Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10MANAMA24
2010-01-18 08:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Manama
Cable title:
WELCOME STAFFDEL RAVEN TO BAHRAIN: JANUARY 19-21,
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHMK #0024/01 0180837 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 180837Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9154 INFO RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 0338 RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA 0928 RUEHKU/AMEMBASSY KUWAIT 3014 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 0255 RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 0465 RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RHMFIUU/NAVSUPPACT BAHRAIN
UNCLAS MANAMA 000024
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP PREL BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL RAVEN TO BAHRAIN: JANUARY 19-21,
2010
REF: STATE 2933
UNCLAS MANAMA 000024
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP PREL BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL RAVEN TO BAHRAIN: JANUARY 19-21,
2010
REF: STATE 2933
1. Embassy Manama welcomes the visit of STAFFDEL Raven to
Bahrain from January 19, 2010 to January 21, 2010.
2. Control Officer for the visit is Political Officer Rachel
Mihm. Her office telephone number is (973)1724-2931; mobile
(973) 3908-9220; home (973) 1759-1702. Email:
MihmRI@state.gov. The Embassy's after hours number is (973)
1727-5126.
3. Control Officer will be at the airport to help with entry
formalities, and has coordinated scheduling with NAVCENT and
Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Post has arranged
transportation for STAFFDEL Raven during the visit. Post has
reserved rooms at the Novotel al Dana for STAFFDEL Raven
within per diem. The phone number for the Novotel al Dana is
(973) 1729-8008; fax (973) 1729-8338; email
rso@novotel-bahrain.com.
4. 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.
5. 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
8 hours. The official Embassy workweek is Sunday through
Thursday, 0800 to 1700.
6. Security Concerns:
Manama is a high threat post for terrorism and political
violence. Although there have been no terrorist attacks
against either Americans or Westerners on the island, Bahrain
is joined by a causeway to Saudi Arabia, a critical threat
unaccompanied post. Spontaneous demonstrations take place in
Bahrain from time to time in response to world events or
local developments. Demonstrations are normally
anti-government in nature and do not target Americans, but
may turn violent and should be strictly avoided.
Bahrain is very livable and generally safe, but the
threat of terrorism and political violence requires embassy
personnel to take active personal security measures,
including remaining aware of their surroundings at all times
and keeping current with local events and embassy security
notices. Personnel should vary their routes and times of
travel, maintain a low profile, and avoid confrontations.
Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the
Regional Security Office (RSO) along with identifying
information such as license plate number, vehicle or
individual descriptions, etc.
The crime rate is relatively low in Bahrain. Unlocked
doors, open windows, building wallets, or unsecured purses
may invite crimes of opportunity. Common sense precautions
necessary in any major metropolitan area are appropriate for
Bahrain.
Contact the RSO directly at DS RSO Manama@state.gov if
you have any security-related questions prior to arrival.
Americans should note this information when traveling to
Bahrain.
ERELI
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP PREL BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL RAVEN TO BAHRAIN: JANUARY 19-21,
2010
REF: STATE 2933
1. Embassy Manama welcomes the visit of STAFFDEL Raven to
Bahrain from January 19, 2010 to January 21, 2010.
2. Control Officer for the visit is Political Officer Rachel
Mihm. Her office telephone number is (973)1724-2931; mobile
(973) 3908-9220; home (973) 1759-1702. Email:
MihmRI@state.gov. The Embassy's after hours number is (973)
1727-5126.
3. Control Officer will be at the airport to help with entry
formalities, and has coordinated scheduling with NAVCENT and
Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Post has arranged
transportation for STAFFDEL Raven during the visit. Post has
reserved rooms at the Novotel al Dana for STAFFDEL Raven
within per diem. The phone number for the Novotel al Dana is
(973) 1729-8008; fax (973) 1729-8338; email
rso@novotel-bahrain.com.
4. 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.
5. 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
8 hours. The official Embassy workweek is Sunday through
Thursday, 0800 to 1700.
6. Security Concerns:
Manama is a high threat post for terrorism and political
violence. Although there have been no terrorist attacks
against either Americans or Westerners on the island, Bahrain
is joined by a causeway to Saudi Arabia, a critical threat
unaccompanied post. Spontaneous demonstrations take place in
Bahrain from time to time in response to world events or
local developments. Demonstrations are normally
anti-government in nature and do not target Americans, but
may turn violent and should be strictly avoided.
Bahrain is very livable and generally safe, but the
threat of terrorism and political violence requires embassy
personnel to take active personal security measures,
including remaining aware of their surroundings at all times
and keeping current with local events and embassy security
notices. Personnel should vary their routes and times of
travel, maintain a low profile, and avoid confrontations.
Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the
Regional Security Office (RSO) along with identifying
information such as license plate number, vehicle or
individual descriptions, etc.
The crime rate is relatively low in Bahrain. Unlocked
doors, open windows, building wallets, or unsecured purses
may invite crimes of opportunity. Common sense precautions
necessary in any major metropolitan area are appropriate for
Bahrain.
Contact the RSO directly at DS RSO Manama@state.gov if
you have any security-related questions prior to arrival.
Americans should note this information when traveling to
Bahrain.
ERELI