Travel Advice for Egypt

Travel Advice for Egypt - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Egypt /zw-cgi/view/~xml/Advice/Egypt Friday, 28 August 2009, 10:47:59, EST. 2009 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

Travel Advice Levels Location Level Egypt overall High degree of caution Sinai Reconsider your need to travel

This advice has been reviewed and updated. It contains new information under Local Travel (Gaza Strip border) and Entry and Exit Requirements (health checks). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.

• On 22 February 2009, a bomb exploded outside the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a central tourist destination in Cairo, killing one foreign tourist and injuring a number of other people.

• Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Egypt, including in tourist areas. For a list of possible targets, see Safety and Security: Terrorism. Some past attacks have coincided with local holiday weekends.

• You should reconsider your need to travel to the Sinai at this time because of the very high threat of terrorist attack. Australians could be inadvertently caught up in attacks directed at others.

• Domestic and international political developments may prompt large demonstrations in Egypt. These demonstrations could turn violent and should be avoided.

• Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Egypt. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Egypt.

• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

  • register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

  • subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt because of the high threat of terrorist attack. Attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Egypt. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.

On 22 February 2009, an explosion occurred outside the Khan el-Khalili bazaar (near the Al Hussein Mosque), a central tourist destination in Cairo, killing one foreign tourist and injuring a number of other people.

Tourist areas throughout Egypt, especially the Red Sea and Sinai resorts, are potential terrorist targets. Past terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists and have often coincided with holiday weekends. There is a significant security presence at most places frequented by tourists.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. These include places frequented by foreigners such as embassies, hotels, holiday resorts, clubs, restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres, schools, banks, markets, shopping centres, supermarkets, places of worship, public transport and transport infrastructure such as the Cairo metro system and its stations, outdoor recreation events, and commercial, public and tourist areas. Shipping, ports and symbols of the Egyptian government, including government buildings, polling places, police and security forces, are also potential terrorist targets.

Sinai: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Sinai at this time because of the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping. Australians could be inadvertently caught up in any attacks directed at others.

If you are considering travel to the Sinai, you should be aware that Israeli authorities regularly warn Israeli citizens that they have received information suggesting that terrorist elements may be intending to either kidnap or attack Israeli tourists on the Sinai beaches. This is relevant both for Australian/Israeli dual nationals and others who may be taken to be Israelis.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Domestic and international political developments and events may prompt large demonstrations in Egypt. These demonstrations could turn violent and should be avoided. You should keep abreast of political events in Egypt and the region. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Re-publication of cartoons.

Crime

The crime rate in Egypt is low. While incidents of violence are rare, purse snatching, pickpocketing and petty theft do occur. Valuables such as cash, jewellery and electronic items should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in public places.

Victims of crime should report the incident to the tourist police immediately. Failure to do so before you depart Egypt may make it impossible to seek prosecution at a later date.

Foreigners have been kidnapped in remote parts of Egypt. In September 2008, 11 European tourists and their Egyptian tour guides were kidnapped for ransom by armed assailants in the Gilf al-Kebir plateau, a remote area of southwestern Egypt close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders.

When using taxis, you should be aware that taxi drivers have assaulted passengers, including foreigners.

Women travelling on their own, particularly when using taxis, may be physically and verbally harassed or assaulted.

Local Travel

Local driving practices and poor road conditions contribute to a high rate of road accidents in Egypt. Road travel, particularly outside the major cities, can be dangerous as cars, buses and trucks frequently drive at high speed and without headlights illuminated at night. Two major bus crashes in January 2006, in which Australians were killed and injured, highlight the risks. Accidents in which many tourists were killed and injured have occurred in the Sinai in 2008. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

The Cairo Metro (subway) system is reliable, but the maintenance and safety standards of other methods of public transport are poor.

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Tourists should ensure that expeditions are well equipped with adequate food, medical supplies and emergency communications.

There are landmines in some desert and coastal areas. Talk to local authorities for advice on landmine locations.

Tourists travelling Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, and Israel and parts of the Sinai off the main, paved roads, must obtain permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior.

The border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has been officially closed since June 2007. However, regulations and restrictions governing the border are subject to change and it may open or close at short notice. Contact your nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information. Travellers should also read our travel advice for Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank which strongly advises Australians not to travel to the Gaza Strip.

Piracy in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is increasing in frequency. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Egypt, particularly Cairo, is subject to earthquakes. Earthquakes most frequently occur in coastal areas.

Sand and dust storms can occur between March and May.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Egypt, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.

Possession of even small quantities of illicit drugs in Egypt can lead to the death penalty, long prison sentences or deportation.

Under Muslim custom, homosexuality and sexual relations outside of marriage are considered immoral. Penalties for immorality include imprisonment.

Taking photographs of bridges and canals (including the Suez Canal), military personnel, buildings and equipment is illegal.

If you want to get married in Egypt, you should check the legal requirements before you travel, either through the Australian Embassy in Cairo or the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra.

If you are considering preaching, you should seek local advice beforehand and exercise considerable care.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Egypt, particularly for women. You should dress modestly with your legs and upper arms covered. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Information for Dual Nationals

If you are an Australian/Egyptian dual national and you travel to Egypt on your Egyptian passport you will be treated as an Egyptian by the local government. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance if you are arrested or detained.

Dual nationals living in Egypt for extended periods require proof of Egyptian citizenship, such as a family identification card.

Male dual nationals who have not undertaken military service are not generally required to enlist in the armed forces, however they must obtain an exemption certificate either from the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate, or through the Ministry of Defence Draft Office before they can leave Egypt.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Egypt for the most up-to-date information.

Immigration authorities may require proof that children of Egyptian fathers have their father's approval to leave Egypt before the children are allowed to leave.

Cash amounts of hard currency over US$10,000 (or its equivalent) should be declared. Undeclared cash over this total may be confiscated.

Health checks are being carried out along the Libyan-Egyptian border due to an outbreak of bubonic plague in eastern Libya. Vehicles may be subject to pest control measures. You should comply with instructions from local officials.

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Egypt if you have come from or transited an area where there is a risk of transmission.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Cairo is adequate for routine conditions, but outside of the capital facilities can be very basic. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance may be required. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.

Water-borne, food-borne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, filariasis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. There is a very limited risk of malaria in El Faiyum governorate from June through to October. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking precautions against being bitten by insects and using insect repellent.

We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water, including the River Nile, to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Avian influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Egypt. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Egypt for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long-term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Egypt for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Cairo should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Cairo should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Egypt. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.

Where to Get Help

In Egypt, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy 11th floor, World Trade Centre 1191 Corniche el Nil Boulac, Cairo EGYPT Telephone: (20 2) 2575 0444 Facsimile: (20 2) 2578 1638 Website: www.egypt.embassy.gov.au

If you are travelling to Egypt, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.