Expatriates living in Bahrain have been advised to keep their movements to a minimum and remain on high alert, as a result of the country's unrest.

They are being told to stay clear of major highways and particularly large crowds and demonstrations.

French, German, Italian and British nationals were yesterday warned to stay at home and only travel around if journeys were absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, Filipinos who need to travel abroad immediately have been warned they may have to wait longer to receive passports and travel documents.

'The embassy will work hard to ensure that those with urgent travel are accommodated and would like to request those without immediate travel plans to defer their applications until the situation has normalised,' said a Philippine Embassy statement.

Visitors to Bahrain have also been issued security warnings.

The latest advice from the British Foreign Office upgrades a statement issued last month which warned against all but essential travel to the country.

The Australian Foreign Ministry also yesterday issued a 'do not travel' notice to Bahrain.

'Australians are advised not to travel to Bahrain due to the unpredictable security situation and threat of terrorist attack,' said a statement.

German and French citizens have been requested to avoid unnecessary trips to Bahrain until stability is restored.-TradeArabia News Service