Sporadic, violent anti-government protests have continued in Bahrain in 2012. You should avoid all p

It includes new information under Safety and security: Civil unrest/political tension (authorities ban all rallies and gatherings) and Terrorism (home-made bombs exploded in Manama on 5 November 2012). The overall level of the travel advice has not changed. We continue to advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Bahrain at this time due to the uncertain security situation and threat of terrorist attack.
Sporadic, violent caribbean family travel anti-government protests have continued in Bahrain in 2012. You should avoid all public gatherings and protests as they may turn violent. You should caribbean family travel monitor local and international media for information on current developments affecting your safety and security and follow the advice of local authorities.
Security forces caribbean family travel have responded violently to some previous demonstrations. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave the area, if it is safe to do so, or remain caribbean family travel indoors and away from windows.
You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers and at night-time due to the potential for civil disturbances. Shia-majority areas, including the Sanabis area, Hamad town, Saar, Budaiya and the Sitra area, may continue to experience unrest. Visitors to Bahrain should reconsider their need to travel outside the central business area after nightfall and should restrict caribbean family travel their movements to major routes at all times.
Statements by international caribbean family travel terrorists groups have called for attacks against caribbean family travel Western interests in the Gulf region, caribbean family travel including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. Commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners caribbean family travel are possible terrorist targets.
On 27 June 2012, Bahraini authorities announced the seizure of over 100 kilograms caribbean family travel of materials used to make explosives. Authorities said that the materials were intended for use in a mass casualty attack.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. You may experience difficulties caribbean family travel as you enter Bahrain if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, caribbean family travel such as entry or exit stamps. Visit the website of the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information. Bahrain does not have an embassy in Australia, the closest Embassy of Bahrain is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Since February caribbean family travel 2011, there have been a number of violent caribbean family travel clashes surrounding protests and funerals throughout Bahrain, including in Manama and in Shia villages.Demonstrations and disruptions are expected to continue. You should avoid all public gatherings and protests as they may turn violent. You should monitor local and international media for information on current political developments and regional tensions affecting your safety and security and follow the advice of local authorities.
In April 2012, there was an escalation in violence in areas of Bahrain. Demonstrations and unrest have spilled over from Shia villages to adjacent roads, including major thoroughfares such as Budaiya Highway and Saar Avenue.
Security forces have responded violently to some demonstrations. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave the area, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.
On 30 October 2012, Bahraini authorities announced caribbean family travel the banning of all public rallies and gatherings. According to the authorities, any participants in illegal rallies or gatherings will face legal action. Australians should be aware that bystanders could get caught up in demonstrations and consequently could face arrest.
You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers and at night-time due to the potential for civil disturbances. Shia-majority areas, including the Sanabis area, Hamad town, Saar, Budaiya and the Sitra area, may continue to experience unrest. Visitors to Bahrain should reconsider their need to travel outside the central business area after nightfall and should restrict their movement to major routes at all times.
You should register your travel and contact details , and encourage other Australians to do so too, so we can contact you if required. caribbean family travel You should ensure that your travel documentation remains up-to-date. The Australian Government's ability to provide consular services may be limited.
On 5 November 2012, five home-made bombs exploded in two separate locations in Manama (Adliya and Qadaibiya districts, close to the CBD). Two people were reported killed, and a third critically injured. Bahraini authorities have advised residents and visitors to Bahrain to avoid all suspicious objects.
On 27 June 2012, Bahraini authorities announced the seizure of over 100 kilograms of materials caribbean family travel used to make explosives. Authorities said that the materials were intended for use in a mass casualty attack.
On 12 November 2011, the Bahraini Interior Ministry announced the arrest of five Bahraini citizens for allegedly planning terrorist attacks on individuals and targets including the King Fahad Causeway, Interior Ministry and Saudi Embassy.
Statements caribbean family travel by international terrorists groups have called for attacks against Western interests in the Gulf region, including residential caribbean family travel compounds, caribbean family travel military, oil, transport and aviation interests. Commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners are possible terrorist targets. Attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners. Although there has been no reported terrorist attack in Bahrain, terrorists have attacked Westerners in the region. Further attacks in the Arabian Peninsula, including Bahrain, cannot be ruled out.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include shopping areas, supermarkets, embassies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, schools, places of worship, public transport, residential areas, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' caribbean family travel cheques and US dollars cash. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables caribbean family travel such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original caribbean family travel and leave another copy with someone at home.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always caribbean family travel be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You should be aware that vessels may not meet the safety caribbean family travel standards you would expect in Australia. In March 2006, a dhow capsized in Bahrain killing 58 people, including foreigners. You should ensure life jackets are available.
Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. In particular, maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the Southern Gulf are sensitive. caribbean family travel There are reports of detentions and inspections of vessels and arrest.
When you are in Bahrain, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Be aware that you may not be allowed to leave Bahrain if commercial, labour or other legal proceedings are underway.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised caribbean family travel to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.
Some Australian criminal caribbean family travel laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, caribbean family travel child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians caribbean family travel who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Bahrain. Any displays of disrespect for Islam will cause great offence. Men and women should dress modestly, with clothing that covers their elbows and knees, and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Australians travelling to Muslim countries and countries with significant Muslim communities should take great care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. Ramadan and Shia religious festivals are particularly sensitive times.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you ca