FCO warns on travel to Bahrain

The Foreign Office upgraded its advice to warn against travel to Bahrain.

Travel Insurance News - 14/03/2011

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The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued updated travel advice, telling Britons to avoid travelling to the Gulf state, as violence flared in clashes between police and protesters. Britons who are still in Bahrain have been advised to remain in their homes until they receive further advise.

At the same time, the FCO urged the authorities in Bahrain not to employ excessive force against demonstrators. The FCO further called on all parties in Bahrain to exercise restraint.

The FCO also issued a statement saying that new reports had emerged that Saudi soldiers would shortly enter Bahrain. Following the FCO statement, a number of other reports said troops from several Gulf states had either entered Bahrain or were headed there to assist authorities.

In its latest travel advice, the FCO has upgraded its warning on Bahrain. Last month, the FCO said it was warning against any non-essential travel to Bahrain.

The FCO warns that there is a higher risk that more violence could break out. It cautioned any Brits who do travel inside Bahrain to exercise high awareness levels regarding security, especially in public places or on major highways.

In the previous advisory, the FCO told UK nationals they should leave Bahrain using commercial travel options. At the moment, Bahrain’s airport remains open and there has been no effect on travel via the airport.

Security forces used tear gas and rubberised bullets at protestors yesterday. Anti-government demonstrators had blocked key roads leading to Manama’s financial centre.

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