The Egyptian Armed Forces has called on Egyptians to gather nationwide on Friday, July 26, in protest against terrorism and violence. While the protests have been described by a government media spokesperson as peaceful protests to project the people’s support of the Armed Forces to confront violence, there is a possibility that these gatherings could spark confrontation with rival protestors. Due to the possibility of large demonstrations on Friday, with the possibility of violent confrontation, Embassy personnel movement is limited, and all official travel is being closely scrutinized. The metro system remains off-limits to Embassy personnel due to periodic protest activity and violence occurring in the vicinity of the two Embassy metro locations (Sadat and Saad Zaghloul). The Embassy suggests that U.S. citizens limit their movements, avoid areas prone to gatherings, and immediately vacate any area where crowds are gathering. It is possible that additional demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience may develop elsewhere in Egypt. The possibility of protests in vicinity of the Embassy continues. Please do not travel to the Embassy unless you receive specific instructions from the Embassy to do so. As a matter of general practice, U.S. citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Egypt are urged to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times in Egypt. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Egypt, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes or Google Play to have travel information at your fingertips. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and enroll with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy Cairo through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website. If you enroll we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements and can also help your family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizens Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please refer to the American Citizens Services Facebook page at: facebook/USEmbassyCairoACS. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard at 2797-3300. The Embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:40:31 +0000
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