The Government of The Bahamas has advised its nationals to exercise heightened caution when travelling to or residing in the Middle East, citing ongoing regional tensions and the risk of rapid escalation.

In an updated advisory issued February 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that developments could result in short-notice travel disruption, including flight delays, airspace restrictions and changes to local security arrangements.

The ministry strongly advised Bahamian nationals to avoid all travel to Israel, Palestine and Iran, describing security conditions in those locations as volatile and unpredictable.

Nationals currently in those territories were urged to consider departing by commercial means where it is safe to do so and to remain in close contact with local authorities and airlines regarding available options.

Travel advisory levels

Under the ministry’s travel advisory scale:

• Avoid all travel applies to Iran, Israel and Palestine.
• Avoid non-essential travel applies to Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.
• Exercise a high degree of caution applies to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey, with elevated caution in border areas.
• Exercise normal security precautions applies to Cyprus.

Shelter-in-place guidance

Bahamian nationals in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain were advised to shelter in place until further notice. 

The ministry urged citizens to remain indoors, avoid non-essential movement, move away from windows and external walls, and rely only on official announcements.

Nationals were also encouraged to monitor local and international media, follow instructions issued by local authorities, avoid areas near military or security facilities and large public gatherings, keep travel documents current and maintain charged mobile devices.

For consular assistance, nationals may contact the Embassy of The Bahamas in Abu Dhabi or email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.