Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
This advice has been reviewed and updated. It contains new information (Travel Bulletin ? Assistance to Australians departing Egypt and curfew hours extended). The overall level remains at ?Do not travel?.
Summary
Summary
- We advise you not to travel to Egypt because of ongoing civil unrest and the high threat of terrorist attack.
- If you are currently in Egypt, and concerned about the security situation, you should leave if it is safe to do so. Dependents of Embassy staff have been authorised to leave on a voluntary basis.
- The Prime Minister has announced the Government will provide an emergency flight out of Cairo to Europe for Australians affected by the unrest in Egypt.
- Australians wishing to register for the charter flight should read the section below, Assistance to Australians departing Egypt or the separate Travel Bulletin ? Assistance to Australians departing Egypt.
- The security situation may affect Embassy opening hours. Australians in Egypt who require emergency consular assistance should in the first instance contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305. The telephone network in Egypt is being affected by heavy congestion and intermittent disruption.
- Since 25 January 2011, violent demonstrations have occurred at locations across Egypt, including Cairo, Alexandria and Suez, resulting in deaths and injuries. The situation remains unpredictable and may deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations could occur in any part of Egypt. Australians should avoid all demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency.
- International airports in Egypt remain open, although there are reports that numerous flights to and from the country have been cancelled or rescheduled. You should allow sufficient time to check in.
- The army is on the streets of the main towns and there are widespread reports of arson and looting. The presence of civil police to maintain law and order is uncertain. Self protection groups have reportedly formed in some areas.
- The Government has extended its curfew hours to between 3pm and 8am. This situation may last for some time. You should respect curfew provisions and follow the advice of local authorities.
- There are continued disruptions to communications networks, particularly mobile phones and the internet.
- Australians in Egypt should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
- We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
- Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Egypt, including in tourist areas. For a list of possible targets, see Safety and Security: Terrorism. Some past attacks have coincided with local holiday weekends.
- On 1 January 2011 a bomb exploded outside a Christian church in Alexandria, resulting in a number of fatalities. Australians should be aware that Islamist extremists have made threats against Coptic churches in Egypt.
- The WHO has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Egypt. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Egypt.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.