2020 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Egypt. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Egypt country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

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 (except for travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) or the due to terrorism; or to Egyptian border areas due to military zones. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Cairo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Most criminal acts against foreigners tend to be crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, that often involve young males. Semi- professional thieves target unaware visitors in restaurants and shops, stealing purses, phones, and purchased goods. Thieves have also broken into vehicles when valuables were clearly visible.

There have been several instances where individuals passing on a motorbike have grabbed handbags, sometimes inadvertently injuring the victim. There were reports of criminal ruses against foreign visitors, often employing feigned concern over a stain/spill on an article of clothing; while helping to wipe the clothing, the criminal lifted a wallet from a purse or pocket. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Be cautious to avoid being overcharged for various services, and for becoming victims of scams common in tourist destinations worldwide. Expect to encounter aggressive vendors at tourist attractions and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts to tourists which, once accepted, often lead to demands for money. Harassment can occur anywhere. Most tourist sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.

Remain alert to local security developments, avoid demonstrations, and be vigilant regarding personal security throughout the country. Carry identification and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt; pre-program the U.S. Embassy’s telephone number and email address into the device.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Taking Credit, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

1 Other Areas of Concern

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is located on battlefields along the Mediterranean coast west of , in the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Canal, on the Sinai Peninsula, and in the Suez Canal zone from World War II and the Egyptian-Israeli wars.

Cybersecurity Issues

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous; vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern. Intercity roads are generally in good condition. Unmarked surfaces, stray animals, sandstorms, fog, animal-pulled carts, and disabled vehicles without lights or reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark. To report highway accidents, call 012111000.

Driving Cairo’s busy streets can be extremely challenging for those used to driving in accordance with enforced rules and regulations. Even seasoned residents must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the hectic streets of the capital. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules. Although the enforcement of traffic laws is generally lax and unpredictable, foreigners may be subject to extra scrutiny. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment. Expect vehicles without headlights at night; few if any road markings; vehicles traveling at high rates of speed; vehicles traveling the wrong direction on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps; drivers ignoring lane markings and squeezing vehicles in between lane markers, creating additional vehicle lanes; a high volume of pedestrians dodging traffic; and a variety of animals wandering the roadways.

Visitors intending to drive in Egypt should carefully consider other options, such as a ride-hailing cellular phone-based app, taxi, or hired driver. Drivers must take the utmost precaution and drive defensively. Be especially cautious during the rare winter rains, which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding; Egyptian drivers are not familiar with driving in wet conditions, making such periods particularly hazardous. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution, especially in high-volume/high-velocity streets like Cairo’s Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the River, and Alexandria’s Corniche along the Mediterranean.

Public Transportation Conditions

Taxis and car-sharing services are a common form of transportation in large cities. U.S. Embassy employees may travel in taxis and on ride-sharing apps. Foreigners can be targets for higher taxi fares; drivers often claim their meter is broken. Some females have found it helpful to refrain from engaging in conversation, beyond basic pleasantries, with taxi drivers. Women should consider sitting in the back seat of taxis. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

2 U.S. government personnel may not use public buses, microbuses, trains, or apps, such as Uber Bus, or Cairo’s metro system. Trains are a particularly unsafe means of transportation, with accidents that sometimes involve mass casualties. Overcrowded metro stations and trains can be a common area for opportunistic crimes (e.g. pickpocketing, sexual harassment).

U.S. government personnel may travel outside of north to Alexandria and North Coast beach resorts, as well as the western side of the Red Sea and south along the Nile river (note: travel more than 50 miles south of Cairo is generally accomplished by commercial air). Mission policy also prohibits personal travel via privately owned vehicle to any part of the Sinai Peninsula or the Western Desert. U.S. government personnel must limit road travel outside of greater Cairo or Alexandria to daylight hours.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

In 2015, a Russian Metro Jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Sharm El-Sheik International Airport (SSH), a popular tourist destination on the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. 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 improvised explosive device (IED) that brought the aircraft down. Since the Metro Jet incident, Egypt has made significant improvements to airport security.

In December 2019, the United Kingdom resumed direct flights to SSH after lifting its four-year ban. On December 22, 2019 the first direct charter from France also flew into SSH, with more direct flights expected in the future. This shows international acknowledgement of the significant security improvements at SSH, and the Egyptian authorities’ openness to improving their security measures.

International air carriers have enhanced security measures. At Cairo International Airport (CAI), large crowds waiting for arriving passengers gather outside Terminal 3 for EgyptAir, but no longer have access inside the terminal. U.S. Embassy personnel typically arrange for an expeditor and/or trusted transportation company to pick them up inside the terminal. Taxis are available at the terminals at all airports, but signs warn travelers to beware of unauthorized chauffeurs.

Terrorism

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Cairo as being a CRITICAL-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Several terrorist organizations operate in Egypt. The self-proclaimed Islamic State-Sinai Province terrorist group (also sometimes known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM), an ISIS affiliate) is the most active terrorist group in Egypt; it pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. There are also the Islamic State in Egypt, Harakat Sawa'd Misr (HASM), Liwa al-Thawra, al-Qa’ida-linked groups, Harket Elmokawma Elsha'biya a.k.a. “Popular Resistance” terrorist groups, and other various smaller terrorist groups. Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in the country.

3 Terrorist attacks are primarily, but not exclusively, due to the actions of violent extremists operating out of the northern Sinai Peninsula, which continues to be an unstable area. Terrorist organizations are primarily active in the northeastern parts of the Sinai governorate. Most attacks in North Sinai target the Egyptian government (military installations and personnel). Egyptian security forces launched “Operation Sinai 2018,” which resulted in a significant intensification of military activity in North Sinai. Terrorists have also conducted attacks in the Western Desert – the large, mostly isolated area west of greater Cairo and the Nile Valley.

