Travel Alert Status
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Safety and Security
There have been no instances in which U.S. citizens or facilities in Oman have been subject to terrorist attacks; however, the Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the region. U.S. citizens in Oman are urged to maintain a high level of security awareness. The State Department suggests that all U.S. citizens in Oman maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes and times whenever possible. U.S. citizens are also urged to treat mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Unusual mail or packages should be left unopened and reported to local authorities. U.S. citizens with security concerns are encouraged to contact local authorities and the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat.
Spontaneous and/or planned public demonstrations take place throughout the country from time to time in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should remain attuned to readily available English and/or Arabic-language media outlets and avoid public demonstrations.
The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has advised that elevated regional tensions have increased the risk of maritime attacks being conducted by extremists to vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el Mandeb regions.
MARAD recommends vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or at slow speeds should be especially vigilant, and report suspicious activity. U.S. flag vessels that observe suspicious activity in the area are advised to report such suspicious activity or any hostile or potentially hostile action to COMUSNAVCENT battlewatch captain at phone number 011-973-1785-3879. All suspicious activities and events should also be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at the following toll-free telephone: 1-800-424-8802, direct telephone 202-267-2675, or TDD 202-267-4477.