The Ultimate Guide to the +96 Country Code: Who’s Calling from the Middle East & Asia, and Is It a Scam?

Decoding the +96 Prefix: What Every American Needs to Know When Their Phone Rings

 

An unexpected call from an international number can be unsettling. When the number on your screen begins with the digits “+96,” it’s natural to have questions. This prefix signals a call from a diverse and dynamic region spanning the Middle East and South Asia. For many Americans, these calls can be a source of confusion and concern, often raising questions about legitimacy and security. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the +96 country code prefix, identifies the specific nations it represents, and offers a detailed analysis of both legitimate reasons for contact and the prevalent scams associated with these numbers.

 

The Core Question: “What Country is +96?”

 

First, it is crucial to understand that +96 is not a country code in itself. Instead, it is a regional telephone code block assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. This prefix is the starting point for the full country calling codes of nine distinct nations. When you receive a call starting with “+96,” the third digit (and sometimes a fourth) is required to identify the specific country of origin. For example, a call from Saudi Arabia will appear as +966, while one from the Maldives will be +960. Understanding this distinction is the first step in demystifying the call and determining its intent.  

 

At-a-Glance Reference Table: Identifying the +96 Country Codes

 

For immediate identification, the following table provides a clear reference to all countries that use the +96 prefix. This allows users to quickly pinpoint the origin of a call and serves as a foundation for understanding the context of each nation.

Data compiled from multiple telecommunication and international standards sources.  

 

Why You Received This Call: Legitimate Reasons vs. Red Flags

 

The motivation behind a call from the +96 region can range from perfectly legitimate to overtly fraudulent. The context of the call is paramount. Many Americans have deep personal and professional ties to this part of the world, making such calls a regular occurrence. Legitimate possibilities include:

• Family and Friends: The United States is home to large and vibrant diaspora communities from countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Jordan. A call could simply be from a relative or friend.  
• Business Communications: U.S. companies have extensive trade and investment relationships across the region, particularly with economic hubs like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman.  
• Travel and Tourism: Countries such as the Maldives, Jordan, and Oman are popular tourist destinations for Americans. A call could be from a hotel, tour operator, or airline confirming travel arrangements.  
• Simple Misdial: As with any phone call, it could be an honest mistake.

However, the high volume of user searches related to these country codes is driven by a valid concern: the prevalence of unsolicited and fraudulent calls. An unexpected, single-ring call or an unsolicited message from a +96 number is often a red flag. These calls frequently originate from scam operations aiming to defraud recipients through various schemes. The user’s initial search for the country code is often the first step in a personal security check, a need this report is designed to meet by providing detailed, country-specific information on known threats.  

 

The +96 Nations: A Comprehensive Profile for the U.S. Audience

 

To properly assess a call from this region, it is essential to understand the specific country it came from. Each nation has a unique relationship with the United States, a different risk profile, and distinct cultural and economic characteristics. The following profiles are tailored to provide an American audience with the necessary context to evaluate a call from any of the nine +96 countries.

 

The Maldives (+960)

 

• Country Profile: The Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its luxury resorts, atolls, and vibrant marine life. The capital and largest city is Malé. The official language is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and business circles. The currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: The Maldives operates on Maldives Time (MVT), which is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)+5. This places it 9 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 12 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). To call the Maldives from the U.S., one must dial the U.S. exit code (011), followed by the country code (960), and then the local seven-digit number. There are no separate city or area codes.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The primary connection between the U.S. and the Maldives is tourism. The country is a high-end travel destination for American tourists. The economic relationship is modest; in 2024, total goods trade was approximately $97.4 million, with the U.S. exporting $92.6 million in goods (primarily aircraft parts) and importing $4.8 million (mostly fish). A call from +960 could plausibly be related to a hotel booking, a travel agency, or a resort.  
• Associated Scams: While not as infamous for scams as other codes in the region, suspicious calls from +960 have been reported. These often fall into the “one-ring” scam category, where the caller hangs up immediately, hoping the recipient will call back a premium-rate number and incur significant charges.  

