The UK government has lifted a travel advisory for Bahrain, as it becomes one of several countries in the Middle East to be given the update amid Iran and the US announcing a memorandum of understanding.
Bahrain had to close its international airport for weeks amid the conflict in the Middle East, but had since reopened the airbase in April and gradually resumed flights.
Two people were killed in two separate Iranian attacks during the conflict, with one hitting a residential building in the capital Manama, according to Bahrain’s interior ministry, while the UAE's defence ministry said that one of its civilian contractors was killed in an Iranian attack on Bahrain.
Months since the war started, the UK has changed its travel advice for the country on Thursday, 18 June. This comes as a memorandum of understanding aims to stop the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It also outlines plans for the financing of Iran’s recovery, sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds.
Here is the latest advice for those who want to travel to Bahrain.
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Is it safe to travel to Bahrain?
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, but still warns that “the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice”.
What is the UK government's advice?
The FCDO is still displaying advice for people should any hostilities resume.
It says that British nationals should read the “if you are affected by a crisis abroad” document, follow advice from local authorities and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.
It also advises that if conflict resumes, to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans and travel documents up to date, and stay indoors if advised to take shelter.
“Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel,” the FCDO added.
“This included US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
Will it be easier to book a holiday to Bahrain?
As the FCDO no longer warns against non-essential travel to Bahrain, your travel insurance is likely to be valid if you now decide to book a trip. Your travel insurance is at risk of being invalidated if you travel against advice from FCDO. However, it is important to check individual policies.
Package holidays are likely to start operating as usual. There are currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance.
If FCDO advice changes to advising against all travel, you can cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.
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