Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE20212
2009-03-04 19:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:
TRAVEL WARNING - SAUDI ARABIA
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UNCLAS STATE 020212
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PREL PTER SA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SAUDI ARABIA
UNCLAS STATE 020212
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PREL PTER SA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SAUDI ARABIA
1. This Travel Warning warns American citizens about
the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S.
citizens of recommended security precautions. The
Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider
carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. There
is an ongoing security threat due to the continued
presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al
Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing
compounds, hotels, shopping areas and other facilities
where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may
employ a wide variety of tactics and also may target
Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial
targets within the Kingdom. This updates and replaces
the Travel Warning issued July 9, 2008, to note revised
U.S. Embassy policy governing employee security and to
explain Embassy policy on security updates for American
citizens in Saudi Arabia.
2. Although terrorists have not conducted a successful
attack against Westerners in Saudi Arabia since February
2007, the United States Mission in Saudi Arabia does not
permit minor dependents at post because of continued
security concerns. The Department of State recently
approved the return of adult family members, in part,
because Saudi security forces have continued to make
significant progress in counteracting the terrorist
threat within Saudi Arabia as they continue to arrest
and break up terrorist cells.
3. American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia
are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing
compounds that do not apply stringent security measures
and also are advised to be aware of their surroundings
when visiting commercial establishments frequented by
Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep
a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise
caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles, and
ensure that travel documents and visas are current and
valid.
4. From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates
in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official
Americans or suspend public services for security
reasons. Whenever threat information is specific,
credible, and non-counterable, this threat information
will be made available to the American public. In those
instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the
local American citizen community apprised through the
Warden system and make every effort to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens. Warden messages can be found
on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov.
5. Updated information on travel and security in Saudi
Arabia may be obtained from the Department of State by
calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and
Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada on
a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers
are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)
For additional information, consult the Department of
State's Country Specific Information for Saudi Arabia,
and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov.
6. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may
telephone the Embassy in Riyadh at (966) (1) 488-3800,
the Consulate in Jeddah at (966) (2) 667-0080, or the
Consulate in Dhahran at (966) (3) 330-3200.
7. Minimize considered.
CLINTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PREL PTER SA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - SAUDI ARABIA
1. This Travel Warning warns American citizens about
the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S.
citizens of recommended security precautions. The
Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider
carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. There
is an ongoing security threat due to the continued
presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al
Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing
compounds, hotels, shopping areas and other facilities
where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may
employ a wide variety of tactics and also may target
Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial
targets within the Kingdom. This updates and replaces
the Travel Warning issued July 9, 2008, to note revised
U.S. Embassy policy governing employee security and to
explain Embassy policy on security updates for American
citizens in Saudi Arabia.
2. Although terrorists have not conducted a successful
attack against Westerners in Saudi Arabia since February
2007, the United States Mission in Saudi Arabia does not
permit minor dependents at post because of continued
security concerns. The Department of State recently
approved the return of adult family members, in part,
because Saudi security forces have continued to make
significant progress in counteracting the terrorist
threat within Saudi Arabia as they continue to arrest
and break up terrorist cells.
3. American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia
are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing
compounds that do not apply stringent security measures
and also are advised to be aware of their surroundings
when visiting commercial establishments frequented by
Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep
a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise
caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles, and
ensure that travel documents and visas are current and
valid.
4. From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates
in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official
Americans or suspend public services for security
reasons. Whenever threat information is specific,
credible, and non-counterable, this threat information
will be made available to the American public. In those
instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the
local American citizen community apprised through the
Warden system and make every effort to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens. Warden messages can be found
on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov.
5. Updated information on travel and security in Saudi
Arabia may be obtained from the Department of State by
calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and
Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada on
a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers
are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)
For additional information, consult the Department of
State's Country Specific Information for Saudi Arabia,
and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov.
6. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may
telephone the Embassy in Riyadh at (966) (1) 488-3800,
the Consulate in Jeddah at (966) (2) 667-0080, or the
Consulate in Dhahran at (966) (3) 330-3200.
7. Minimize considered.
CLINTON