Warden Message: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Security Reminder

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Consulate Dhahran issued the following Warden Message on September 24:

The U.S. Consulate General wishes to inform all American citizens in this consular district that acts of vandalism occurred at American-franchised restaurants on the Corniche in Al-Khobar last night (September 23). Several restaurants and a supermarket were vandalized last night by groups of youths.  Similar events may occur this evening and over succeeding days.  

Americans are advised to avoid the Corniche area in Al-Khobar and Dammam for Thursday and Friday September 24-25.  At this time, U.S. citizens are also cautioned to be selective regarding establishments they choose to patronize. American citizens should exercise caution and take prudent security measures: keep a very low profile, maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.  Women may wish to exercise additional caution and should avoid traveling alone.    

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Saudi Arabia, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Holidays).  

American citizens are reminded to keep their registration up-to-date. See https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ for registration information.

To hear recordings of the most recent security information, you may call the Embassy in Riyadh at +966-1-488-3800 and press 6 for regional or worldwide security information or press 7 for “Travel Warning for Saudi Arabia.” 

You can also review earlier Warden Messages at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/service/advisories-for-americans-in-ksa/warden-messages.html.

 General Inquiries: DhahranACS@state.gov

Registration Inquiries: DhahranACS@state.gov

ACS Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/service.html