Foreign travel advice

Bahrain

! Warning FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain.

Warnings and insurance

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Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Register your presence

Let the UK government know you’re in Bahrain, register your presence if you’re in Bahrain for further updates.

Regional escalation 

Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.   

Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.  

Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.  

Read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK this includes suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies.  

Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.  

Leaving Bahrain  

If your presence in Bahrain is not essential, you may wish to consider departing if you judge you can access these options safely. If you plan to travel by road, read our Travel Advice for  Saudi Arabia for the latest information, including entry requirements to Saudi Arabia and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry. If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name. If using commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Bahrain is at your own risk.  

Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.  

Entry to Saudi Arabia 

British nationals who are trying to leave Bahrain via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice. 

See ‘Entry requirements’ for Saudi Arabia.

Shelter in place  

If staying in the Kingdom, follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. You should not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.

We advise British Nationals,nationals, wherever possible, to stay inside and limit movements to essential journeys only. Always let friends or family know where you are and when you are travelling and keep your mobile phone with you and charged.

If you are in Bahrain

Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw some of our staff and their dependents from Bahrain. Our Embassy continues to operate.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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