 

Lebanon (+961)

 

• Country Profile: The Lebanese Republic is a country on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, Beirut, was once known as the “Paris of the Middle East.” The official language is Arabic, though French and English are widely spoken due to historical ties. The currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which has experienced extreme hyperinflation in recent years.  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Lebanon observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2, and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+3, during daylight saving. This makes it 7 hours ahead of EST. To call Lebanon from the U.S., one must dial 011 + 961 + a 1-digit area code + a 6-digit local number. Major area codes include 1 for Beirut and its suburbs, and 6 for Tripoli.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The U.S. has a deep and long-standing relationship with Lebanon, partly due to the large and influential Lebanese-American diaspora. However, the U.S. Department of State currently has a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and the risk of armed conflict, particularly near its borders. Despite this, the U.S. remains Lebanon’s largest supplier of imported goods. This complex relationship means a call could be from family but also warrants extreme caution.  
• Associated Scams: Scams originating from Lebanon are often more complex than simple robocalls. Reports indicate elaborate social engineering schemes, such as fraudulent online advertisements for cars that require payment via wire transfer services like Western Union, or sophisticated investment fraud operations that use prestigious addresses and professional websites to appear legitimate.  

 

Jordan (+962)

 

• Country Profile: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Arab kingdom in Western Asia, bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Its capital is Amman. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Jordan operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3 year-round, after abolishing daylight saving time in 2022. This puts it 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Jordan from the U.S., the format is 011 + 962 + a 1-digit area code + a 7-digit phone number. Key area codes include 6 for Amman and 3 for the port city of Aqaba.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: Jordan is a key strategic partner of the United States in the Middle East. The country is also a major destination for American tourists, who flock to historical sites like Petra and the Dead Sea. The U.S. and Jordan have a robust trade relationship, with total trade exceeding $4.6 billion annually; Jordan’s top exports to the U.S. include textiles and jewelry. There is also a significant Jordanian-American community in the U.S., with roots dating back to the post-World War II era.  
• Associated Scams: While specific, high-profile scams are not as widely reported from Jordan, its role as a host for refugees and international organizations creates potential avenues for fraud. Scammers may impersonate aid organizations or government bodies to solicit fraudulent donations or phish for personal information. General vigilance is advised for any unsolicited calls.  

 

Syria (+963)

 

• Country Profile: The Syrian Arab Republic is a country in Western Asia that has been profoundly affected by a civil war that began in 2011. The capital is Damascus. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Like Jordan, Syria now observes Arabia Standard Time (AST) at UTC+3 year-round. This is 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Syria from the U.S., the sequence is 011 + 963 + a 2-digit area code + a 6 or 7-digit local number. Major area codes are 11 for Damascus and 21 for Aleppo.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The U.S. relationship with Syria is highly complex and has been defined by decades of sanctions and a designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The civil war led to a severe humanitarian crisis and the displacement of millions, with many Syrian refugees resettling in the U.S. and numerous American organizations providing aid. The Syrian-American diaspora is well-established, with the first significant wave of immigration dating back to the 1880s.  
• Associated Scams: Syria is a known origin for a particularly insidious scam: WhatsApp account hijacking. In this scheme, scammers initiate a WhatsApp registration for the victim’s phone number. They then call or message the victim from a +963 number, using social engineering to trick them into revealing the six-digit verification code sent by WhatsApp. With this code, the scammer gains full control of the victim’s account, which can then be used to defraud their contacts or spread malware.  

 

Iraq (+964)

 

• Country Profile: The Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia with a rich history as the cradle of Mesopotamian civilization. The capital is Baghdad. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, and the currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Iraq is on Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, and is 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Iraq from the U.S., one dials 011 + 964 + a 1 or 2-digit area code + the local number. Baghdad has a 1-digit area code (1), while other cities like Mosul use 2-digit codes (60).  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The U.S. and Iraq have a deep and multifaceted strategic partnership, shaped significantly by the 2003 invasion and subsequent military and diplomatic engagement. The U.S. is home to a large Iraqi diaspora, with major communities concentrated in Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. The economic relationship is substantial, with U.S.-Iraq goods trade valued at $9.1 billion in 2024, though heavily weighted by U.S. imports of Iraqi oil.  
• Associated Scams: A common complaint from U.S. residents is receiving unsolicited WhatsApp calls from +964 numbers. These calls often have no one on the other end and are likely automated attempts to verify active phone numbers for future phishing or scam campaigns. Given the large diaspora, scammers may also attempt to impersonate relatives or officials to solicit money.  

 

Kuwait (+965)

 

• Country Profile: The State of Kuwait is a country in Western Asia, situated at the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf. The capital is Kuwait City. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), one of the highest-valued currency units in the world.  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Kuwait is on Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, making it 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Kuwait from the U.S., the format is 011 + 965 + an 8-digit phone number. Kuwait uses a national numbering plan without separate regional area codes.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, with a strong strategic partnership that was solidified during the 1991 Gulf War. The economic ties are robust; Kuwait is a major investor in the U.S., holding over $57 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds as of May 2025. The country is also a significant source of international students, with over 14,000 Kuwaitis studying at U.S. universities.  
• Associated Scams: Cybercrime is a significant concern in Kuwait. The most prevalent scams involve fraudulent text messages or calls impersonating banks and official entities, fake online advertisements for rentals or high-value goods at low prices, and the use of deceptive payment links to steal financial data. Scammers frequently use local Kuwaiti numbers to enhance their credibility.  

