Egypt Travel: Us State Department Advisory And You

The US State Department currently advises US citizens to reconsider non-essential travel to Egypt due to the potential for terrorist attacks. While the Egyptian government has visibly augmented its security presence at tourist locations, the threat of terrorism remains. The US Embassy in Cairo has advised US travelers in Egypt to maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance, exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, and keep a low profile. The State Department's travel advisory for Egypt is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.

The US State Department recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Egypt

The US State Department recommends that US citizens reconsider travel to Egypt, with a Level 3 Travel Advisory in place. The advisory warns of the potential for terrorist attacks and the limited ability of the US Embassy to assist dual US-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Some areas are deemed higher risk than others, with the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert, and Egyptian border areas highlighted as particular dangers due to terrorism and military zones.

The Egyptian government has increased security at tourist locations, but terrorists may still attack with little or no warning. Targets have included diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and religious sites. US citizens have also been detained for participating in protests or posting content on social media that is perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The US Embassy in Cairo has issued a reminder for US citizens to remain alert to security developments and to be vigilant at all times. They advise avoiding areas where large gatherings may occur and to exercise caution if found unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

For those who decide to travel to Egypt, the US State Department offers the following advice:

• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Make contingency plans that do not rely on US government assistance.
• Review local laws and conditions before travelling.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist.

It is important to note that the security situation in Egypt is complex and evolving, and travellers should refer to the latest official guidance before making any plans.

The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert, and Egyptian border areas are considered dangerous

The Sinai Peninsula, located in the northeastern extremity of Egypt, is a triangular peninsula that links Africa and Asia. It is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south, with the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal to the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the southeast. The Sinai Peninsula has a land area of about 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 sq mi) and a population of approximately 600,000 people. The peninsula is divided into two governorates: the North Sinai Governorate and the South Sinai Governorate.

The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula has been deemed dangerous due to the presence of terrorist groups and the occurrence of frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in the Sinai Peninsula, as government employees are not authorised to freely travel into these areas. The Egyptian government highly regulates access to the entire Sinai Peninsula, which may delay emergency services to US citizens.

The Western Desert, which includes the Black and White Deserts, is also considered dangerous due to the presence of terrorist groups. Tourists are advised to visit these areas only with a professionally licensed tour company and not in their personal vehicles.

In addition to the Sinai Peninsula and the Western Desert, Egyptian border areas are considered dangerous due to their proximity to military zones. Egypt's borders are under military control, and movement of non-military persons and vehicles is restricted or prohibited within these areas. US citizens are advised not to travel in these border zones.

Overall, the US State Department recommends reconsidering travel to Egypt due to the risks posed by terrorism and the limited ability of the US Embassy to assist dual US-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.

The US Embassy in Cairo advises US citizens to maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance

The US Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Egypt, recommending US citizens reconsider travel to the country due to the potential for terrorist attacks. The US Embassy in Cairo advises US citizens to maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance. Here are some key points for US citizens travelling to Egypt:

• Extremists continue to express interest in plotting attacks in Egypt against religious sites, government entities, and diplomatic facilities. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have targeted a variety of locations, including tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and western businesses.
• The Egyptian government has addressed security concerns and increased its security presence at tourist locations. However, the threat of terrorism remains.
• US citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur, including demonstrations or protests. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
• Monitor local news reports and stay updated on local security developments.
• Maintain valid travel documents and enroll with the Department of State or US Embassy Cairo through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and alerts.
• Make contingency plans that do not rely on US government assistance in case of emergencies.
• Review local laws and conditions before travelling. For example, local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit, and US citizens have been detained for participating in protests or posting critical content on social media.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds, stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, and follow other safety recommendations provided by the US Department of State.

US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and be vigilant at all times throughout the country

The US Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Egypt, urging citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to the potential for terrorist attacks. The Egyptian government regularly addresses security concerns and augments its security presence at high-profile locations. However, terrorists may still attack with little or no warning and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and western businesses, among others.

In light of this, US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and be vigilant at all times throughout the country. Here are some specific recommendations and guidelines to follow:

• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Make contingency plans for leaving the country that do not rely on US government assistance.
• Review local laws and conditions before travelling.
• Avoid demonstrations, crowds, and large gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms for updates.
• Review the Country Security Report for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist.
• Be aware of specific areas with increased risk, such as the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert, and Egyptian border areas.
• Be cautious when using dating apps or online dating websites, as scammers and malicious actors may target US citizens.
• Report crimes to local police and contact the US Embassy in Egypt for assistance.
• Enroll in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
• Maintain valid travel documents and stay informed about the latest security information provided by the Department of State.

US citizens should monitor local news reports and plan their activities accordingly

The US Department of State advises US citizens to reconsider travel to Egypt due to the potential for terrorist attacks. While Egyptian authorities have largely conducted effective security oversight, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities.

US citizens in Egypt are urged to monitor local news reports and plan their activities accordingly. They should also maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance. As a general practice, US citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur, including demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful, as they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

If US citizens find themselves in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, they should exercise caution. They should also review their personal security plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

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