Warden Message – Rock Bottom Café Off-limits to Official American personnel

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat would like to inform American citizens residing in or traveling in Oman that the Rock Bottom Café in Muscat is temporarily off-limits for official U.S. Embassy personnel due to safety concerns. 

The U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) has designated this establishment in Muscat off-limits to all official American personnel.  Early the morning of Thursday, July 2, 2009, a U.S. Embassy employee was assaulted by an employee of this establishment.  The Royal Oman Police (ROP) is currently investigating the incident.  Upon conclusion of the investigation, the RSO will reevaluate the situation. 

The U.S. Embassy in Muscat advises Americans to always exercise caution when visiting bars or nightclubs, particularly late at night or in the early morning hours.

Americans living or traveling in Oman are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. Registration with Embassies/Consulates is available at www.travel.state.gov under "International Travel for U.S. Citizens." Americans 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.  American citizens wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via email at ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535.

If you wish to speak directly to a consular staff member, please call the embassy phone number between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and follow the prompts. On a walk-in basis, American Citizen Services are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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. American Citizen Service hours are: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The Embassy is closed on Omani and American holidays.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs' web site at http://travel.state.gov <http://travel.state.gov/> , where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html> , as well as the Worldwide Caution <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html> , can be found.  

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on 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).

Tracey Thornton

Consular Section Chief

U.S. Embassy Muscat