Interior Ministry Issues Safety Warning for Travellers

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Travellers have been warned to guard their homes, watch their bags and keep passports and valuables secure as Interior Ministry issued safety advice for those heading abroad.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to check travel and security rules before leaving the kingdom and to stay alert until they return. Police from the General Directorate of Ports Security will be on hand to protect passengers and their luggage, enforce airport rules and help resolve any problems.

Homes should be secured against theft before departure. Travellers were advised to ask a relative to visit the property from time to time, fit timers to lights and remove signs that could tell thieves the house is empty.

Flights, hotels, local travel and health cover should be arranged in advance. Passports must be valid, and all required visas should be obtained before the trip.

Air passengers should reach the airport at least two hours before take-off. They were told to check the name, gate number and airline shown on their boarding pass, as well as baggage weight limits, before handing over their cases.

Banned or dangerous items must not be packed. Liquids and gels carried in cabin bags must meet flight rules.

Passengers should never take a parcel or envelope from another person without checking what is inside. Bags and shopping should not be left alone in the terminal.

Cash, jewellery and other costly items should not be placed in bags stored in overhead lockers, which are shared with other passengers and can be opened during the flight. Instructions on phones, laptops and other electronic devices must also be obeyed, along with orders from the captain and cabin crew.

Those driving abroad should have their car checked before leaving, carry all travel papers and follow the road laws of each country. Safety and breakdown equipment should remain in the vehicle.

Once abroad, passports, papers and valuables should be kept in the hotel safe. Travellers were also advised to keep some emergency cash apart from their main funds and use bank cards rather than carry large sums.

Local emergency numbers should be saved, while Bahrain’s embassy should be told of the traveller’s name and place of stay. The embassy should be contacted at once if a passport is lost or damaged, or if the traveller runs into legal trouble.