India has asked its citizens in Bahrain to remain vigilant and follow local safety guidelines as tensions escalate in West Asia following recent military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The advisory, issued by the Embassy of India in Bahrain yesterday, urged Indian nationals to stay alert and regularly follow updates issued by the mission and local authorities.
In its statement, the embassy said Indian citizens should “remain vigilant, take due care and adhere to the safety guidelines of the local authorities in view of the prevailing situation in the region”. It added that the embassy in Bahrain continues to function normally and remains available to assist Indian nationals.
The warning comes amid heightened instability in the region after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28. The strike followed days of escalating tensions, during which US President Donald Trump increased pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal regarding its nuclear programme.
Transit route through Saudi Arabia
As travel disruptions have left several Indian visitors stranded in Bahrain, authorities have begun coordinating arrangements to facilitate their return to India through neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Vinod K. Jacob said the facility is intended particularly for Indians who travelled to Bahrain on tourist or short-term visas and whose flights were cancelled after February 28. The embassy has indicated that such travellers may be able to leave Bahrain through a transit route into Saudi Arabia.
The arrangement has been made in coordination with the Embassy of India in Riyadh. Under this process, the embassy in Bahrain will first compile details of stranded Indian nationals. The mission in Riyadh will then approach the Saudi government to obtain individual transit visa approvals for those travellers.
Officials said this effort will be carried out in phases as authorities collect information from affected citizens and process approvals from Saudi authorities.
Standard operating procedure issued
To facilitate the movement of stranded travellers, the embassy has issued a Standard Operating Procedure outlining the conditions required for transit through Saudi Arabia.
According to the guidelines, travellers must possess a confirmed onward air ticket to India. They will also need to present a formal diplomatic note issued by the Embassy of India in Riyadh to Saudi immigration authorities at the checkpoint before entering the country.
The transit visas issued under this arrangement will remain valid for between 72 and 96 hours, allowing travellers to pass through Saudi Arabia and continue their journey to India.
Applicants seeking assistance have been asked to submit details, including their full name, passport copy, visa copy, travel ticket, and mobile number to the embassy. Once the Saudi government approves the request, the Indian mission will issue the required transit visa.
Ambassador Jacob also advised travellers planning to cross the border to reach the checkpoint during daytime hours.
Relief for stranded travellers
The temporary arrangement is expected to bring relief to Indian visitors stranded in Bahrain amid the evolving security situation in the region. Authorities said priority will be given to those travelling on short-term or tourist visas who urgently need to return home.
The embassy has encouraged Indian nationals to remain in contact with official channels and continue following advisories issued by the mission and local authorities as the situation develops.