OSAC Country Security Report

Last Updated: September 3, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Bahrain due to COVID-19. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Bahrain 102 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Medium state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bahrain.

The crime emergency line in Bahrain is 999. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

The targeting of non-citizen residents of Bahrain for crime is uncommon. Harassment of women and sexual assault does occur, although not all victims report cases to the . Other reported crimes include, but are not limited to, various types of immigration and residency fraud, ATM/credit card theft, prostitution, white collar fraud, embezzlement, possession or trafficking of illegal narcotics, and property theft. Violent crime is rare, and firearms are illegal in Bahrain.

Crime: Areas of Concern

In 2012, the U.S. Embassy designated geographic boundaries (known as “red zones”) as restricted travel areas. In 2013, the Embassy introduced “yellow zones,” designated for daylight travel only. The Embassy is constantly assessing the nationwide security situation to reevaluate the restricted zones. Find the current restricted travel areas map online.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bahrain. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

There have been no reported kidnappings or attempted kidnappings in Bahrain of a citizen of any country.

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There are no treaties in force between Bahrain and the United States concerning international parental child abduction and custody cases. Bahraini courts may ignore child custody decrees issued in the United States.

Drug Crime

There is a growing illegal drug market in Bahrain. The government regularly interdicts illegal drugs entering the country, reporting there was an approximately 50% decrease in the number of drug seizures from 1,547 in 2019 to 729 in 2020.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Manama as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bahrain. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Bahrain.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Bahrain 71 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a Low impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

The following factors make for a dynamic security environment: a large expatriate community, including the large U.S. Department of Defense presence; violent opposition groups; frequent travel between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the King Fahd Causeway; and the country’s proximity to Iran. Bahrain’s police and security forces are competent and capable counterterrorism partners. During 2019, the Bahraini government made gains in detecting and containing terrorist threats from violent Bahraini Shia militants and ISIS sympathizers.

Suspected Bahraini Shia militants occasionally instigate low-level violence against security forces using real and fake improvised explosive devices (IEDs). According to the Government of Bahrain, there were terrorist attacks on police officers in 2019. In February 2020, Bahraini officials thwarted a terrorist plot to use explosives to destroy two national bank ATMs. A few local Sunni extremists have radicalized in the past several years and either joined local factions or left to fight with ISIS and other militant groups in Syria and Iraq.

There are limited reports of government or non-government efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former violent extremists and returning foreign terrorist fighters. There is also no overall strategic messaging campaign to counter terrorist narratives, although government leaders often speak about tolerance and reducing sectarian rhetoric.

The call to radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or through social media, continues to be a global concern. It is difficult to determine which message will inspire a violent extremist. Anti- U.S./anti-foreigner sentiment does exist. However, terrorist incidents have not involved U.S. citizens, and foreign residents were not the primary target of extremist groups. Considering recent tension in the region, all travelers should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

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Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Manama as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

Bahrain is a monarchy governed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The constitution, ratified in 2002, established an elected lower house of parliament, the Council of Representatives, and an appointed upper house, the Shura Council. Elections for the Council of Representatives have occurred every four years since 2006.

Beginning in 2011, the country experienced a sustained period of unrest, including mass protests calling for political reform. Some anti-government demonstrations resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The government has taken steps since 2011 to implement many of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which the government tasked to review widespread allegations of police brutality, torture, arrests, disappearances, and violence by both security forces and demonstrators that year. The government has attempted to dilute the influence of religious leaders in political life, and in 2016, required Sunni and Shia clerics alike to sign a document, originally authored in 2009, committing them to certain standards when delivering Friday sermons.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Violent oppositionist activity increases in February and March to mark the anniversaries of 2011 events. Spontaneous demonstrations and, at times, violent anti-government activity continue to occur, particularly at night. This unrest can be in response to local developments, calls for protests, or regional events. Such actions are likely to spark forceful responses by government security forces, including crowd control measures and impromptu checkpoints in certain areas.

Among the Shia community, perceived economic and political disenfranchisement remain the primary drivers of violent extremism and civil unrest. However, research into this topic is politically sensitive, and although anecdotal evidence exists, there is little public reporting or research on drivers of violent extremism or even concrete data on whether economic disenfranchisement has increased.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Concerns: Security Agencies

The emergency line in Bahrain is 999. The Interior Ministry (MOI) is responsible for law enforcement and public safety. The Public Security Forces are the principal law enforcement arm of the MOI, and are responsible for maintaining order and security. The Special Security Forces of MOI are the paramilitary law enforcement arm and include the riot police, SWAT, and explosive team. VIP protection is a separate unit of the MOI.

