visit germany from bahrain

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How to apply Germany visa for Bahrain national

• STEP 1 - Visit our website www.absglobaltravel.com.
• STEP 2 - Locate the "I plan to travel to" section on our homepage.
• STEP 3 - Click on the drop-down menu and select "Germany" as your destination.
• STEP 4 - Find the "I am a citizen of" section next.
• STEP 5 - Click on the drop-down menu and select "Bahrain" as your nationality.
• STEP 6 - Move to the section "I will be traveling from".
• STEP 7 - Click on the drop-down menu and select the country from which you'll be traveling, which is "Bahrain".
• STEP 8 - After filling in all the details, locate the "Apply Now" button and click on it.
• STEP 9 - On the second page, you will see a list of visas that are applicable to Bahrain nationals.
• STEP 10 - Each visa type will be accompanied by details such as Visa Validity, Processing Time, Visa Fee, and any applicable additional travel services. Make sure to review this information carefully to choose the right visa for your needs.
• STEP 11 - Also, note down the list of required documents provided for each visa type. These are the documents you will need to submit with your application.
• STEP 12 - After you've made your selection, click on the "Apply Now" button corresponding to the visa of your choice.
• STEP 13 - On the application form, enter all the necessary details as per your passport and corresponding address. Ensure that all the information is accurate to avoid any issues with your application.
• STEP 14 - Look for the section where you can upload the required documents. Make sure each document is clear and readable to prevent any delays in processing your application.
• STEP 15 - If you are applying individually, you can proceed to submit your application. Click on the "Submit Application" button to move forward to the payment process.
• STEP 16 - If you are applying as a group, you can add more applicants by clicking the "Add More Applicant" button. You can continue to add applicants until everyone in your group has been included. Once all applicants have been added, click the "Submit Application" button.
• STEP 17 - At the order summary page, you can also select from a list of additional services (Add Ons) that you might need alongside your visa.
• STEP 18 - Choose from one of the listed payment gateways to complete your payment. Once you've made your selection, click on the "Proceed to Payment" button.
• STEP 19 - You will then be redirected to the chosen payment gateway page. Please note, we do not store any credit card details for your security.
• STEP 20 - On the payment gateway page, fill in your correct card details and process the payment.
• STEP 21 - If the payment is successful, the gateway will automatically redirect you to our payment success page. If the payment is not processed successfully, you will be redirected to the payment failure page, where you can retry the payment following the same steps.
• STEP 22 - After we receive your visa application along with the payment confirmation, our visa processing experts will scrutinize your application and begin the visa process.
• STEP 23 - Once we receive approval for your visa application, we will notify you and send the approved visa copy to your email.

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The German Embassy in Bahrain resumes Schengen visa applications proceedings

Diplomat Kai Boeckmann, German Ambassador to Bahrain, has recently announced on Twitter that Manama’s official associated Visa Application Center (VAC) will be resuming legal activities regarding Schengen visa applications.

Bahrain’s official associated VAC provides visa, passport, and consular services for client governments. On March 18th, 2020, it interrupted all proceedings related to Schengen visa applications for every country including Germany due to the European Union COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are slowly being lifted in the EU, truncated Schengen visa applications for Slovenia, Belgium, and Finland will be reviewed, and new submissions for these countries will be allowed.

Manama’s VAC is also be accepting Schengen visa applications for Iceland from October 26th. However, it is still not processing visa applications for other representative countries of the Embassy of Germany in the country that include Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands.

How to apply for a Schengen visa in Bahrain

Schengen visa applicants must submit applications for permitted countries in Marama’s VAC. The entity will collect all the required documentation (passport, biometric data, etc.) and confirm that the application is complete and correct before redirecting it to the German Embassy in Salmaniya Ave. The German Embassy will evaluate the application and make a decision.

Bahrain nationals can apply for other visas as well. However, visa and service fees, documentation, and health insurance requirements may vary depending on the type of visa they are applying to.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Bahrain - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Bahrain due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Read the  country information page   for additional information on travel to Bahrain.