 

Saudi Arabia (+966)

 

• Country Profile: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula. Its capital is Riyadh. As the location of Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, it holds immense religious significance. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Saudi Arabia is on Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, and is 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Saudi Arabia from the U.S., the format is 011 + 966 + a 9-digit national number. The first digit after the country code indicates the region or mobile provider.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing strategic partnership based on energy security and regional stability. The U.S.-Saudi Business Council fosters extensive commercial ties. There is a strong emphasis on educational exchange, with numerous U.S. government and Saudi-funded programs and scholarships available for Saudi students to study in America.  
• Associated Scams: Saudi Arabia is the country most frequently associated with the “one-ring” scam (also known as “Wangiri”). Scammers use automated systems to place a high volume of calls from premium-rate +966 numbers, hanging up after a single ring. The goal is to entice the victim to call back, at which point they are connected to a high-cost international line that generates revenue for the scammer. This tactic is particularly effective in communities where residents have family members working in Saudi Arabia, as a missed call from the region could be perceived as legitimate.  

 

Yemen (+967)

 

• Country Profile: The Republic of Yemen is located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Its official capital is Sana’a. The country has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Yemeni Rial (YER). Before the 1990 unification, North Yemen used the +967 code, while South Yemen used +969, which is now defunct.  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Yemen is on Arabia Standard Time (AST), UTC+3, making it 8 hours ahead of EST. To call Yemen from the U.S., the format is 011 + 967 + an area code + the local number.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: Due to the ongoing conflict, the U.S. has a “Do Not Travel” advisory in place. The primary connection between the two countries is the well-established Yemeni-American diaspora, with large, tight-knit communities in cities like Dearborn, Michigan; Brooklyn and the Bronx, New York; and parts of California. These communities often maintain strong ties with relatives in Yemen.  
• Associated Scams: Unsolicited WhatsApp video calls from +967 numbers are a common complaint among users worldwide. The intent is likely phishing for personal information or initiating contact for more elaborate fraud. The “one-ring” scam is also prevalent, specifically targeting the diaspora community who may be anxious about the well-being of family in a conflict zone and more likely to return a missed call from a Yemeni number.  

 

Oman (+968)

 

• Country Profile: The Sultanate of Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Its capital is Muscat. The official language is Arabic, and the currency is the Omani Rial (OMR).  
• Time Zone & Calling from the U.S.: Oman operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. This places it 9 hours ahead of EST. To call Oman from the U.S., one dials 011 + 968 + an 8-digit national number. Like Kuwait, Oman does not use separate area codes.  
• U.S. Relations & Context: The U.S. and Oman have the oldest diplomatic relationship of any Arab Gulf state, dating back to a treaty signed in 1833. The relationship is strong and stable, highlighted by a U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that went into effect in 2009. Oman is considered a very safe and welcoming country for American tourists, with a growing tourism sector.  
• Associated Scams: The Royal Oman Police frequently issues warnings about phone and online scams. Common tactics include callers impersonating bank officials or representatives from telecommunication companies, falsely informing victims they have won a cash prize. The goal is to trick the recipient into revealing personal data, bank account information, or PINs to “claim” the non-existent prize.  

 

The Anatomy of a Scam: Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent +96 Calls

 

While the countries using the +96 prefix are diverse, the fraudulent schemes originating from the region often follow predictable patterns. Understanding these tactics is the best defense against becoming a victim. The scams can be broadly categorized into three main types, each with its own method of operation and financial or security risk.

 

The “One-Ring” (Wangiri) Scam Explained

 

This is one of the most common and widespread international phone scams. Its Japanese name, Wangiri, translates to “one (ring) and cut,” which perfectly describes the method.

• The Tactic: Scammers use automated robocalling systems to dial thousands of phone numbers in a targeted area. The phone rings just once—long enough to register as a “missed call” on the recipient’s device—and then disconnects before the person can answer.  
• The Financial Trap: The number displayed is an international premium-rate number, which charges callers at a very high per-minute rate. The scam relies on human curiosity. When the victim sees the missed call, they may call back to find out who it was. Upon doing so, they are connected to the premium line. The scammers’ goal is to keep the victim on the line for as long as possible, often using hold music, lengthy recorded messages, or the sound of a phone ringing endlessly to prolong the call and maximize the charges. These charges appear on the victim’s next phone bill, with the revenue being shared between the phone operator and the scammer.  
• Primary Country Example: The +966 (Saudi Arabia) country code is frequently used in Wangiri scams targeting the U.S. and other nations. This is often a calculated choice, as scammers know many people have family or colleagues working in Saudi Arabia and may be more inclined to return a missed call from the country.  

