Bahrain

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have reached a new agreement aimed at improving passenger movement across the King Fahd Causeway, with both countries agreeing to inaugurate the second phase of the One-Stop System initiative while continuing preparations for a third phase. The development forms part of ongoing bilateral efforts to improve travel procedures and strengthen coordination between the authorities responsible for cross-border movement.

The announcement followed the fifth meeting of the Security Coordination Committee under the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, held via video conference on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Bahrain’s Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif Al Saud, alongside officials involved in joint security cooperation.

According to the announced agreement, the One-Stop System is intended to facilitate passenger crossing procedures between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia through the King Fahd Causeway. The initiative focuses on improving operational coordination between the relevant authorities in both countries, supporting more efficient border processes and a better travel experience for people moving between the two neighbouring kingdoms.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to proceed with the inauguration of the project’s second phase and continue efforts to complete its third phase. However, the announcement did not specify an exact operational date for the new phase or indicate that existing passport, immigration, visa or other travel requirements had been abolished. Travellers should therefore continue following current official entry and exit regulations.

The initiative is relevant not only to Bahraini and Saudi nationals but also to expatriate residents, foreign workers and visitors who regularly use the causeway for employment, family visits, tourism and business activities. Improving the efficiency of passenger movement along this important land connection could provide practical benefits for different categories of travellers once the agreed arrangements are implemented.

The meeting also addressed several other areas of bilateral security cooperation, including cybersecurity, border security and combating drug trafficking. Officials reviewed progress on previously agreed initiatives and discussed mechanisms for implementing additional measures, reflecting a broader commitment to coordination between the two countries’ security agencies and relevant government institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two interior ministers signed the official minutes of the committee’s fifth session and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation. Further operational details concerning the new phase of the One-Stop System are expected to depend on subsequent announcements by the competent authorities, and travellers should verify current requirements before planning their journeys.