Middle East / N. Africa
Travel Alert: Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf

On February 11, 2009, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert:

This Travel Alert is being updated to warn Americans about heightened security concerns in and around the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf. U.S. citizens traveling to or already in the region are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Travel Alert for the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf dated September 23, 2008, to include continued threats to the U.S. Embassy in Yemen, and expires on May 23, 2009. 

The security threat level in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf region remains high, with continued threats to the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. On September 17, 2008, a terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen killed several security personnel and innocent bystanders, including one U.S. citizen. Credible information indicates that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan attacks against U.S. interests in the region. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, the use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities may lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.

Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, U.S. citizens should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments. From time to time, the Embassy may restrict official Americans from restaurants, hotels, or shopping areas. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and take prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current. 

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services

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