If you decide to travel to Bahrain:

• Enroll in the   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow the Department of State on   Facebook   and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Bahrain.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

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Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Manama

Building No. 979 Road 3119, Block 331 Zinj District Manama Kingdom of Bahrain Telephone: +(973) 1724-2700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(973) 1727-5126 Fax: +(973) 1727-2594; 1725-6242 (Consular Section) The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday. [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Bahrain for information on U.S.– Bahrain relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry: 

• Passport valid for at least six months

Types of visas: 

• Tourist Visas : Apply for two-week tourist visas at the  Bahrain eVisa website  or upon arrival. Ask for ten-year multiple entry visas if applying through the Bahrain embassy.  
• U.S. Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders:   Diplomatic passport holders should coordinate their arrival with Embassy Manama. Official passport holders should follow their chain-of-command for DoD specific guidance.
• Journalism Visas:  Journalists must have a journalism visa. Please apply for a visa in advance of your travel.

Be prepared to answer questions regarding your purpose of travel. Be sure to leave Bahrain before your visa expires; otherwise, you will face heavy fines, possible arrest, and/or deportation. A visa extension to stay beyond the original expiration date is possible.An extension request must be submitted via the Bahrain e-Visa website . Your visa must be valid for the duration of your stay in Bahrain. 

To work in Bahrain you must have: 

• a valid work visa
• a residency permit
• a local identification card 

Consult  Bahrain’s Labor Market Regulatory Authority  for complete details. 

Obtain a valid work permit and signed employment contract before arriving in Bahrain. The contract should clearly state: 

• Provisions related to relocation expenses
• Type of housing and number of occupants
• Any visa fees to be paid by the employee
• Salary payment schedule and any salary penalties
• Terms of probation period
• Who pays transportation expenses, should the contract be terminated 
• Local tax obligations, if any
• Benefits offered including final settlement

Do not work in Bahrain on a tourist visa.  Even if employers advise you otherwise, Bahraini authorities will hold you personally liable if you do not have a valid work permit.  

Have all documents required for your employment permit authenticated before arriving . The U.S. Embassy in Manama cannot provide this service. For information on authentication of U.S.-issued documents, see  Authentication of American Academic Credentials for Use Abroad  and contact our  Office of Authentications . 

Do not allow your employer to retain your U.S. passport.  It is illegal, but a common practice, for Bahraini employers to retain your passport. Such retention could delay your travel or grant undue leverage to your employer in case of a dispute.

While many U.S. citizens have a positive experience working in Bahrain, some employed in the education sector have complained about lack of private accommodations, delay in payment of salary, withholding of passports, delay in issuance of residency, and a debt-related travel ban on leaving the country if the employee breaks a contract and the sponsor requires repayment of travel costs.

Exit Restrictions:  If you have unpaid debt or are involved in legal proceedings, authorities may not allow you to leave Bahrain until the issue is resolved.  Resolution may take several years. Additionally, this could force you to stay in Bahrain beyond the validity of your visa, at which point you would begin to accrue daily fines. The U.S. Embassy cannot pay your debt, fines, tickets, legal expenses or living expenses. 

Residents intending to return to Bahrain should   obtain a re-entry permit  valid for at least six months before leaving. Renew visas and residency permits through the  General Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence (GDNPR) . 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Bahrain. All declared HIV-positive foreigners risk immediate deportation. Although you are not required to declare HIV status upon arrival, the government may revoke visas of non-Bahrainis who are HIV positive. There may be a risk of getting tested for HIV without consent during a hospital visit. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain  before traveling.  

Travelers with HIV:  arry enough medication to cover your intended stay. Pharmacies reportedly will not sell HIV/AIDS medication to non-Bahraini citizens without a permit from the Ministry of Health. Health facilities and pharmacies are required to report HIV-positive foreigners to the Ministry of Health, which could lead to deportation. 

Bahrain does not recognize dual nationality, though some exceptions are made. Bahraini dual nationals are required to declare and register their second nationality with the government.

