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.

The U.S. Embassy in Manama can be reached at (973) 1724-2700; the afterhours emergency number is (973) 1724-2957; the fax number is (973) 1725-6242. The Embassy's web site, which includes travel information and the Worldwide Caution is at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov. Demonstration Notices can be found at http://Bahrain.usembassy.gov/demonstration.html. The Consular Section can be reached at ManamaConsular@state.gov

U.S. citizens in Bahrain are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security in Bahrain may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Bahrain, as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found at www.travel.state.gov.