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India Facilitates Exit of Stranded Citizens from Bahrain via Saudi Transit

The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has issued an advisory urging stranded Indian citizens to remain vigilant and follow official updates. It is facilitating their exit by coordinating with the Embassy in Riyadh to obtain Saudi transit visa approvals. Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket to India and present a formal note from the Riyadh embassy at Saudi immigration. The advisory comes amid regional tensions, including reports of infrastructure attacks in Bahrain.

Key Points: India Helps Stranded Citizens Exit Bahrain Through Saudi Arabia

  • Embassy issues vigilance advisory
  • Transit via Saudi Arabia facilitated
  • Priority for tourists/short-term visas
  • 24/7 helpline numbers provided
2 min read

India to facilitate stranded citizens' exit from Bahrain through Riyadh

Indian Embassy in Bahrain issues advisory for stranded nationals, detailing transit visa procedures through Riyadh for safe return to India.

"Priority is being given to stranded Indian nationals, especially those on tourist or short-term visas. - Indian Embassy Advisory"

Manama, March 9

The Indian Embassy in Bahrain on Monday issued an advisory, asking Indian citizens stranded there to be vigilant and follow updates given through advisories.

The Embassy said that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is facilitating the exit of Indian nationals from the Saudi Arabian government.

"In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Bahrain are advised to remain vigilant and take due care. Indian citizens are requested to follow updates and advisories issued by the Embassy of India in Bahrain and the local authorities. The Embassy of India in Bahrain is continuing to function as usual. Emergency Assistance: The Embassy's 24x7 helpline numbers are: +973 39418071, +973 38400433," the advisory said.

"Transit Through Saudi Arabia from Bahrain: Priority is being given to stranded Indian nationals, especially those on tourist or short-term visas. The Embassy of India in Riyadh is obtaining individual transit visa approvals from the Saudi Government. Therefore, transit visa requests are currently being referred by the Embassy of India in Bahrain to the Embassy of India in Riyadh," the advisory added.

The advisory further said that Indians intending to travel must produce a formal note issued by the Embassy of India in Riyadh to Saudi immigration authorities at the checkpoint before entering Saudi Arabia.

"Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for transit through Saudi Arabia: travellers must have a confirmed air ticket for onward travel to India. Passengers must show the Note Verbale / formal note issued by the Embassy of India in Riyadh to Saudi immigration authorities at the checkpoint before entering Saudi Arabia. The Saudi transit visa will be valid for 72-96 hours. Travelers must leave Saudi Arabia for India within this period," the advisory stated.

"Travelers are advised to plan their travel to the Saudi checkpoint preferably during the daytime. Indian nationals seeking transit visa facilitation may send their requests to: wel2.bahrain@mea.gov.in. Further updates and advisories will be issued by the Embassy as necessary," the embassy added.

The advisory comes as the war has engulfed the Middle East, and Bahrain said an Iranian drone attack damaged a water desalination plant, accusing Tehran of "randomly" targeting civilian infrastructure, as reported by Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the coordination between our embassies in Bahrain and Riyadh. The SOP is detailed, but I hope the process is smooth on the ground. Traveling during daytime to the checkpoint is sensible advice. Stay safe, everyone.
A
Aman W
The situation in the Middle East is getting more tense by the day. It's wise to prioritize tourists and short-term visa holders first. My cousin is there on work, and his company is arranging his exit, but many don't have that support. Government is doing the right thing.
S
Sarah B
While the advisory is comprehensive, the real test is execution. Getting individual transit approvals from Saudi authorities can be slow. I hope our MEA is applying necessary diplomatic pressure to expedite things for our citizens.
V
Vikram M
This shows the importance of registering with the embassy when you go abroad. Many people forget. The formal note from the Riyadh embassy is key—don't travel without it! Praying for the safe return of all our brothers and sisters.
K
Kavya N
The 72-96 hour transit window is tight but understandable given the circumstances. Families here must be so worried. Hope the air tickets are available and not exorbitantly priced. The government should also look into that aspect.

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