The U.S. Embassy Cautions U.S. Citizens to Avoid Demonstrations
throughout the Sultanate of Oman
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens of ongoing demonstrations,
marches, sit-ins and protests throughout the Sultanate of Oman,
including a third Green March scheduled on March 4 in Muscat following
Friday prayers (location unknown, but previous Green Marches took place
in the Ministries District), and on-going sit-ins in front of the Majlis
Al Shurah in Muscat (near the Golden Tulip Hotel and opposite Muscat
International Airport in Seeb) and the governor's residence in Salalah.
The Embassy has also received unconfirmed reports of vehicles with Omani
license plates being vandalized near the border crossings in the United
Arab Emirates.
The U.S. Embassy also advises U.S. citizens to limit non-essential
travel in Sohar, where tensions remain high despite roads reopening, and
urges U.S. citizens throughout the Sultanate to review their personal
plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times. Travelers
should avoid areas of planned demonstrations when known and be aware
that spontaneous demonstrations can occur anywhere on short notice. If
caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police
and leave the area as quickly as possible. U.S. citizens should stay
current on local events.
Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Oman from time
to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind
U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are
therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to
exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S.
citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be
aware of their surroundings at all times.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs Internet website
current Worldwide Caution
Warnings
Travel Alerts
, as well as the Country Specific Information for Oman
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for
callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Oman are encouraged to enroll in
the Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
they can obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S.
citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For
additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".
Registration with Embassies/Consulates is available at
www.travel.state.gov under "International Travel for U.S. Citizens."
U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the
U.S. Embassy in Muscat. The Embassy's phone number is (968) 2464-3400.
This new phone number is also for after-hours emergencies.
U.S. citizens wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via
email at ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535. American
Citizens Services are available by appointment
from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday and
between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Monday. When visiting the embassy, please
bring two forms of government-issued identification with photographs, as
you will need to leave one with the security guards while inside the
building.
The U.S. Embassy is located on Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street in the
diplomatic area of Shatti al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat. The
Embassy is closed on Omani and American holidays. For the latest
security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly
monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site at
http://travel.state.gov
Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts
as the Worldwide Caution
found.
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