COUNTRY CLEARANCE: SPECIAL ENVOY GEORGE MITCHELL

UNCLAS MANAMA 000221 SIPDIS NEA/IPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OVIP AMGT BA SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE: SPECIAL ENVOY GEORGE MITCHELL (APRIL 20) REF: STATE 35648 ¶1. Embassy Manama warmly welcomes the visit of Special Envoy George Mitchell and his delegation to Bahrain on April 20, ¶2009. ¶2. Control Officer for the visit is Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Steve Butler. His office telephone number is (973) 1724-2908; cell phone (973) 3996-5019; home (973) 1779-5289. Email: ButlerSR@state.gov. The Embassy's afterhours number is (973) 1724-2957. ¶3. OMS liaison is Pol/Econ OMS Lisa Hess. Her office telephone number is (973) 1724-2939; cell phone (973) 3931-7858; home (973) 1759-6517. Email: HessL@state.gov ¶4. Public Affairs liaison is Public Affairs Officer Rachel Graaf. Her office telephone number is (973) 1724-2717; cell phone (973) 3963-6053; home (973) 1759-4013. Email: GraafRD@state.gov. ¶5. Control Officer will be at the airport to assist with entry formalities. Post will provide transportation for the duration of the visit. ¶6. The use of digital cameras and laptops in non-CAA areas must be cleared by the RSO's office before being brought into the Embassy. ¶7. Please consider the following in-country administrative notes for Manama, Bahrain: a) VISAS: A visa is required for Bahrain. U.S. diplomatic and official passport holders can obtain a gratis 72-hours or a 7-day visa at the airport immigration authority. If traveler is required to stay longer, the visa can be extended. Significant penalties are charged if the visa is not extended prior to expiry. Visitors staying beyond the time limit of the visa should submit their passport for visa processing by the Embassy at least two days prior to the visa's expiration date. b) LODGING and TRANSPORTATION: Visitors must bring adequate funds to cover hotel tariffs and expenses. Hotels accept major credit cards (Amex, Visa, MasterCard). Embassy will arrange for airport expediting and transportation upon request. c) BAGGAGE: All luggage is subject to x-ray and hand inspection by Bahraini customs officials. Among items that may not be brought into Bahrain are: firearms, large knives, swords, videos of any type, and pornography. d) DRESS: Modest dress is more appropriate in Bahrain. Both men and women should avoid shorts and sleeveless attire in public, although bathing suits and shorts are acceptable at hotel facilities. e) PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographing military, religious, and government installations is forbidden, and one should ask permission before photographing Bahraini Nationals. f) LOCAL TIME: The time difference from Washington D.C. is 7 hours. The official Embassy workweek is Sunday through Thursday, 0800 to 1700. ¶8. Please consider the following in-country threat assessment notes for Manama, Bahrain: a) Terrorism: After the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, and the subsequent declaration of a new war on terrorism and countries that support it, the need for keen situational awareness is more necessary than ever. There have been no attacks against either Americans or Westerners in general in Bahrain. However, the current regional situation dictates caution. Visitors must be alert to their surroundings and to the possibility of hostile surveillance. Keep hotel rooms locked. Do not open unlocked doors to visitors without verifying who they are. Vary times of departure and arrivals at the hotel and be alert to individuals lingering in lobby areas or entrances. Once familiar with the area and routes, take charge in taxis and direct the driver to change routes to and from the Embassy. Keep windows up and doors locked when traveling in vehicles. Report any suspicious activity to the RSO immediately. Be prepared to provide identifying information such as license numbers, descriptions, etc. As tensions are currently elevated throughout the region, it is very important for visitors to maintain a low profile and avoid confrontations. Shirts, jackets, or sweaters covered with Americana are not appropriate. b) Crime: Incidents of common crime in Bahrain are very low by Western standards. Unlocked doors, open windows, bulging wallets, or purses slung over the back, may invite crimes of opportunity. Common sense precautions that an experienced traveler would take in any major metropolitan area will suffice in Bahrain. Americans should note this information when traveling to Bahrain. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** HENZEL