RIYADH, 25 July 2004 — Americans living in or traveling to Saudi Arabia can now register and receive warden messages online under new State Department programs. The US Embassy in Riyadh launched a new website last week, riyadh.usembassy.gov. Its consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran will launch their respective websites later this month.
The State Department recently launched a new and much improved consular website http://travel.state.gov. The website’s appearance has been enhanced, and it has improved organization and navigational tools to help users find information more quickly and accurately.
According to a statement released by the US mission here, an important new function is secure online travel registration which allows American citizens to record foreign trip and residence information that embassies and consulates can use to communicate with and assist them in emergencies. The embassy in Riyadh and its consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran took part in the pilot phase of its development.
The new Internet travel registration service for American citizens allows them to register and update their contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for them to keep their information current. The site also provides them with up-to-date travel information customized to their unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data provided is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in embassies, consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.
Americans in Saudi Arabia still have the option of registering in the traditional ways, in person or via fax or e-mail. Existing registrations remain valid alongside this new outreach effort.
Americans in Saudi Arabia can also now receive warden messages by e-mail by accessing the US Citizen Services section of the embassy’s website at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov and following the instructions explaining how to subscribe. Along with direct e-mailing of warden messages to subscribing Americans, the embassy and consulates will maintain the traditional warden system and will continue to disseminate these messages through the wardens.
For the first time, the missions will be managing websites highlighting issues of local interest.
