Egypt 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Alexandria

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in Alexandria, Egypt.

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Egypt at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Do not travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) or the Western Desert due to terrorism; or to the Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Consulate in Alexandria does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Egypt-specific webpage for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is moderate risk from crime in Alexandria. The vast majority of criminal acts against foreigners tend to be crimes of opportunity (e.g. purse snatching, pickpocketing) and often involve young male perpetrators. There have been several instances where individuals passing on a motorbike grabbed women’s handbags, sometimes inadvertently injuring the victim in the process. Semi-professional thieves also target unaware visitors in popular restaurants and shops. There are a number of reports citing criminals using weapons in the course of their robberies, although such cases remain infrequent. Women have also reported attempted purse snatchings from drivers as they enter taxis.

There are growing reports of criminal ruses against foreign visitors, often employing feigned concern over a stain or spill on an article of clothing; while helping to wipe the clothing, the criminal will lift a wallet.

One of the most important precautions is surveillance recognition. Varying arrival, departure, and normal routines is very important.

Other Areas of Concern

The highest concentrations of World War II-era unexploded landmines (UXO) are along the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria, in the Eastern Desert between Cairo, near the Suez Canal, and in much of the Sinai Peninsula.

1 Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety & Conditions

Vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern throughout Egypt. Egypt has one of the highest occurrences of road fatalities in the world. Driving Alexandria’s busy and often narrow streets can be extremely challenging for foreigners, especially those used to a culture of structured rules and regulations. Even seasoned residents must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the hectic streets. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules, which police enforce unpredictably. Drivers should prepare for vehicles without lights at night, at high rates of speed, traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps; as well as few if any road markings, a high volume of pedestrians dodging traffic, and a variety of domesticated animals on the roadways. Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution when traversing roadways, especially in high-volume/high-velocity streets like Alexandria’s Corniche, which follows the Mediterranean coastline.

Motorists should be especially cautious during winter rain storms, which cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding.

Intercity roads are generally in fair condition. However, unmarked surfaces, stray animals, sandstorms, fog, and disabled vehicles without lights or reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s report, Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Public Transportation Conditions

Taxis and car-sharing services remain an efficient use of public transportation in large Egyptian cities. U.S. Consulate personnel may travel in taxis or other car hire services (e.g. Uber) for personal travel. Taxi drivers often target foreigners for higher fares, and some claim their meter is broken; negotiate a fixed price prior to entering the cab if this is the case. Women should exercise caution on public transportation, and always sit in the back seat of the taxi. Some women have found it helpful to refrain from engaging in conversation, beyond basic pleasantries, with the driver.

Alexandria’s tram system is a common form of public transportation for Egyptians. Overcrowded metro stations and trains can be a common area for opportunistic crime (e.g. pickpocketing, sexual harassment). Frequent train accidents sometimes involve mass casualties. U.S. Consulate personnel may not use public buses, microbuses, or the tram system; visitors should similarly consider not doing so.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Aviation security remains a concern. In 2015, a Russian airliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Sharm el Sheik Airport (SSH), a popular tourist destination in the Sinai. Although Egypt has not officially announced the findings of its investigation, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, publishing a photo of what it says is the IED that brought the aircraft down. Since the incident, the international community and Egypt have made significant improvements in airport security.

2 International air carriers have enhanced security measures. Domestic flights have generally more relaxed security procedures, especially passenger screening. At Alexandria’s International Airport, Borg el Arab (HBE), large crowds tend to gather outside terminals waiting for arriving passengers and, at times, can become unruly. Arriving Consulate personnel typically arrange for an expeditor and/or trusted transportation company to pick them up inside the terminal. Taxis are available at the terminals of all airports, but travelers should be aware of unauthorized chauffeurs and set-fare taxis.

Terrorism Threat

There is considerable risk from terrorism in Alexandria. A number of extremist organizations, including ISIS, operate in Egypt. Terrorists have used explosive devices, car bombs and drive-by shootings to target police, security, and government officials and government/diplomatic buildings, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage. Responsibility for terrorist attacks has been attributed primarily, but not exclusively, to jihadists operating out of the Sinai Peninsula, which remains a particularly restive area. Over the past few years, terrorist attacks targeted Egyptian government and security forces, public venues (including tourist sites), religious locations, public modes of transportation and a diplomatic facility. While terrorists primarily target police, military, and government officials, attacks have also killed and injured civilians.

