The Foreign Office has lifted its non-essential travel advisory for Bahrain, paving the way for increased tourist numbers in the country after months of turmoil. This decision comes on the back of a major breakthrough in regional tensions, following a recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.
Bahrain had been severely impacted by the conflict, with its international airport closed for several weeks and two fatalities reported from Iranian attacks, including one strike on a residential building in Manama. The UAE's defence ministry also confirmed the death of one of its civilian contractors in an attack targeting Bahrain.
Although the advisory has been lifted, the FCDO maintains a cautious tone for British nationals considering travel to Bahrain, advising them to stay vigilant and follow local instructions in case hostilities resume. Travel documents and insurance policies should be up-to-date, as previously travelling against FCDO warnings could have invalidated insurance cover.
The revised guidance also notes that prior to the 8 April ceasefire, Iran had indicated plans to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel, including civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, energy facilities, and airports.
For UK citizens planning a trip to Bahrain, this change in FCDO advice is significant, particularly for those requiring travel insurance. It is now more likely that policies will remain valid, although individuals are strongly advised to check their own policy terms and conditions.