ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed Bahrain’s decision to remove Pakistan from its travel red list, which will be effective from September 3, Friday.
On May 24, Bahrain suspended the entry of travelers from countries on a red list, which included India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The ban was imposed as part of Bahrain’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 cases in the country.
“The move will enable families to reunite, enhance people to people contact and promote bilateral trade and business exchanges,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Muhammad Ayub said in message after the lifting of the ban.
Other countries removed from the list include India, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
“The Civil Aviation Affairs has updated Bahrain’s Red List countries, in line with directives issued by the Government Executive Committee in response to recommendations made by the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus,” the Bahrain News Agency reported on Tuesday, adding that pre-arrival PCR tests were no longer required for those entering the kingdom from non-red list countries whose vaccination certificates were recognized.
However, all passengers arriving in Bahrain would still have to take PCR tests on arrival and on the fifth and tenth days after their stay.
Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy traditionally close ties. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited Bahrain in July this year.