Embassy of the United States of America

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  

WARDEN MESSAGE

December 9, 2007   

 

The Embassy requests that wardens pass the following message in its entirety to members of the American Community:

On or about December 18, 2007 the annual Hajj ritual will begin in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

Up to three million pilgrims will participate and large crowds and congestion will occur in the cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.  

Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. 

U.S. Citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.     

For more information on the Hajj, visit the US Consulate in Jeddah website at https://jeddah.usconsulate.gov    

The Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran will be closed from December 18 to 25, 2007 for the Hajj and Eid holiday. 

American citizens who experience an emergency should call 02-667-0800.       

American citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to consult with the following Department of State most recent travel advisories:

1. Public Announcement – Middle East and North Africa, dated November 14, 2007

2. Public Announcement – Worldwide Caution, dated October 10, 2007

No. 10/2007  

 

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: RiyadhACS@state.gov  

Registration Inquiries: RegistrationRID@state.gov 

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