 Egypt
is a truly remarkable place to visit.
This
page provides a link to Egypt's official travel web page (click on image
at left) in addition to safety tips and up-to-date information from local
embassies and the Cairo 2002 conference conveners.
Safety coupled with an enjoyable stay remains the number one goal for
all visitors to Egypt and for the Cairo 2002 conference attendees. The
Egyptian government, United States embassies, other embassies and conference
conveners are committed to providing security for travellers, as well
as travel tips to facilitate your visit.
We believe you will have a safe and highly enjoyable stay in Egypt. Over
15,000 Americans live and work in Cairo, with tens of thousands of other
non-Egyptians. The Egyptian government takes security very seriously.
Since the events of September 11, 2001, travel is back on the rise and
excellent opportunities exist to see this interesting country at low cost.
The information provided in this page will help you and your spouse or
family plan your stay and provide you with up-to-date advice.
In addition, the United States
and other embassies provide regular updates to security announcements,
activities inside Egypt and information relevant to travel.
The security briefing shown is an evolving DRAFT plan put together with
the help of the U. S. Embassy, private company security officers and Egyptian
security staff.
For more questions, contact the various embassies
on the accompany web page links.
CAIRO
2002 SECURITY BRIEFING DRAFT
1) Background:
Egypt
is a wonderful country and Cairo an exciting, busy, crowded city. Egyptians
are warm and friendly people who respond immediately to a warm smile.
EPEX/EGS is happy to have you
here as a visitor. We are dedicated to making the Cairo 2002 and your
trip both productive and enjoyable. If there is anything we can do to
further these goals, please let us know. This security overview is provided
by the Security Consultant to give you a general overview of the security
situation in Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt. Despite recent world events
Egypt is a relatively safe place to be. As anywhere, things can change
quickly, and you should always be aware of world events and of your surroundings.
It is recommended that you NOT engage in political discussions
within the hearing of anyone you do not know, including drivers.
2) Areas of Instability:
Egyptian
law enforcement and security officials have enhanced security at airports,
international hotels and tourists sites throughout the country appropriate
to world events. There have been no attacks on tourists since 1997 and
there have been very few terrorist attacks at all in Egypt. Effective
police operations in the past few years and the heightened security posture
throughout Egypt have made it more difficult for extremist groups to conduct
terrorist operations. However, the threat has not been eliminated and
is a constantly evolving situation. As a result of rising tensions in
the region large student demonstrations, mostly confined to University
campuses could occur. Stay away from crowds, do not dress inappropriately
(especially women) and be respectful of Egyptian traditions and religion.
3) Medical Facility Concerns:
There
are many western-trained medical professionals in Egypt. Medical facilities
are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in areas that most
tourists visit. Emergency and intensive care facilities are, however,
limited. Facilities outside Cairo fall short of U.S. standards. Most Nile
cruises do not have a ship's doctor, though some employ a medical practitioner
of uncertain training. Hospital facilities in Luxor and Aswan are inadequate,
and are nonexistent at most other ports of call.
Properly prepared, thoroughly cooked meat in tourist hotels, Nile cruise
boats, and tourist restaurants is considered safe. Eating uncooked vegetables
should be avoided, because this can cause diarrhea. All tap water should
be considered not potable.
If you have a medical
emergency a hotel physician can be contacted but you should also contact
one of the AAPG/EPEX/SEG designated personnel (we will have a designated
hospital for serious emergencies probably the Dar al Fouad hospital
- that is a joint venture with the Cleveland Clinic and was the designated
emergency hospital for the Clinton’s visit last year).
Sponsoring company
doctors may also be utilized but certain administrative clearances will
be required prior to finalizing such an arrangement.
Pharmacies are open 24 hours a day and they deliver. The hotel operator
or Ocean Energy Radio Room can assist you.
4) Traffic safety and road conditions:
The
roads in Egypt can be hazardous particularly at night outside major cities
because vehicles often travel with no lights and at high rates of speed.
Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited outside Cairo. The
most immediate threat to your safety in Cairo on a day-to-day basis is
traffic. 20% of all road accidents result in death, and 80% result in
serious injury. Egypt is the world's leader in auto accidents. WEAR
YOUR SEATBELT. Never hesitate to tell a driver to slow down or drive
more carefully. Avoid driving at night if possible.
5) Photography Requirements and Restrictions:
Permission
is required to take photographs of all host government facilities, airports
or official looking buildings. These sites are not always clearly marked
and application of these restrictions are subject to interpretation by
host nation security forces. Permission must be obtained from the Egyptian
Security Force. Penalties can include confiscation of the camera, exposure
of the film, or a demand for payment of a fine or even arrest. If challenged
it is best to offer to expose the film or bargain for the least punishment.
6) Terrorist Activity:
The
internal security situation in Egypt has stabilized in the past few years.
Egyptian Islamic extremist in some areas have threatened Egyptian Christians,
Egyptian Police installations, economic installations and unspecified
foreign interests. Since the 1997 attack in Luxor, there have been no
additional terrorist acts directed against tourist sites. There have been
periodic clashes between Egyptian security forces and suspected terrorists,
precipitated by Egyptian security forces sweeps.
7) Public Transportation:
Taxies
are an inexpensive way to get around in Egypt if you remember a few basic
facts. However, the conference organizers do not recommend public transport
and will provide visitors with buses and drivers.
