VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMK #0509/01 2370842
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 250842Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8883
INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0369
RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA PRIORITY 0926
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0118
RUEHKU/AMEMBASSY KUWAIT PRIORITY 3004

UNCLAS MANAMA 000509 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: BA OVIP PREL
SUBJECT: WELCOME CODEL BORDALLO (AUGUST 25 - AUGUST 27) 
 
REF: A. STATE 87387 
     ¶B. STATE 22017 
 
¶1.  Embassy Manama welcomes the visit of CODEL Bordallo to 
Bahrain from August 25, 2009 to August 27, 2009. 
 
¶2.  Control Officer for the visit is Political Officer Steve 
Jacob.  His office telephone number is (973)1724-2834; mobile 
(973) 3940-7397; home (973) 1769-3425.  Email: 
JacobSJ@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.  Post has arranged transportation for CODEL 
Bordallo during the visit.  Post has reserved a block of 
rooms at the Gulf Hotel for CODEL Bordallo within per diem. 
The phone number for the Gulf Hotel is (973) 1771-3000; fax 
(973) 1771-3040; email ghbc@gulfhotelbahrain.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 
7 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