MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL ADVISORY (REGIONAL TENSIONS)

18^th March 2026                   MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL ADVISORY (REGIONAL TENSIONS)

Updates include: change in the travel advisory scale; social media warning

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian nationals travelling to or residing in the Middle East to exercise heightened caution due to ongoing regional tensions and the potential for rapid escalation. These developments may result in short-notice travel disruption, including flight delays, airspace restrictions, and changes to local security posture.

Bahamian nationals are urged to remain vigilant, monitor official guidance, and review personal safety plans.

The Ministry strongly advises Bahamian nationals to avoid all travel to:

• Israel
• Palestine
• The Islamic Republic of Iran
• Lebanon
• Bahrain
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Syria
• Yemen

Due to ongoing military activity and the risk of sudden escalation, Bahamian nationals should avoid all travel to the following countries.

Travellers should closely monitor official announcements regarding airspace restrictions, airport operations, and security developments, and remain in direct contact with airlines regarding available departure options. The following Travel Advisory Scale provides a summary of current risk levels across the region.

TRAVEL ADVISORY SCALE

🔴 AVOID ALL TRAVEL
🟠 AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
🟡 EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION
🟢 EXERCISE NORMAL SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

MIDDLE EAST – TRAVEL ADVISORY SUMMARY

REGIONAL RISKS

There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts across the region. Bahamian nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances, including:

• Monitor local and international media for updates.
• Follow all instructions issued by local authorities (including guidance on movement, curfews, road closures, or emergency alerts).
• Avoid areas around security or military facilities, demonstrations, and large public gatherings.
• Keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are current and accessible.
• Keep mobile devices charged and maintain access to reliable communication channels.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Bahamian nationals currently residing in or visiting the following countries are advised to shelter in place and remain vigilant while monitoring official updates from local authorities:

• United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Nationals are strongly encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, which may include remaining indoors in a secure location and avoiding all non-essential movement until conditions stabilise and travel can be undertaken safely.

Individuals should also identify the nearest safe shelter location within their communities, building or immediate area, such as designated shelter areas where they may take refuge if necessary.

Bahamian nationals are encouraged to continue monitoring official government guidance and local authorities for safety instructions.

SOCIAL MEDIA WARNING

Bahamians in bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are advsed to avoid taking, sharing or posessing photos or videos of military acivity or damage. Doing so could lead to fines, imprisonment and/or deportation.

TRAVEL DISRUPTION AND FLIGHTS

Due to the evolving situation, travellers should anticipate possible disruption to commercial aviation and related services. Bahamian nationals should:

• Confirm flight status directly with airlines before travelling to airports.
• Allow additional time for route changes, screening procedures, and potential delays.
• Ensure passport validity and retain copies (digital and hard copy) of key documents.
• If you choose to travel, ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers your itinerary, potential disruptions, and emergency medical care.

PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS

Bahamian nationals are encouraged to take practical preparedness measures, including:

• Maintain an emergency contact list (family, employer, airline, insurance, and Embassy contacts).
• Keep essential supplies for a minimum of 48–72 hours (water, basic food items, necessary medications, chargers/power bank).
• Ensure any dependents understand basic safety procedures and meeting points.
• If you have specific medical needs, ensure you have sufficient medication and prescriptions available.

LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES

IMPORTANT GUIDANCE

• In an emergency, Bahamian nationals should contact local emergency services immediately and follow official instructions.
• For verified regional updates, nationals should monitor the official news agencies and Ministry of Interior channels listed above.
• Social media updates should only be followed from verified government accounts.

CONTACT(S) FOR OVERSEAS OFFICES

If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please contact:

Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Abu Dhabi

Telephone: +971 02 667 3606

Emergency Contact: +971 54 255 5363

Email: bahamasembassyuae@bahamas.gov.bs

If you are unsure of who to contact, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs

Last updated 18/03/2026