 

Social Engineering & Account Takeover Scams

 

These scams are more interactive and rely on psychological manipulation rather than automated systems. The goal is often to steal sensitive information or gain control of online accounts.

• WhatsApp Hijacking: This sophisticated attack has become increasingly common. The process is as follows:
  1. The scammer obtains the victim’s phone number.
  2. They install WhatsApp on a new device and enter the victim’s number to begin the registration process.
  3. WhatsApp automatically sends a 6-digit SMS verification code to the victim’s phone.
  4. The scammer then contacts the victim—often via a call or message from an international number—impersonating a friend, family member, or official. They invent a pretext for needing the code, such as “I accidentally sent my verification code to your number, can you please forward it to me?”
  5. If the victim shares the code, the scammer enters it on their device and gains complete control of the victim’s WhatsApp account. They can then access private messages, contacts, and groups, and use the compromised account to defraud the victim’s friends and family.  
• Impersonation Scams: This is a broad category of fraud where scammers pretend to be from a legitimate organization. They may call or send a text message claiming to be from a bank, a well-known company, or a government agency. Common pretexts include fake prize notifications (“You’ve won a large sum of money!”), false security alerts (“Your account has been compromised”), or threats of legal action. The ultimate goal is to persuade the victim to divulge personal information like bank account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers.  
• Primary Country Examples: Calls from +963 (Syria) are heavily associated with WhatsApp hijacking attempts. Official warnings from police in  

  +965 (Kuwait) and +968 (Oman) frequently address prize and bank impersonation scams.  

 

Phishing and Information Harvesting

 

Some unsolicited calls from the +96 region may not have an immediate financial motive. Instead, their purpose is to gather information for future attacks.

• Verifying Active Numbers: When a robocaller dials a number and it connects (even if it goes to voicemail), it confirms that the number is active and in use. This “live” number is now more valuable and can be sold to other scammers for use in more targeted campaigns.
• Phishing for Information: An unsolicited call, even a brief one, can be an attempt to engage the recipient in conversation. Scammers may ask seemingly innocuous questions to gather personal details that can be used later for identity theft or to answer security questions for online accounts. Unsolicited WhatsApp video calls are a particularly concerning variant, as they can be used to capture an image of the recipient or gauge their responsiveness to unexpected contact.
• Primary Country Examples: Users frequently report strange, often silent or brief, calls and WhatsApp messages from numbers with the +964 (Iraq) and +967 (Yemen) country codes. These are highly likely to be information-harvesting attempts.  

 

Your Action Plan: A Practical Guide for U.S. Phone Users

 

 

Knowledge is the first line of defense, but practical tools and actions are necessary to protect yourself. This section provides clear, step-by-step instructions for U.S. residents on how to handle calls from the +96 region, whether they are legitimate or suspicious.

 

How to Call a +96 Number from the USA (When It’s Legitimate)

 

If you need to make a legitimate call to one of these nine countries to contact family, a business, or a hotel, follow this precise dialing sequence:

1. Dial 011: This is the U.S. exit code, which signals to your carrier that you are making an international call. On most mobile phones, you can substitute the  

   + symbol for 011.

2. Dial the Full Country Code: Enter the complete three-digit country code (e.g., 966 for Saudi Arabia, 961 for Lebanon).  
3. Dial the Area/City Code (if applicable): For countries that use them, dial the area code next. Crucially, if the local number you have includes a leading zero (‘0’) before the area code, you must drop it. This “trunk code” is only for domestic calls within that country.  
4. Dial the Local Phone Number: Finish by dialing the remaining digits of the local number.

The table below lists area codes for major cities in the countries that use them. Note that countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have national numbering plans and do not use separate area codes for different cities.  

Data compiled from various telecommunication service guides.  

 

How to Block Unwanted International Calls on Your Smartphone

 

If you are receiving harassing or suspicious calls from any international number, you have several effective options for blocking them directly from your phone.

 

For iPhone Users

 

Apple’s iOS provides built-in tools to manage unwanted calls:

• Block Individual Numbers:
  1. Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
  2. Find the international number you wish to block and tap the “i” (information) icon next to it.
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Block this Caller.  
• Silence Unknown Callers: This powerful feature sends any call from a number not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions directly to voicemail without ringing.
  1. Go to Settings > Phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Silence Unknown Callers.
  3. Toggle the switch to the ON position.  

