Message for U.S. Citizens No. 7: Calls for Demonstrations on Friday, March 9, 2012

March 8, 2012

This message is to alert U.S. citizens that local activists are calling for demonstrations in response to the recent departure of U.S. citizen  NGO workers from Egypt after their travel ban was lifted.  Protests are expected at the U.S Embassy as well as at the American Cultural Center in Alexandria on Friday, March 9, 2012.  Reports of these two demonstrations suggest that protestors will gather after 1:00 pm.  In Cairo protestors will likely gather first at Tahrir Square; in Alexandria, protestors will reportedly go directly to the Cultural Center.   U.S. citizens are advised to avoid these areas as well as any large gatherings or protests that could emerge.

The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds are assembling.  Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens caught unexpectedly near a march or demonstrations should try to depart the area, or seek shelter in a safe place until the crowd has dispersed.

In addition, two recent incidents in the Maadi suburb of Cairo highlight the need for vigilance in response to an increase in crime in Egypt.  The Cairo American College (CAC) reported that two students were accosted by a group of youth near the Maadi Grand Mall last week.  This incident occurred after school around 4:00 pm.  On March 8, an attempted purse snatching was reported in the vicinity of the CAC in Maadi.  The victim reported that a vehicle pulled up beside her and one of the occupants jumped out and tried to pull her handbag from her.  Though unsuccessful, the victim was dragged to the ground.

U.S. citizens should elevate their overall level of attentiveness, particularly to large gatherings, and should monitor local news broadcasts for updated information about locations of possible marches or demonstrations.  U.S. citizens visiting Cairo should seek information from their hotel or tour guide in planning their activities. 

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, including the current Travel Alert for Egypt, can be found.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook.  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 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  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.