MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL ADVISORY (REGIONAL TENSIONS)

8^th October 2026                 

 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:

• Palestine
• The Islamic Republic of Iran
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Iraq
• Yemen

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

The Ministry further advises Bahamian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to:

• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan have subsided since early September 2026; however, the risk of renewed attacks remains high and the situation may change at short notice. In Israel, Bahamian nationals should avoid all travel to areas near the borders with Lebanon and Gaza.

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

SAUDI ARABIA AND YEMEN

Since 5 October 2026, the Houthi movement in Yemen has launched missile and drone attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 6 and 7 October 2026 killed three civilians and injured 36 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. Further ballistic missiles directed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait were intercepted on 7 October 2026.

In light of these developments, the Ministry advises Bahamian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular to:

• Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport and surrounding areas.
• The southern provinces bordering Yemen: Jazan, Asir (including Abha and Khamis Mushait) and Najran.

Bahamian nationals are strongly urged not to travel to areas near the Saudi–Yemen border. Bahamian nationals currently in Saudi Arabia should follow the shelter-in-place guidance below.

The Ministry further advises Bahamian nationals to avoid all travel to Yemen due to the ongoing armed conflict, the high threat of terrorism and kidnapping, and continued missile and drone activity, including an attack on Aden International Airport on 7 October 2026. Consular assistance in Yemen is extremely limited.

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 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh and the southern provinces of Jazan, Asir and Najran, are advised to shelter in place and remain vigilant while monitoring official updates.

Nationals are strongly encouraged to remain indoors in a secure location and avoid all non-essential movement until conditions stabilize and travel can be undertaken safely.

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

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

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.
• Be aware that airports in Saudi Arabia, including Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, may suspend or adjust operations at short notice.

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 5373

Email: bahamasembassyuae@bahamas.gov.bs

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

Last updated 08/10/2026