Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/egypt.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 12KB | 238 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Egypt
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EGYPT - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
August 3, 1995

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo has received a number of threats against
official U.S. government targets in Egypt.  The Embassy is working
with the Egyptian government to ensure the safety of U.S. government
facilities and personnel.  The Embassy has no evidence at this time
of specific threats against private U.S. citizens.  Nevertheless,
the Embassy believes it prudent that all American citizens in Egypt
review their security precautions and remain vigilant in light of
these threats.


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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Egypt
============================================================
Egypt - Public Announcement
 August 30, 1994

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

The Department of State informs American citizens planning to



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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Egypt
============================================================
Egypt - Consular Information Sheet
 July 28, 1995

Country Description:  Egypt is a developing country with extensive
facilities for tourists.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  For
travelers arriving by air, a renewable 30-day tourist visa can be
obtained at airport points of entry.  Visitors arriving overland and
by sea, or those previously experiencing difficulty with their visa
status in Egypt, must obtain a visa prior to arrival.  Military
personnel arriving on commercial flights are not exempt from
passport and visa requirements.  Tourists must register with local
authorities (either through their hotels, at local police stations,
or at the central passport office) within seven days of arrival.
Proof of yellow fever and cholera immunization is required if
arriving from an infected area.  Evidence of an AIDS test is
required for everyone staying over 30 days.  For additional entry
information, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy of the Arab
Republic of Egypt, 3521 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20008, tel. [phone], or the Egyptian consulates in San
Francisco, Chicago, New York, or Houston.

Areas of Instability:  Egyptian extremist groups seeking to
overthrow the government have staged violent attacks against
Egyptian police and security officials, Egyptian Christians and
moderate Muslim intellectuals.  In several incidents, extremists
have sought to cripple the Egyptian economy through attacks on
tourists, tour buses, and sites frequented by tourists.  Some
attacks have occurred in Cairo, but the vast majority of the violent
incidents have taken place in the southern provinces of Assiyut,
Minya and Qena, which lie between Cairo and Luxor.  All surface
travel (bus, car, train, boat, etc.) through those provinces is
considered dangerous.  While there have been no specific credible
threats singling out American citizens or businesses in Egypt,
Islamic extremists have threatened to target foreign investors and
tourists.  A series of successful police counter-terrorist
operations since the beginning of 1994 has reduced terrorist
capabilities and operations, particularly in the Cairo area.
Sporadic incidents of extremist violence continue, however, and the
threat of terrorist activity directed against tourist targets
remains a concern.

Restricted Areas:  Those wishing to visit areas near Egypt's
frontiers, including oases near the border with Libya and off-road
areas in the Sinai, must obtain permission from the Travel Permits
Department of the Ministry of the Interior, located at the corner of
Sheikh Rihan and Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo.  Travelers should
also be aware of the possible dangers of off-road travel.  Leftover
mines from previous conflicts remain buried in several regions of
the country and have caused several deaths, including deaths of
Americans.  As a rule, all travelers should check with local
authorities before embarking on off-road travel.  Because known mine
fields are not marked by signs but are usually enclosed by barbed
wire, travelers should particularly avoid areas enclosed by barbed
wire.