If you are eligible for Bahraini citizenship, authorities will not issue you a Bahraini passport unless you renounce your U.S. citizenship. Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations   on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime : The crime rate in Bahrain is low, and violent crime is rare. Thieves and pickpockets are known to operate in the old market area. Common sense security precautions are effective in countering the threat of crime.

Demonstrations  occur regularly in specific areas and are usually peaceful and not disruptive to public order. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, during international events, at night and on weekends.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Demonstrations sometimes result in temporary road closures.  Demonstrators occasionally burn tires, throw rocks, or lob Molotov cocktails in specific neighborhoods at night.  In the past, they have used improvised explosive devices and shotgun-like projectile launchers against government security forces.  The Ministry of Interior maintains official checkpoints and will deploy crowd control agents against demonstrators if it is determined that the protest is becoming unruly or could impact public security.  In recent years, dialogue and community policing elements have been used to lower tensions and crowd control measures have been deployed as a last resort.

No U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted during protest activity. Local media outlets have sometimes expressed anti-U.S. sentiment, and demonstrators have occasionally burned U.S. flags. 

Remain alert to local security developments. For assistance, call the local police at 999.

Restricted travel:  The U.S. Embassy restricts its employees from traveling to specific areas where protest activity is more likely and advises all U.S. citizens to do the same. 

See the Embassy’s website for travel restrictions and security updates .  

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated, and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based.  Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using GPS apps, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(973) 1724-2700 (business hours) or +(973) 1727-5126 (after hours).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation   and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally regulated, and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Embassy officials can more readily visit you while you are still being detained at a police station than after you have been transferred to a prison. See our  webpage  for further information and our embassy website for a  list of local lawyers.

Extra-marital sexual relations are a criminal offense.  If a child is born out of wedlock, obtaining a civil birth certificate is extremely difficult and, while rare, may lead to the deportation of the mother and the child. Without a birth certificate, obtaining a passport for the child can be difficult. Additionally, transmission of citizenship is typically through the father which could lead to the child being stateless. In the case of U.S. citizen mothers, the embassy may be able to document such children as U.S. citizens or may be able to process an immigrant visa petition. Consult the embassy for options, but it is advisable to depart the country before giving birth.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe , including long jail sentences and heavy fines. You can be arrested for public drunkenness and disorderly behavior.

Penalties for driving under the influence include imprisonment and/or heavy fines. Any sign of alcohol consumption may be taken as evidence of driving under the influence.

Using vulgar language or hand gestures can result in heavy fines or criminal charges.

It is illegal to photograph certain buildings in Bahrain.

Always carry a form of identification with you , such as a passport, local ID card (CPR card), or driver’s license.

Child Abduction and Custody Cases:  There are no treaties in force between Bahrain and the United States concerning international parental child abduction and custody cases. Bahraini courts may ignore child custody decrees issued in the United States. 

Sharia law generally controls custody issues. Decisions are often based on age and gender of the children rather than the U.S. “best interest of the child” standard.

Social Services:  Information concerning family and child services can be found on the  Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Social Development websites.

Divorce:  Seek legal counsel and ascertain your rights in Bahrain before visiting the country if you are a U.S. citizen divorced from/in the process of divorcing a Bahraini citizen. This is particularly important regarding child custody issues. See our website on  Bahrain and international child abduction  for additional information. 

Faith-Based Travelers :  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information  
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports 
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers   

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers : While there are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations between people 21 and over, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activities are not accepted by many Bahrainis. Some LGBTQI+ travelers have reported difficulties entering Bahrain on a passport bearing a name and photo that do not correspond to their gender identity. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Bahrain prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Sidewalks and crosswalks—even in large cities—are not accessible. There are very few accessible restaurants, shops, or historical sites. Accessible bathrooms, even in major hospitals, are generally not available.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Women traveling alone should maintain vigilance. Review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Bahrain, dial 999.

Ambulance services are:

• Widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. 

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice

for Bahrain.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have very limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with  Customs Affairs of Bahrain  to ensure the medication is legal in Bahrain. Most narcotic painkillers, stimulants, and controlled sedatives/hypnotics are not easily available, and may be illegal. Do not bring CBD oil or products to Bahrain.

