preceding 14 days, are prohibited from entry, with the exception of citizens or residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Passengers eligible for entry must present a negative PCR test result, with a QR code, administered within 48 hours of their departure. Further testing is required upon arrival and on the tenth day of mandatory quarantine. Payment for testing may be made on arrival or through the 'BeAware Bahrain' application.

Quarantine centres licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) have been made available for passengers who do not have a permanent address in Bahrain. Those with a permanent address in Bahrain registered in their name or the name of an immediate family member may complete their 10-day mandatory quarantine at that residence. Passengers aged six and below are exempt from these requirements.

All other travel procedures for arrivals from non-red list countries remain in place.

Red list countries are modified based on an assessment made by the National Medical Taskforce for combatting the coronavirus and is periodically reviewed in line with international developments.