 On March 24, 2018, a roadside car bomb targeting the head of Alexandria’s security directorate detonated in the downtown area. The blast killed two police officers and injured several others. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

 On April 9, 2017, (Palm Sunday) twin suicide bombings took place Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the principal church in Alexandria, seat of the Coptic papacy; and in the northern Egyptian city of Tanta on the Nile delta. At least 45 people died and 126 more injured. Several news agencies reported that security detachment of ISIS carried out the attacks.

 On April 7, 2015, an attack at the Church of Raphael the Archangel in Alexandria involved several gunshots at the front of the church, with the perpetrators then fleeing the scene. At least four people, including a police officer, received injuries. The attack coincided with the celebration of Palm Sunday by the Coptic Orthodox community.

Terrorist incidents have also occurred in the Western Desert, the large, mostly isolated area southwest of Alexandria and the Nile Valley, including near various heavily touristed oasis towns. Active military operations against terrorist elements are ongoing in this region. There are also active military operations in Egypt’s border areas with Gaza and Libya. Terrorist organizations are active in the Sinai Peninsula, particularly in the area bordering Gaza.

The Egyptian government maintains a heavy security presence at major tourist sites, especially Sharm El-Sheikh and the many temples and archaeological sites in/around Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbal.

3 Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

Political protests can occur without warning. In 2017, following the Palm Sunday church attacks, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi and the Egyptian cabinet declared a nationwide state of emergency, which parliament quickly approved and has extended continuously; it remains in effect. Although the state of emergency affords the Government of Egypt a broader set of powers, one of the main provisions is the prohibition of gatherings of more than ten persons without advance notification to, and approval from, the Interior Ministry.

Peaceful demonstrations have also turned violent with no notice, making them unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Demonstrations have led to violent clashes between security forces and protestors, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage. Peaceful demonstrators and bystanders may be subject to questioning, detention, arrest, and conviction for participating in or being in proximity to unauthorized demonstrations.

Egyptian police often maintain a large presence in Alexandria during significant anniversaries to deter anti-government mobs from gathering and sporadically close access to vehicular traffic. While there may be periods when the crowds appear celebratory or non-threatening, criminal acts routinely occur under the shroud of anonymity that a large crowd provides. In some cases, protestors have turned over alleged criminals to police or military units positioned near an event’s perimeter.

Avoid areas where there is heavy police presence or crowds assembling, exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings, and stay away from demonstrations.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian communities remains a concern, most notably in the Nile Valley governorates of Asyut and Sohag, located between Cairo and Luxor. These governorates, along with the adjacent governorates of Minya and Qena, have long been prone to extremist activity and sectarian strife. This has not impacted Westerners.

The attacks on the Coptic Church track closely with ISIS activity elsewhere, as it seeks to increase tensions between religious groups and undermine perceptions that host governments protect these communities. ISIS has conducted attacks against Christian communities in the Middle East and North Africa, including in the Levant and Libya. ISIS had claimed the targeted killing of a Coptic priest in Sinai during the summer of 2016, and the 2015 execution of 19 Egyptian Copts in Libya.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Egypt is a geologically active region. Although earthquakes are rare, they do happen. As a result of lax building codes and shoddy construction, damage can be severe, especially to older buildings.

4 Personal Identity Concerns

Egyptian laws do not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual activity. However, in the past, authorities have arrested and imprisoned members of the LGBTI community. Reports of arrests have increased in recent years. There is also significant social stigma and discrimination in society. Foreigners and Egyptians alike can be subject to gender-based harassment. While dressing modestly does not inoculate one from harassment, foreign women generally should dress conservatively when in public.

Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, females regularly report sexual harassment. These incidents run the gamut from lewd comments and gestures to more explicit indecent exposures, inappropriate physical contact, and sexual assault. A number of women, including foreigners, have reported sexually harassment/assault in taxis, on isolated streets, and while transiting crowded areas. Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular care in crowds, on public transportation, in rural areas, and in isolated sections of the cities.

After dark, exercise caution and consider not traveling alone. Although the majority of incidents occur on busy city streets, some occur inside a victim’s home at the hands of maintenance or delivery workers. The Consulate continues to receive reports of U.S. women experiencing domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape.

Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the U.S. Businesses and institutions generally do not make special accommodations for persons with disabilities, and authorities do not enforce laws mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings by persons with disabilities. Accommodations on public transportation are not offered for elderly individuals or persons with disabilities. Pedestrian sidewalks and walkways are limited, uneven, high, and sometimes used by cars and motorcycles. Crosswalks exist, but motorists have the right-of-way and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.

Kidnapping Threat

The vast majority of kidnappings appear to be within the Egyptian community, often carried out to settle a dispute among neighbors, rivals, or tribes. They may also target a person known to be affluent or children; these cases generally settle quickly through the payment of a ransom. Perpetrators are likely hoping for a quick monetary payoff and intentionally avoid scrutiny likely to arise from kidnapping a high-profile businessperson or foreigner. While unnerving and not to be dismissed, there is nothing to suggest that the threat of kidnappings should be of great concern to the expatriate community.

Kidnappings do have the potential to be more prevalent in the Sinai or Western Desert regions.

5 Police Response

Foreigners may experience a range of professionalism when dealing with Egyptian police. Police are generally responsive to visitors in need of assistance, and will initiate investigations based on the report of a crime. Emergency response times and the ability to conduct in-depth criminal investigations on petty crimes generally fall short of Western standards. While misdemeanor crimes may not receive the attention a visitor would expect, police tend to pursue felonies more assertively. Police may detain a foreigner during a serious traffic accident until they give an official statement.

Egyptian Customs officials will closely scrutinize any item or souvenir that resembles an antiquity.

It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

The Egyptian legal system is different from the legal system in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence and due process. Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause in order to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning. Police may detain suspects for months without charges or access to immediate legal counsel during the investigative stage of a criminal case. Punishments often are harsher in Egypt than they are in the United States for comparable crimes.

If police arrest or detain you, make every effort to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on your behalf. Although protocol requires the police to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate of an arrest of an American citizen, this may not always be the case depending on the time, place, and circumstances.

Crime Victim Assistance

All U.S. citizens who require assistance from ACS should contact the U.S. Embassy Cairo at 2797-3300. For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

The Consulate strongly encourages all victims of crime to take action by reporting incidents to Egyptian law enforcement agencies and notifying ACS at the Embassy. U.S. citizens who are victims overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocating back to the U.S.

6 POLICE EMERGENCY 122

AMBULANCE EMERGENCY 123

FIRE BRIGADE EMERGENCY 180

TOURISM POLICE 126

INTERNATIONAL CALLS SERVICES 120

INTER-GOVERNORATE CALLS SERVICES 10

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY 140, 141

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY 144

RAILWAY POLICE 145

PUBLIC TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION FOR HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS 0 1211 1000

GENERAL SECURITY SERVICES (CRIMINAL OFFENSES) 115

Medical Emergencies

Medical care generally falls short of U.S. standards, but there are many Western-trained medical professionals. While medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in frequently visited tourist areas, emergency and intensive care facilities are limited.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

The Embassy’s Regional Medical Office can provide a complete list of local hospitals and English- speaking physicians. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, those who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot in stagnant water, or drink untreated water are at risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

It is generally safe to eat freshly prepared cooked food in hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in restaurants. When selecting a restaurant, select a clean and reputable place, eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods, avoid all uncooked food, including raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water outside of major cities may not be potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally safe if the seal is intact.

Mosquito-borne diseases, while rare, do occur in Egypt. Most Red Sea resorts have established mosquito control programs. Authorities spray pesticides in some areas of Cairo, often with limited or no notification.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Egypt.

7 OSAC Country Council Information

The Embassy and Consulate host OSAC Country Council meetings throughout the year on a regular and ad-hoc as necessary. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions or to join.

U.S. Consulate Location & Contact Information:

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Consulate General, Helnan Palestine Hotel, Montazah Gardens, Alexandria

Business hours: Sunday-Thursday 0800 - 1630 except for official holidays.

Consulate Contact Numbers

For all after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens: (20) 2–2797–3300

Consular Section (Cairo) Telephone: (20) 2-2797-2301 Fax: (20) 2-2797-2472 E-mail: [email protected]

Regional Security Officer Alexandria Telephone: (20) 2-2797-5802

Website: https://eg.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/alexandria/

Nearby Post: Embassy Cairo

U.S. citizens traveling to Egypt should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resource: Egypt Country Information Sheet

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