The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Bahrain, no longer advising against all but essential travel to the country. The change follows a ceasefire between Iran and the US, which included a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain had closed its international airport for weeks during the conflict but reopened it in April and gradually resumed flights. Two people were killed in separate Iranian attacks, including one on a residential building in the capital Manama, according to Bahrain’s interior ministry. The UAE’s defence ministry also reported that one of its civilian contractors was killed in an Iranian attack on Bahrain.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) still warns that “the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice.” British nationals are advised to follow local authorities’ guidance, sign up for travel alerts, and keep departure plans up to date. They should also avoid areas near security or military facilities and stay indoors if advised.
Travel insurance is now likely to be valid for trips to Bahrain, as the FCDO no longer advises against non-essential travel. Package holidays are expected to operate normally, and travellers are not entitled to refunds if they cancel. However, if the advice changes again to advise against all travel, package holidays can be cancelled without penalty for a full refund.
