Foreign Office Issues Urgent Travel Warnings for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued critical new travel warnings for two countries, specifically urging British tourists and nationals to "take hard cover" amid escalating regional tensions. This urgent alert was published on Friday, April 17, 2026, as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the USA, and Israel continues to destabilise the Gulf region.
Heightened Security Risks in Saudi Arabia
The FCDO's warning for Saudi Arabia advises British nationals to exercise increased caution due to the persistent crisis in the Gulf. Authorities explicitly recommend that individuals take immediate shelter if advised, by staying indoors or locating the nearest secure building and taking hard cover.
Specific safety instructions include:
- Seeking protection in interior stairwells or rooms with minimal external walls or windows.
- Following local authority guidance, including alerts from Civil Defence authorities, as risks can vary across different areas of Saudi Arabia.
- Avoiding filming or photographing government buildings, diplomatic premises, military installations, and palaces, as such actions are illegal.
- Refraining from capturing or sharing images of missiles, drones, interceptions, or shrapnel on social media.
Significant Threats in Bahrain
For Bahrain, the FCDO highlights that regional escalation presents significant security risks and has already caused travel disruption. The warning notes that the Iranian regime has publicly declared its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel, which encompasses US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
Key precautions for Bahrain include:
- Staying away from areas surrounding security or military facilities and US-linked locations.
- Remaining vigilant as Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure—such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports—have decreased but the risk of renewed attacks persists.
- Being prepared for further strikes that could occur with little to no advance notice.
International Diplomatic Context
This travel advisory update coincides with high-level diplomatic discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Hezbollah to renounce its weapons and for Israel to respect Lebanese sovereignty and halt the war. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all actors to fully respect the truce.
Simultaneously, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer is visiting Paris to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway impacted by the conflict. Starmer has pledged to do everything possible to mitigate the economic repercussions of the Iran war and facilitate the strait's reopening, underscoring the broader geopolitical implications of the FCDO's warnings.
The FCDO continues to monitor the situation closely, providing real-time updates to ensure the safety of UK travellers and tourists in the region. British nationals are strongly advised to heed these warnings and stay informed through official channels.
