Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10MANAMA87
2010-02-22 08:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Manama
Cable title:
WELCOME STAFFDEL ANDERSON/BELZAK TO BAHRAIN (FEBRUARY 23 -
how-toVZCZCXRO9320 OO RUEHAT DE RUEHMK #0087 0530815 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 220815Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA TO RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH IMMEDIATE 2900 RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9215 RUEHAT/AMCONSUL AMSTERDAM 0036 RUEHYN/AMEMBASSY SANAA 0745 RUEHFT/AMCONSUL FRANKFURT 3556 RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI 1797 RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 6226
UNCLAS MANAMA 000087
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL ANDERSON/BELZAK TO BAHRAIN (FEBRUARY 23 -
FEBRUARY 24, 2010)
REF: STATE 13486
UNCLAS MANAMA 000087
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL ANDERSON/BELZAK TO BAHRAIN (FEBRUARY 23 -
FEBRUARY 24, 2010)
REF: STATE 13486
1. Embassy Manama welcomes the visit of STAFFDEL Anderson/Belzak to
Bahrain from February 23, 2010 to February 24, 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. Post understands
that the STAFFDEL will transit Bahrain and will not require hotel or
other arrangements.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN BA
SUBJECT: WELCOME STAFFDEL ANDERSON/BELZAK TO BAHRAIN (FEBRUARY 23 -
FEBRUARY 24, 2010)
REF: STATE 13486
1. Embassy Manama welcomes the visit of STAFFDEL Anderson/Belzak to
Bahrain from February 23, 2010 to February 24, 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. Post understands
that the STAFFDEL will transit Bahrain and will not require hotel or
other arrangements.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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