The move marks the first tightening of UK travel advice for the region since the Foreign Office last month relaxed its guidance for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain following the US-Iran ceasefire, which came as welcome relief for the travel industry.
However, after fresh attacks this week following the ceasefire agreement, the FCDO has updated its advice for Bahrain and Kuwait to warn that "the situation remains unpredictable".
In its updated advice for Bahrain, published on Thursday (9 July), the FCDO said Iran has carried out further attacks on the country since it agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US – and could "do so again at short notice".
The FCDO is advising British nationals follow local authority guidance, monitor local and international media, avoid security and military sites, keep departure plans under review and be prepared to shelter indoors if instructed.
It also notes that, before the 8 April ceasefire, Iran had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel, including civilian infrastructure such as ports, airports, hotels, roads, bridges and energy facilities.
The FCDO has issued similar updated advice for Kuwait, warning Iran has carried out further attacks there since the MOU was agreed and could do so again with little warning.
Travellers to Kuwait are also advised that Kuwait International Airport is operating a reduced schedule, with flights currently operating only through Terminals 4 and 5.
The FCDO has not reinstated its previous advice against all but essential travel for the wider Gulf region, with advice to the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia remaining unchanged following the easing announced on 18 June.
The decision to ease advice last month triggered an immediate uptick in bookings and enquiries, with agents reporting renewed demand for the UAE and improved confidence in travelling through Gulf hubs to Asia, Australasia and the Indian Ocean.
