Bahrain: German Foreign Ministry Strongly Advises Against Travel – Current Security Situation

An urgent travel warning has been in effect for Bahrain since July 13, 2026. This is due to the ongoing tense security situation throughout the Gulf region, which has not yet eased significantly despite a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 between the U.S. and Iran to end military hostilities. As recently as July 2026, airstrikes were carried out against targets in Bahrain, meaning that the risk of further hostilities and sudden suspensions of air traffic remains acute.

For travelers, this means, first and foremost, that planned trips to Bahrain should be carefully reviewed and, if possible, postponed. Those who must still travel for business or other compelling reasons should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the current situation before departure and continuously monitor international and local media. Particular caution is advised in crowded areas and near U.S., Jewish, and Israeli facilities, as there remains an elevated abstract risk of terrorist attacks in these locations.

In Bahrain, pro-Iranian protest rallies also occur regularly in areas with a predominantly Shia population. In particular, demonstrations frequently take place near Shia mosques on Fridays after midday prayers; these are accompanied by a heavy police presence and may occasionally escalate into violent riots. Travelers should consistently avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people and must strictly follow the instructions of local security forces.

Another practical note concerns the nighttime maritime exclusion zone along the coastal areas around Bahrain, which must be taken into account when planning excursions or water sports activities. Those staying in the area should always keep their cell phones and external batteries fully charged to remain reachable if necessary and to be able to use local warning systems such as civil defense apps.

For anyone planning a trip to Bahrain despite the current situation—whether for business reasons or because of a previously booked stay—clarifying entry requirements remains a crucial step. We’ll help you determine the right document and prepare your application correctly, whether it’s a Bahrain tourist e-visa for personal travel or a Bahrain business e-visa for business appointments there. We also offer suitable solutions for special occasions such as major events, for example, the e-visa for the Formula 1 race in Bahrain.

Regardless of the purpose of your trip, we recommend that you thoroughly research the current security situation before departure and ensure you have adequate travel health insurance coverage. Travelers who are unsure which document is required for their planned stay can find a concise overview of all available options and their respective requirements on our visa overview for Bahrain.

Given the volatile security situation, the assessment regarding Bahrain may change at short notice. We advise all travelers to keep their plans flexible and to check the latest information regularly before making a final decision to book or embark on a trip.