Oman advises against non-essential travel to U.S.
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MUSCAT, Oman (Reuters) -- The Gulf Arab state of Oman warned its citizens on Tuesday against non-essential travel to the United States because they may be offended by fingerprinting and interviews introduced as part of new anti-terror measures.
"Due to these measures, citizens may be subjected to discriminatory and inappropriate treatment. They are advised not to travel to the United States unless necessary," the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the news agency ONA.
The ministry said Oman, a close U.S. ally, understood the security concerns of the U.S. government.
Under U.S. anti-terrorism rules introduced after the September 11, 2001, suicide attacks, males from some countries who are over 16 and visiting the United States must report to immigration to be fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed.
The list of those countries now includes more than 20 Arab and Muslim states and North Korea.
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