Basic medical care is available  through public and private hospitals, as well as private clinics. In some facilities, the care is below U.S. standards. Public hospitals have trauma and Intensive Care Units. Most postoperative and trauma centers do not provide adequate pain management. People with chronic general medical or mental health conditions and HIV-related health issues may not be able to obtain U.S standards of emergency care in Bahrain. U.S. privacy and confidentiality laws may not apply to Bahraini medical providers.

Infectious Disease Considerations: The Kingdom of Bahrain has strict rules on persons in country with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C. Treatment for these conditions is not available locally. Expatriates are subject to deportation or expulsion from Bahrain if medical authorities discover evidence of their status, even if they are well controlled on medication or do not require treatment.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety :  Road travel is generally safe. Highways and major roads in northern Bahrain are wide and well maintained. Roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow, congested and twisting.

Traffic Laws:

• Traffic moves on the right.
• At roundabouts (traffic circles), cars within the traffic circle have right of way over those attempting to enter.
• Drivers frequently speed despite stiff penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.
• Police can detain drivers for traffic violations.
• It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, though it is very common.
• Drivers are required to wear seat belts.
• Traffic is more congested on the weekends with an influx of vehicles from neighboring countries.

Traffic Accidents:   Except for minor accidents, do not move the vehicle until you have filed a report with the traffic police. This applies to single-car accidents as well. If you move the car, insurance companies may deny coverage.

For minor accidents with no injuries, move your vehicle off the road to avoid further accidents. You do not have to wait at the scene for the police.

Filing Accident Reports :  You must file a report within 24 hours of the accident.

• For minor accidents with no injuries, call 199. 
• For accidents involving injury, call 999.
• For the traffic department’s main switchboard, call 1787-2222. 

If an accident results in legal proceedings, both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved. The traffic police will ask you to provide an identity card/document (passport), a driver’s license and a mobile number to assist with completing the accident report.

See to our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Visit the website of Bahrain’s  Tourism Authority  and  Ministry of Transportation . 

Public Transportation:  Bahrain has a newly expanded public bus system that extends throughout most of the country. A car is still needed to access most locations.

Taxis are available in Bahrain and are typically arranged by phone. Some rideshare apps also operate in Bahrain.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Bahrain should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Bahrain .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.

US will not take part in any Israeli retaliatory action against Iran

• Medium Text
• LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
• Blinken and Austin speak to counterparts
• UN's Gutteres calls for de-escalation
• US says Iran will be held accountable
• Israel lifts some security measures

LITTLE SERIOUS DAMAGE

MOTIVATIONS FOR ATTACK DEBATED

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Reporting by James MacKenzie and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Jeff Mason and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington, Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman and Nidal al-Mughrabi and Adam Makary in Cairo; Writing by Michael Georgy, Angus McDowall, David Morgan and Patricia Zengerle and Lincoln Feast; Editing by William Mallard, Sharon Singleton, William Maclean, Lisa Shumaker and Michael Perry

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Jeff Mason is a White House Correspondent for Reuters. He has covered the presidencies of Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden and the presidential campaigns of Biden, Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain. He served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association in 2016-2017, leading the press corps in advocating for press freedom in the early days of the Trump administration. His and the WHCA's work was recognized with Deutsche Welle's "Freedom of Speech Award." Jeff has asked pointed questions of domestic and foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. He is a winner of the WHCA's “Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure" award and co-winner of the Association for Business Journalists' "Breaking News" award. Jeff began his career in Frankfurt, Germany as a business reporter before being posted to Brussels, Belgium, where he covered the European Union. Jeff appears regularly on television and radio and teaches political journalism at Georgetown University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and a former Fulbright scholar.

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Groningen gas field in Netherlands to shut down as Senate approves law

The Dutch Senate on Tuesday approved a law to permanently close the Groningen gas field, following the government's promise that production will never be resumed to limit seismic risks in the region.

Britain condemns the killing of Israeli teenager Binyamin Achimair and is alarmed by the "shocking levels of violence" in the occupied West Bank after his death, the country's foreign office said in a statement on Tuesday.