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Viewing cable 10MANAMA87, WELCOME STAFFDEL ANDERSON/BELZAK TO BAHRAIN (FEBRUARY 23 -

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
10MANAMA87 2010-02-22 08:15 2011-08-24 01:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Manama
VZCZCXRO9320
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 
 
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