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THE EGYPTIAN SITUATION

usa_gov_logo_nyreblog_com_.gifThe Current Situation in Egypt

Immediate Assistance/Information
Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo by e-mail at EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov if you:

  • are a U.S. citizen in Egypt and require assistance.
  • are a U.S. citizen in Egypt and want help leaving the country.
  • are a U.S. citizen or family member concerned for the safety of U.S. citizens in Egypt.

The most current information and announcements on the situation in Egypt are available on the Department of State website.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a Travel Warning recommending that Americans avoid travel to Egypt. This travel warning follows a number of security notices the U.S. Embassy in Cairo issued to Americans visiting or living in Egypt concerning the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Cairo and other cities.

Violent demonstrations have occurred in several areas of Cairo, Alexandria, and other parts of the country, disrupting road travel between city centers and airports. Communications services, including Internet and telephone, may be not available due to these demonstrations. The Egyptian government imposed a 3 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew in Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez until further notice.

U.S. Citizens Currently in Egypt
U.S. citizens currently in Egypt should review the Travel Warning issued by the DOS for additional information, which includes recommendations regarding personal security. DOS suggests that you consider leaving as soon as you can safely do so. Cairo airport is open and operating, but the protests may disrupt flights and transport to the airport. Travelers should remain in contact with their airlines or tour operators concerning flight schedules, and arrange to arrive at the airport well before curfew hours.

If you require assistance, you can e-mail the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov . The embassy duty officer is available to U.S. citizens by calling +20 (2)2797.3300. The embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo.

DOS strongly encourages Americans who visit or remain in Egypt to register through the DOS's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , or with the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at the same contact information listed above.

U.S. Citizens in Egypt Who Wish to Leave the Country
The DOS is making arrangements to provide transportation to safe haven locations in Europe (Nicosia, Cyprus; Istanbul, Turkey; and Athens, Greece). Travelers will not be able to choose their destination. The U.S. government will provide this assistance on a reimbursable basis, as required by U.S. law. U.S. citizens who travel on U.S. government-arranged transport will need to make their own onward travel plans from the safe haven location. DOS officials will be on hand at the destination sites to help citizens make their arrangements for lodging and onward travel.

Flights to evacuation points will begin departing Egypt on Monday, January 31. People interested in departing Egypt via U.S. government-chartered transportation should contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo by sending an e-mail to EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1.202.501.4444. Please provide the following information: name, age, place of birth, U.S. passport number, and any special medical needs.

Please note the following information:

  • There will be a limited number of seats available on evacuation flights on January 31. The government will give priority to people with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions.
  • The government will allow travelers to bring one piece of luggage and one small, personal carry-on item per person.
  • Immediate family members (child, spouse, parent of minor child) who are not U.S. citizens must hold valid travel documents (including a passport) allowing them to enter the safe haven country and/or the U.S., if that is your final destination.
  • U.S. citizens who do not have a valid passport should apply for an emergency passport at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo .
  • U.S. citizens with a valid passport may proceed to the HAJ Terminal (Terminal 4) of the airport after 11 a.m. U.S. citizens seeking evacuation should be prepared for a substantial wait at the airport. Travelers should bring food, water, diapers, and other necessary toiletries with them to the airport.
  • Answers to frequently asked questions about departure flights for U.S. citizens are available.

According to the embassy, the road to the airport is safe once you clear downtown, and taxis are plentiful outside of the center of the city.

Concerned Citizens/Family Members
U.S. citizens or family members concerned for the safety of U.S. citizens in Egypt may e-mail the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at EgyptEmergencyUSC@state.gov or call 1.888.407.4747 in the U.S. and Canada. Callers outside the U.S. and Canada should call 1.202.501.4444. So that they may properly address your inquiry, please be sure to provide your full name and contact information, and as much information as possible about the person you are inquiring about. This includes their address, hotel name, and any other known contact information within Egypt. The DOS also encourages you to use SMS texting and other social media used by your loved ones.

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