The Coast Guard is also under MOI jurisdiction. The Bahrain Defense Force is primarily responsible for defending against external threats, while the Bahrain is responsible for both external and internal threats. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses.

Police Response

Bahraini police are generally professional and competent, although accusations of arbitrary arrest and police misconduct do exist.

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Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

• General Emergency Line: 999

• Fire Accidents: 997

• Casualty Bureau: 990

• Criminal Investigations (CID): 992

• Coast Guard (CGD): 994

• Traffic Police:199

• Traffic Hotline: 1787-22-87/22

• Violence against Women: 1787-03-02

Police Stations:

• East Riffa: 1777-3158

• West Riffa: 1766-4606

• Exhibition Road: 1755-0629

• Hawak: 1784-9009

• Hidd: 1767-1212

• Hoora: 1729-1555

• Naim: 1725-8210

• Samaheej: 1733-4401

• Umm-Al Hasam: 1772-8229

• Zallaq: 1763-1211 Transportation Security

Road Safety

Although the roads are generally very good, driving can be hazardous. Aggressive driving coupled with high speeds creates a dangerous driving environment. The law requires all vehicle passengers to wear seat belts. Police (Traffic Enforcement) presence can be limited or irregular. However, police vehicles are readily identifiable on the main traffic thoroughfares. Alcohol-related traffic accidents increase over weekends (Thursday evening through Saturday).

Avoid driving in the far-left lane on highways, as high-speed drivers may exhibit aggressive behavior if blocked; common behaviors include flashing headlights rapidly or tailgating. Night driving is particularly

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dangerous, because some drivers do not turn on their headlights. Apart from periodic sandstorms, fog, and rain, the road conditions and weather are favorable most of the year.

Police checkpoints are commonplace, and increase with little warning. Uniformed police have the authority to make traffic stops. Remain in your vehicle with the doors locked, but lower the window and be polite when answering questions. Be prepared to present identification, as the law requires people to carry a government-issued ID. Do not attempt to evade an official police checkpoint.

Those involved in an accident should not move their vehicle, and should immediately contact the traffic police at 199 if there are no injuries, or 999 (the general emergency number) if the accident involves injuries. Drivers should wait until the police arrive or direct them to one of several traffic police stations to file an accident report. The driver should obtain a copy of the accident report. Car rental and auto repair companies require a police accident report to make repairs.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

The use of marked taxis or transportation companies is generally safe and reliable.

Uber is legal and operates in Bahrain. There have been incidents where Uber customers met their driver at a taxi stand and a confrontation among drivers ensued. Choose a public location for Uber pick-ups, but avoid marked taxi stands.

A bus system exists, but ridership is limited.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

There are no aviation concerns in Bahrain, the international airport has just been expanded/renovated and has demonstrated its capability of handling high-profile flights without disruption to commercial traffic. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Maritime Security

There are general maritime concerns given the instability in the region. Western-linked ships have been the subject of maritime harassment at the hands of Iranian security forces and Iran-backed proxy forces in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. The maritime attacks against Western-linked ships began a year after the U.S. withdrew from the U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement. However, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the U.S. Coast Guard partner with host nation naval and Coast Guard assets and have a demonstrated ability to patrol and defend the coast and maritime environment.

Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.

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Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Cultural differences exist in Bahrain. Unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention. The use of profane language and gestures in public can result in fines and arrests. Modest dress, not engaging in small talk, not making constant eye contact, and maintaining a low profile may deter harassment. Try to travel in pairs or in groups, especially during hours of darkness. Visitors who find themselves harassed should seek safe haven in a public area immediately, contact store management or security personnel, and not move to a secluded area or drive to their residences until the situation resolves.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Women traveling alone should maintain vigilance. Seek legal counsel and ascertain your rights in Bahrain before visiting the country if you are a U.S. citizen divorced from/in the process of divorcing a Bahraini citizen. This is particularly important regarding child custody issues.

Rape is illegal, although the penal code allows an alleged rapist to marry his victim to avoid punishment. The law does not address spousal rape. Penalties for rape include life imprisonment and execution in cases where the victim is a minor younger than 16, if the rapist is the custodian or guardian of the victim, or when the rape leads to the victim’s death.

The government continues to document and prosecute physical or sexual abuse of women. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments documented 327 cases of physical or sexual abuse from January to September 2020, of which 36 involved children.

