Travel Warning - Egypt
Travel Warning U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Bureau of Consular Affairs
Egypt
February 18, 2011
The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Egypt. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated February 6, 2011, to update information on the ongoing security and political situation in Egypt.
On February 1, the Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Egypt due to the ongoing political and social unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo remains on ordered departure status, with only emergency personnel remaining. All family members and non-emergency personnel have evacuated.
Due to continuing uncertainties regarding the restructuring of Egyptian government institutions, the security situation remains unresolved. Until the redeployment of Egyptian civilian police is fully restored, police response to emergency requests for assistance or reports of crime may be delayed. The Embassy’s ability to respond to emergencies to assist U.S. citizens is also significantly diminished. The Embassy’s current staff level reduces the ability to travel to areas outside of Cairo where the level of security remains unclear.
The Government of Egypt has modified the curfew for the country several times. As of February 18, 2011, the curfew hours are from midnight to 6:00 a.m. throughout Egypt until further notice. U.S. citizens should obey curfew orders and remain indoors during curfew hours. Changes in curfew hours are announced widely in local media.
Most airports, including the Cairo airport, are open and operating, and commercial airlines are reporting flight availability. Travelers should remain in contact with their airlines or tour operators concerning flight schedules. U.S. citizens who reside in Egypt should keep their travel documents up to date and maintain sufficient funds on hand to depart by air should security conditions change.
Male dual Egyptian–U.S. nationals who have not completed military service and have stayed in Egypt for more than six months are reminded that they are required to obtain an exemption certificate through the Ministry of Defense Draft Office before they can leave Egypt. The Ministry of Defense Draft Office reports they are open daily to provide exemption certificates.
The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations in Egypt, as even peaceful ones can quickly become violent and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. U.S. citizens who are near demonstrations should remain in their residences or hotels until the demonstrations subside. Security forces may block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, and U.S. citizens should not attempt to come to the U.S. Embassy during that time. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. U.S. citizens should carry identification and a cell phone that works in Egypt.