 

For Android Users

 

The process on Android can vary slightly by manufacturer, but the principles are similar. The following steps are for Samsung devices:

• Block Individual Numbers:
  1. Open the Phone app and go to your recent calls list.
  2. Tap on the number you want to block.
  3. Look for an options menu (often three dots) and select Block or Report as spam.
• Block All Outgoing International Calls (Call Barring): This feature, dependent on your carrier’s support, can prevent accidental and costly callbacks to scam numbers.
  1. Open the Phone app and tap the three-dot menu, then select Settings.
  2. Go to Supplementary services and then Call barring.
  3. Select Voice call and toggle the switch for International calls to ON. You may need a password from your carrier to enable this.  

 

Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

 

For more advanced protection, several third-party apps offer robust spam detection and blocking features. These apps use community-driven databases to identify and block known scam and robocall numbers before they even ring.

• Truecaller: One of the most popular apps, offering reverse phone number lookup to identify unknown callers and automatic spam blocking.  
• Hiya: A highly-rated free app that provides real-time caller ID and robust spam protection.  
• RoboKiller: A premium service known for its “Answer Bots” that engage scammers, wasting their time while protecting you. It also effectively blocks spam calls and texts.  

 

How and Where to Report International Phone Scams

 

Reporting fraudulent calls is a critical step in combating these schemes. Your report provides valuable data to law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): For scams originating from another country, the FTC operates a specific platform in partnership with consumer protection agencies worldwide. You can and should report international scams at www.econsumer.gov.  
• Your Mobile Carrier: Most major U.S. carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, allow you to report spam numbers. You can often do this by forwarding unwanted text messages to the number 7726 (SPAM) or through their respective security apps. Contacting their customer service can also allow you to place a block on outgoing international calls from your line.  
• In-App Reporting: If you receive a scam attempt via an app like WhatsApp, use the built-in “Report and Block” feature. This helps the platform identify and shut down accounts used for fraudulent purposes.

 

The Bigger Picture: U.S. Connections to the +96 Region

 

The phone call that prompted your search is part of a much larger web of connections between the United States and the nations of the +96 region. Understanding this broader context of cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties can help frame why such communication—both legitimate and malicious—occurs.

 

People & Culture: Diaspora Communities in America

 

The United States is home to millions of Americans who trace their heritage to the +96 region. These diaspora communities are a vibrant part of the American cultural fabric and maintain strong ties to their countries of origin.

• Lebanese and Syrian Americans: These are among the oldest Arab-American communities, with initial waves of immigration beginning in the late 19th century. They have established deep roots across the country, particularly in metropolitan areas like New York, Boston, and Detroit.  
• Iraqi Americans: Significant immigration occurred following the Gulf War and the 2003 invasion. Today, major Iraqi-American communities thrive in cities like Chicago and Detroit, as well as San Diego.  
• Yemeni Americans: Yemeni immigration dates back over a century, with early migrants drawn to industrial jobs. Large, close-knit communities are prominent in Dearborn, Michigan; the Bronx and Brooklyn in New York; and California’s Central Valley. These strong family connections are precisely what scammers attempt to exploit.  

 

Business & Economy: Trade and Investment Ties

 

The economic relationship between the U.S. and the +96 countries is substantial and multifaceted, ranging from energy imports to free trade agreements.

• Strategic Economic Partners: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are key economic partners. The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council facilitates billions in trade and investment , while Kuwait is a major holder of U.S. debt and a top source of international students.  
• Free Trade Agreements: The U.S. has an active Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman, which has boosted bilateral trade to over $3 billion annually since its implementation in 2009. An FTA also exists with Jordan, making the U.S. one of its top export markets.  
• Key Trade Hubs: The U.S. is the largest supplier of goods to Lebanon, with major exports including fuel, vehicles, and food products.  

 

Travel & Diplomacy: A Guide for the American Traveler

 

The +96 region presents a highly varied landscape for American travelers, from world-class tourist destinations to active conflict zones.

• Recommended Destinations: Countries like Oman, Jordan, and the Maldives are generally considered safe, stable, and welcoming to American tourists. They offer unique cultural experiences, historical wonders, and natural beauty, supported by well-developed tourism infrastructure.  
• High-Risk Areas: In stark contrast, the U.S. Department of State holds “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisories for Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. These warnings are due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the risk of armed conflict. Any travel to these countries is strongly discouraged.  

Ultimately, a call from a +96 number can mean many things. By identifying the specific country, understanding the U.S. context, recognizing the tactics of common scams, and knowing how to respond, you can protect yourself from fraud while maintaining legitimate connections with this vital and diverse part of the world.