Medical Facilities:  There are many Western-trained medical
professionals in Egypt.  The U.S. Embassy in Cairo can provide a
list of local hospitals and English-speaking physicians.  Medical
facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in
the areas where most tourists visit.  Emergency and intensive care
facilities are, however, limited.  Facilities outside of Cairo fall
short of U.S. standards.  Most Nile cruise boats do not have a
ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner with the
equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.  Hospital facilities are
available in Luxor and Aswan, but are extremely limited at most
other ports of call.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid
outside the United States.  Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate payment in cash for treatment.  Supplemental health
insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment has proven
useful.  Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are
generally unpolluted; however, there is a strong risk of exposure to
the bilharzia parasite when swimming in the Nile or canals, walking
barefoot along the river or drinking untreated river water.
Bilharzia can cause extensive tissue damage, kidney failure and
blindness.  The risk of exposure to rift valley fever (RVF) exists
throughout Egypt.  RVF is a disease of domestic animals that can
infect humans and which flares up in parts of the country from time
to time.  Preventive measures include avoiding freshly slaughtered
meat and known areas of infestation.  Properly prepared, thoroughly
cooked meat in tourist hotels, Nile cruise boats, and tourist
restaurants is considered safe.  Additional information on health
problems can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Information on Crime:  The crime rate in Egypt is low.  While
violent incidents are rare, purse snatching, pickpocketing and petty
theft are not uncommon.  Unescorted women are vulnerable to sexual
harassment and verbal abuse.  Travelers and foreign residents are
subject to Egyptian laws.  A U.S. citizen enjoys no special
consideration simply because he or she is an American.  The loss or
theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful
information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,
and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for
Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa."  They are available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal
practices of the country in which they travel.  Drug enforcement
policies in Egypt are very strict.  The death penalty may be imposed
on anyone convicted of smuggling or selling marijuana, hashish,
opium, LSD, or other narcotics.  Law enforcement authorities
prosecute and seek fines and imprisonment in cases of possession of
even small quantities of drugs.

Customs Requirements:  Everyone entering Egypt must declare items
such as jewelry, electronic equipment, and other valuables.  This
requirement is strictly enforced.  Any valuables not accounted for
may be confiscated.  There are no currency exchange requirements.  A
maximum of 100 Egyptian pounds may be carried into or out of Egypt.

Photography Requirements:  There are strict duties on the
importation of expensive photographic and video equipment.  This
includes most types of equipment typically carried by tourists to
Egypt, including all video cameras, all autofocus cameras, etc.
Travelers who wish to take such equipment with them on a temporary
visit have three options with Customs authorities: (A) The Customs
inspector may inventory the equipment and list it by model and
serial number in their passports, so that the equipment can be
crosschecked when they leave Egypt, in which case no duty will be
collected.  (B) The traveler may have the equipment placed in
storage for the duration of their stay, in which case a storage fee
may be collected.  (C) Long-term visitors or residents will pay the
standard duty fee for importing these items and be issued a receipt;
at the time of departure the fee will be refunded upon presentation
of the receipt.  There are restrictions on photographing military
personnel and sites, bridges and canals.

Dual Nationality:  The government of Egypt considers all children
born to Egyptian fathers to be Egyptian citizens.  Even if the
children bear American passports, immigration officials may require
proof that the father approves their departure before the children
will be allowed to leave Egypt.  Americans married to Egyptians do
not need their spouse's permission to depart Egypt as long as they
have a valid Egyptian visa.  To renew a visa, or to leave the
country after a visa has expired, an American woman married to an
Egyptian must present proof of the husband's consent.  Dual
Egyptian-American nationals may enter and leave Egypt on their U.S.
passports.  If a dual national resides in Egypt for extended
periods, proof of Egyptian citizenship, such as a family I.D. card,
is required.  Male dual nationals of military age, who have not
completed military service, are not generally required to enlist in
the armed forces; however, before they can leave Egypt, they must
obtain an exemption certificate through the Ministry of Defense
draft office.  Individuals who may be affected can inquire at an
Egyptian consular office abroad before traveling to Egypt.  Persons
with dual nationality who travel to Egypt on their Egyptian
passports are normally treated as Egyptian citizens.  U.S. consular
assistance to such persons is extremely limited.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in
Cairo can obtain updated information on travel and security within
Egypt.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is located on
Lazoughli Street, Garden City, near downtown Cairo.  The mailing
address from the U.S. is American Embassy Cairo, APO AE 09839-4900;
from Egypt, it is 8 Kamal El-Din Salah Street, Cairo.  The telephone
number is (20)(2) 355-7371.  The Consular Section telephone is
(20-2)357-2201; the consular FAX is (20)(2) 357-2472.

The workweek in Egypt is Sunday through Thursday.

 No. 95-084

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 7, 1994,
to add information concerning off-road travel.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.