The law prohibits sexual harassment, including insulting or committing an indecent act towards a woman in public, with penalties of imprisonment and fines. Although the government sometimes enforces the law, sexual harassment remain a widespread problem for women, especially among foreign female domestic workers.

Consider composite scores given to Bahrain by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Bahrain, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

The law does not criminalize same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults at least 21 years old, but it does not extend antidiscrimination protections to LGBTI+ individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to Human Rights Watch, the government prosecuted acts such as organizing a “gay party” or cross-dressing under penal code provisions against “indecency” and “immorality.”

Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity occurred, including in employment and obtaining legal identity documents. In some cases, however, courts permitted transgender individuals to update identity documents if they had undergone sex reassignment surgery.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

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Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Transportation is not wheelchair-accessible, and sidewalks and crosswalks—even in Manama—are not accessible. Outside of the more expensive hotels in the capital, virtually no hotels offer accessible accommodations. There are very few accessible restaurants, shops, or historical sites. Handicap- accessible bathrooms, even in major hospitals, are generally not available. Building codes require accessible facilities in all new government and public buildings in the central municipality. The law does not mandate access to other nonresidential buildings for persons with disabilities.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Almost all Bahraini citizens are Muslim. Though the government does not publish statistics on the population breakdown by sect, observers believe Shia comprise a slight majority of the population. Bahrain regularly experiences low-level violence between Shia youth – using Molotov cocktails and other homemade devices – and the predominantly Sunni security forces in mostly-Shia villages

The law grants citizenship to ethnic-Arab applicants who have resided in the country for 15 years and non-Arab applicants who have resided in the country for 25 years. There are numerous reports that authorities do not apply the citizenship law uniformly. NGOs state the government allows foreign Sunni employees of the security services who have lived in the country fewer than 15 years to apply for citizenship. There are also reports authorities have not granted citizenship to Arab Shia residents who have resided in the country for more than 15 years, and non-Arab foreign residents who have resided for more than 25 years. Rights groups report discrimination, especially in employment practices, against Shia citizens in certain professions, such as security forces.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

The call to radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or through social media, continues to be a global concern. It is difficult to determine which message will inspire a violent extremist. Anti- U.S./anti-foreigner sentiment does exist. However, terrorist incidents have not involved U.S. citizens, and foreign residents were not the primary target of extremist groups. Considering recent tension in the region, all U.S. nationals should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, but the government does not implement the law adequately, and some officials reportedly engage in corrupt practices. The law subjects government employees at all levels to prosecution if they use their positions to engage in embezzlement or bribery, either directly or indirectly. Penalties may be up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Significant areas of government activity, including the security services and the Bahrain Defense Force, lack transparency, and the privatization of public land remains a concern among opposition groups.

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The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Bahrain 78 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The constitution provides for freedom of speech and the press, “provided that the fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine are not infringed, the unity of the people is not prejudiced, and discord and sectarianism are not aroused.” The government limits freedom of speech and the press through prosecution of individuals under libel, slander, and national security laws that target citizen and professional journalists.

The law forbids any speech that infringes on public order or morals. Speech is curtailed in both traditional media and social media. While individuals openly express critical opinions regarding domestic political and social issues in private settings, those who express such opinions publicly often face repercussions. Last year, the government took steps against what it considered acts of civil disobedience, which included critical speech.

According to local journalists and human rights groups, authorities sometimes harass, arrest, or threaten journalists, photographers, and citizen journalists active on social media due to their reporting. Authorities claim, however, that some individuals who identify themselves as journalists and photographers are associated with violent opposition groups and produce propaganda and recruiting videos for these groups. International media representatives report difficulty in obtaining visas to work as journalists. The government has brought criminal complaints against journalists who worked without accreditation.

Government censorship occurs. Information Affairs Ministry personnel actively monitor and block stories on matters deemed sensitive, especially those related to sectarianism, national security, or criticism of the royal family, the Saudi royal family, or the judiciary. Journalists widely practice self-censorship. Some members of media report government officials contacted editors directly and told them to stop publishing articles on certain subjects.

The press and publications law prohibits anti-Islamic content in media and mandates imprisonment for “exposing the state’s official religion to offense and criticism.” The law states, “Any publication that prejudices the ruling system of the country and its official religion can be banned from publication by a ministerial order.”

