UK/US governments say don’t go to Bahrain

Both the UK and US governments have tonight advised citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain, and other countries have followed suit, including Italy, France and Australia.

The US advice runs until at least March 18, while the British is indefinite.

In the light of that one would hope that Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA do not prevaricate any further about cancelling the race before our sport loses any more credibility. And the legal and insurance implications of ignoring such official advice are pretty obvious…

The British advice reads as follows:

“We advise against all but essential travel to Bahrain until further notice.

“Following violence over recent days, and most recently on the evening of 18 February, we advise British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain.

“We also advise British nationals currently in Bahrain to monitor the media, to limit travel around the island to essential journeys only, and not to go out when demonstrations are taking place.  If travelling within Bahrain, British nationals should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and on major highways, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.  The airport remains open and transiting through the airport is unaffected by this advice.”

Meanwhile the US Department of State said:

“The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for ongoing political and social unrest in Bahrain. We urge U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Bahrain at this time. There are confirmed reports of violent clashes including weapons fired between protestors and security forces in various parts of the city. Spontaneous demonstrations and violence are expected throughout the next several days. There is no indication that westerners are being threatened or targeted. This Travel Alert expires on March 18, 2011.

“Demonstrations have degenerated on several occasions into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries. While demonstrations have not been directed toward Westerners, U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.”