If you do take a taxi, please remember: First, there are usually no seatbelts
in the rear of the vehicle. Second, barring the major hotels and tourist
sites, you need to know how to get where you are going and how to tell
the driver directions in Arabic. Third, the vehicles are not even close
to U.S. safety standards and tend to break apart in even low speed accidents.
The metro is another inexpensive alternative for traveling around the
Cairo area. There are mixed cars and a female only car at the front of
the train. Should you choose to ride the metro, the cars are usually crowded,
so remember to keep your valuables close.
Visitors are advised against riding the Cairo buses. They are packed to
the point of people falling out into traffic. Females riding alone are
often groped and pickpockets thrive. Although there are a few very nice
tour-style Cairo Transit Authority buses, they are few and far between.
Most tour buses are safe. Reservations can be obtained through travel
agents, hotel booking agents, or pre-arranged through AAPG/EPEX official
travel agent.
8)
Criminal Activity:
Violent crimes are
extremely rare in Egypt. However, petty crimes are a common occurrence.
The following are examples of the types of crimes:
- The
CON Game: A scam
was operating out near the pyramids. You drive up, park your vehicle,
and go sightseeing. When you return to your car it will not start.
A man shows up and asks if you need assistance. He then undoes whatever
he did to your car and wants money.
- Theft:
Primarily
directed against persons who leave items unsecured in an unattended
vehicle, yard, or office. If you leave an item out in the open, plan
on it disappearing.
- Burglary:
Breaking and entering and the resultant theft of property
does occur, but is infrequent. Many times the entry has been facilitated
by personnel who do not routinely use their deadbolt locks, or who
leave their vehicles unlocked. A lock isn't any good unless you use
it!
- Robbery:
The use of force to take property is rare. The use of any
type of weapon, be it a firearm or a knife, is extremely rare, but
has occurred. This type of activity is usually a "snatch or grab"
approach-- the robber is interested in your purse, wallet, jewelry,
or camera and he wants to disappear quickly.
- Assault:
The
most common offense directed against women is by young men and boys.
They will stare, sometimes say things and occasionally touch. That
will normally be the extent of it; however, there have been reports
of women being grabbed and there was one rape in the expatriate community
in 2001.
Hotels
All hotels generally
frequented by tourists and business visitors have adequate security.
- Tourist
Police—24 hours per day with high ranking officers in charge.
They control all entrances and check all hand luggage along with the
hotel security officers. Use for any problems with taxi drivers or
harassment on the streets or inside the hotel. Some Tourist Police
may also be present under cover. Anytime a tourist takes a taxi the
Tourist Police make note of the taxi number and your destination.
Lost items in a taxi are often recovered for tourists because of this
system.
- State
Security Police Officers -- 24 hours per day. If involved
in any type of a crime situation the State Security Officer will immediately
take charge and insure that the situation is handled promptly and
properly.
- Armed
Forces Police -- Uniformed officers for physical protection
from terrorist attack.
- Local
Police -- Parked outside the hotel who watch the entire
neighbourhood and make sure that local situation do not become a tourist
situation.
- Traffic
Police -- Officers stationed at the hotel to control traffic
and parking around the hotel.
NOTE: Each of these
forces is assigned to each hotel. Their entire reason to be there is
to protect your safety. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need
it because ANY problem involving a Foreigner is reported to the Ministry
of Interior immediately and if humanly possible your problem will be
solved.
From time to time
there are areas designated by the conference organizers as “no Go” areas.
Please check with Security Consultant or the conference organizers if
you desire to visit or travel to areas or specific sites that you may
have a question.
TRANSPORTATION
A travel
agency representative to be designated, will meet Cairo 2002 delegates
at the airport. He will meet you after you depart the airplane but before
you reach the passport control. Watch for your name or “Cairo 2002” on
a sign. The greeting agent will expedite your passage through passport
control, luggage pick up, and customs. Visas are available at the airport
for $15 or may be obtained at host country Egyptian consulates (separate
procedures will be published regarding Visa procedures).
Once
you have completed airport arrival formalities you will then be passed
to the Cairo 2002 Security Consultant who will escort you to the bus.
He will also give you the latest update on any security issues as well
as a telephone list of important contact and emergency numbers.
Transportation
on field trips will be handled separately as will special security requirements.
COMMUNICATIONS
International
telephone areas is available using your MCI WorldCom, AT&T or Sprint
access card and through major hotels. MCI direct connect number in Egypt
is (02) 795-5770. The AT&T number is (02) 510-0200. You must dial
the 02 if outside of Cairo or if using a cellular phone.
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
Cairo
2002 organizers will provide a complete set of emergency response procedures
for a wide range of situations that are practiced and updated periodically.
All visitors and accompanying family are required to follow instructions.
Special emergency contact telephone numbers will be provided in addition
to delegate country embassy numbers.
SECURITY DO’s
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Stick to major
tourist locations
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Respect and
appreciate the Egyptian culture and religion—don’t talk politics
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If you use
a taxi -- get one in good condition
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Travel in
groups of 2 or more
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Carry a copy
of your passport with you
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Carry your
mobile phone and contact numbers and use it if you get in trouble
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Do not drive
outside Cairo at night
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Carry your
money in separate pockets and only pull out what you need
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Call the Cairo
2002 Security Consultant if you need help
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Stay
safe, enjoy your time in Egypt and come back soon.
Revised:
March 28th, 2002
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