Internet is regulated and content that is anti-Islam or deemed morally corrupt is blocked by the Government of Bahrain. Use of VPNs is common amongst the expat communities. The government blocks access to some websites from inside the country, including some opposition-linked websites. The government blocks Qatar-funded web-based outlets, which it began after cutting relations with Qatar in 2017, and other pan-Arab media outlets critical of Bahrain. Access to overseas human rights groups reporting on human rights and political prisoners in Bahrain and opposition-leaning news sites critical of the ruling family and the government are blocked within the country. The government restricts internet freedom and monitors online activities, including via social media, leading to degradation of internet and mobile phone services for some neighborhoods and to legal action against some internet users.

In May 2019, the MOI Cybersecurity Department announced it would use applicable laws to charge social media users who followed accounts that promote hatred and shared their posts. That August, the Cybersecurity Department warned against sharing content from Lebanon-based and Iran-based social media accounts linked with dissolved political societies al-Wifaq and al-Wafa.

Several reports allege the government monitors political and human rights activists’ social media accounts and electronic communications.

Political and human rights activists report being interrogated by security forces regarding their postings on social media. They sometimes report repeated interrogations that include threats against their physical safety and that of their families, threats against their livelihood, and threats of denial of social services,

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such as housing and education. Several activists report shutting down or deciding to cease posting to their social media accounts because of the threats.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Bahrain 168 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Bahrain’s internet freedom as Not Free, and its Freedom in the World report rates Bahrain’s freedom of speech as Not Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad. Health Concerns

Emergency Health Services

In a medical emergency, call 999 or go to the emergency department of a nearby hospital. Basic modern medical care and medicine are available in several hospitals and clinics. Three government hospitals, a network of primary care clinics, and several private facilities offer a wide range of medical services. cardiac care, general surgery, ENT, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and dentistry services are readily available, as are X-rays, CT-scans, and MRI testing. The government hospitals house trauma and ICU units.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Bahrain, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Proof of vaccination for residents is required upon entry into Bahrain. Those travelers not holding a residence card must have a negative PCR tests within 72 hours of arrival. The Government of Bahrain regularly updates its "Red List" countries, from which travelers are not allowed to enter into Bahrain given the global COVID-19 environment.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain, and carry a wide range of medications. Check with Bahrain Affairs to ensure your medications are legal in the country. Most narcotic painkillers, stimulants, and controlled sedatives/hypnotics are not easily available, and may be illegal. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription.

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Pharmacies reportedly will not sell AIDS drugs to non-Bahraini citizens without a permit from the Health Ministry. Similarly, health facilities and pharmacies are required to report HIV-positive foreigners to the Health Ministry.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Tap water is generally not potable. Most expatriates receive weekly deliveries of "sweet water" (purified water) contained in 5-gallon jugs.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Bahrain’s low desert plain and arid climate put it at risk for periodic droughts and dust storms. Air pollution levels are higher than in the United States.

Review OSAC’s report, Dangers of Excessive Heat. Cybersecurity Concerns

The concern for cybersecurity incidents is low in Bahrain.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. Counterintelligence Issues

There have been no reported counterintelligence issues against U.S. citizens. Other Security Concerns

Landmines

There are no concerns for landmines in Bahrain.

Import/Export Restrictions

Items prohibited from importation include drones, asbestos, farmed pearls, drugs, live pigs, and used tires. Items restricted from importation include dangerous chemicals, wireless communication devices, medical equipment and medicines, daggers, weapons and ammunition, and various books, audio, and videos. Find more information on the Bahrain Customs Affairs website.

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

It is illegal to photograph certain buildings in Bahrain.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

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ID Requirements

The Government of Bahrain issues a Certified Permanent Residence (CPR) card for those living and working in Bahrain. Visas are available on arrival at the airport. Work visas require a sponsor.

It is illegal, but a common practice for Bahraini employers to retain the passport of foreign employees. Such retention could delay your travel or grant undue leverage to your employer in case of a dispute. U.S. passports are the property of the U.S. government.

While many U.S. citizens have a positive experience working in Bahrain, the U.S. Embassy has received a number of complaints from U.S. citizens employed in the education sector.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Communications (cell phones and internet) are reliable, but during the 2011 uprising, the government turned off cell service to prevent the organizing of demonstration activity. During times of heightened tensions, access to the internet decreases perceptibly. OSAC Country Chapters

Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: Building No. 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, Manama. Tel: +973 1724-2700. Hours: 0800 - 1700, Sunday to Thursday Trustworthy News Sources

• Gulf Daily News

• Al Ayam

• Al Bilad

• Al Watan

• The Daily Tribune Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information

• OSAC Risk Matrix

• OSAC Travelers Toolkit

• State Department Travelers Checklist

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

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• How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations

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