Security Message to U.S. Citizens No. 17: Possible Demonstrations

May 31, 2012

This security message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens visiting and residing in Egypt that last week’s Presidential election resulted in identifying two candidates who will face off in a run-off election June 16 and 17.  As these two candidates each represent opposing political platforms, the possibility exists that tensions may escalate leading up to and through the election.  Beginning this Friday, places such as Tahrir Square may attract political rallies or protests that could result in violence as competing viewpoints, along with dissatisfied movements not represented in the final run-off look to express their discontent with the electoral process.

Additionally, this Saturday is the expected date of the announcement of the verdict in the case of former President Mubarak.   This announcement could increase tensions at a sensitive time which could result in a range of public reactions among some citizens throughout the country.

The Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to the current political situation and reminds them to consider this environment in all their movements; paying particular attention to large gatherings and travel routes which may elevate their exposure to such occurrences.

The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to 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, including the current Travel Alert for Egypt, can be found.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App 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 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 Citizen 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 Citizen Services Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/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.