Bahrain travel advice

As of 16 March 2011, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all travel to Bahrain until further notice due to the intensification of protests and the volatile political situation. Those without a pressing reason to remain should leave by commercial means as soon as it is safe to do so. British nationals in Bahrain should remain home until further notice.

Most visits to Bahrain are trouble-free but travellers should be aware of the threat from terrorism. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

Travellers should review their security arrangements carefully and remain vigilant, particularly in public places. Travellers should also avoid all public demonstrations and gatherings in Bahrain, some of which have turned violent. Keep in mind that Bahrain operates a zero-tolerance policy to drinking/driving and views all alcohol related incidents dimly. Travellers charged with this offense can be denied boarding, and may be detained and fined by Bahraini Public Security.

Please be aware that from 1 September 2006, the local weekend in Bahrain has changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday. Schools and local businesses will change over to the new weekend.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel