Warden Message

Embassy of the United States of America
Doha, Qatar

October 2, 2007

Consular Warden Message

TRAFFIC VIOLATION INFORMATION AND U.S. EMBASSY HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The U.S. Embassy in Doha has learned that starting October 2, 2007, people who have not paid fines for traffic violations will not be allowed to travel out of the country.  Those who fail to pay the penalty for a traffic violation within 60 days will be charged an additional fine of 1 Qatari Riyal (QR) per day.  Violators can access the Ministry of Interior website address of www.moi.gov.qa  after October 2 to check for and pay any fines. The penalties will be posted on the above website immediately after the traffic violation occurred.  Please note that the U.S. Embassy cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens subject to a travel ban due to failure to pay these fines.

On Sunday, October 7, 2007, the U.S Embassy will be closed in observation of the Columbus Day holiday.  The U.S. Embassy will also be closed from Sunday, October 14, through Tuesday, October 16, 2007, in observation of the Eid al Fitr.  Due to our extended closure during these two weeks, the Consular Section will also open for routine American Citizen Services from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Monday, October 8 in addition to services on October 9 through 11.  American Citizen Services will resume our normally scheduled hours of 1 to 3 p.m., every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting on Wednesday, October 17, 2007.  For any emergencies during this time, American Citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy at 488-4101 and ask to speak to the duty officer.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Doha's website, http://qatar.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and other Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  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 U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Citizens living and residing in Qatar are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSconsularDoha@state.gov or by calling 488-4101, extension 6500.   Further updates will be forthcoming when new information is available.  This complete message is available on the Embassy's website at http://qatar.usembassy.gov.