A number of terrorism-related incidents were reported in Egyptian news and on Egyptian social media in 2019. These include:

• In January, an IED detonated in an eastern Cairo suburb as an Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police officer attempted to defuse it. The IED was inside a suitcase on a building's roof, targeting the Ezzbet El-Hagana church across the street from the mosque. Several days later, security forces arrested four people in connection with the attack. • On February 15, a controlled detonation operation took place at Square. An IED was under an overpass walkway in Giza Square, targeting police security forces that deploy near this location during Friday prayers at the Istiquama Mosque. Egyptian media displayed surveillance video of the suspect placing the IED. No fatalities or injuries occurred. • On February 18, the suspected bomb-maker from the February 15 incident detonated a suicide device when Egyptian police attempted to arrest him on El Ghoreya Street, El Azhar District, killing four people (three Egyptian police and a civilian) and wounding six others. Egyptian police raided the suspected bomb maker’s residence and discovered additional bomb-making materials, suggesting additional devices were under construction. • On February 5, gunmen riding in a 4x4 vehicle and armed with a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), ambushed a police checkpoint in Al-, along Road in New Valley Governorate. The attack resulted in four police injuries, and the attackers escaped. ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack. • In March, Egyptian State Security stopped a white truck suspected to be HASM terrorists wearing stolen Electric Company uniforms in City, Giza. The ensuing gunfight killed seven HASM members and injured one Egyptian police officer, and led to the seizure of weapons, ammunition and an IED. • On April 7, gunmen opened fire on a security patrol at the Taha Hussein intersection in New Nozha, East Cairo, killing two Egyptian police officers and injuring an unknown number of bystanders. ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack. • On April 12, Egyptian police forces foiled a reported attempted attack on the Oyoun Moussa security checkpoint in South Sinai, killing two terrorists and leading to the seizure of an explosive belt. • On May 19, an IED attack targeted a tourist bus near the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, injuring 14-17 people, with no reported fatalities. The tourist bus was carrying South African tourists. No group has claimed responsibility. • On August 5, a vehicle borne IED (VBIED) detonated outside the National Cancer Institute in central Cairo, killing 22 people and injuring 47. Reportedly, the incident occurred when a stolen car packed with explosives had a minor accident and detonated prematurely. Egyptian authorities indicated HASM was responsible for the attack. Two arrests followed the incident. • Numerous attacks occurred throughout 2019 in the northeastern area of the Sinai Peninsula, reported through local and social media.

4 While the incidents above do not confirm that extremist elements are targeting private-sector interests, the expansion of attacks targeting civilian interests raises concerns about wrong-place, wrong-time violence leading to collateral damage. To mitigate this, the Egyptian government maintains a heavy security presence at major tourist sites, especially the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh and the many temples and archaeological sites located in and around Cairo, Luxor, , and Abu Simbel.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Cairo as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

Political protests are rare. Egypt’s demonstrations law prohibits gatherings of more than ten people without advance permission from the Interior Ministry. If protests do break out, they could result in clashes with police and security forces. In the past few years, the size and frequency of demonstrations has decreased markedly. In the past, demonstrations have led to violent clashes between police and protesters, 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 of unauthorized demonstrations. While there may be periods when crowds appear celebratory or non- threatening, criminal acts could still occur under the anonymity a large crowd provides. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Egypt was under a government-declared State of Emergency for all of 2019. Authorities have quashed previous unauthorized demonstrations in a relatively short time. The last known demonstrations occurred on September 20, 2019 in response to calls for protests against the government from a self-exiled Egyptian. Because of the volatility of some past demonstrations, peaceful demonstrators and bystanders alike (including U.S. citizens) may be subject to questioning, detention, arrest, and conviction for participating in or proximity to unauthorized demonstrations. It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings, or their respective personnel; authorities enforce the law in the context of demonstrations. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law does not recognize dual citizenship. Travelers should be cognizant of this prior to travel to Egypt.

The Egyptian Constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, but includes a clause stating, “It may be subject to limited censorship in times of war or public mobilization.” Since the Government of Egypt has declared near continuous states of emergency over the past few years, it has not always respected these rights.

5 Citizens expressed their views on a wide range of political and social topics. Nonetheless, the government sometimes investigated and prosecuted critics for alleged incitement of violence, insults to religion, insults to public figures and institutions, such as the judiciary and the military, or violation of public morals. Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies. There were several examples in which Egypt denied entry to U.S. citizens or refused to allow them to remain in the country, allegedly for such reasons. For example: in February 2019, authorities at CAI turned away a U.S. media correspondent, allegedly due to his previous reporting on Egypt; authorities at CAI denied entry in late November to a U.S. editor who had been working in Cairo for a local outlet, possibly due to his previous reporting; authorities arrested a U.S. citizen upon arrival at CAI in July, accusing her of criticizing the Government of Egypt on Facebook.

Independent media are active and express a variety of views, but with significant restrictions. Independent media reported that entities wholly or partially owned by the intelligence services assumed control of several independent media companies in 2019. The constitution, penal code, and media and publications law govern media issues. The government regulated the licensing of newspapers and controlled the printing and distribution of many newspapers, including private newspapers and those of opposition political parties. The law does not impose restrictions on newspaper ownership.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

There has been sporadic sectarian violence, but this has not targeted foreigners. Some attacks on the religious community seek to increase tensions between religious groups and undermine perceptions that the Egyptian government can protect these communities. For more information on Religious Freedom and Egypt’s annual report, visit the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom website.

In November 2017, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on a mosque during a Friday sermon in the Sinai Peninsula, setting off bombs, opening fire on worshippers, and killing more than 230 people and wounding 130 others in the deadliest ISIS attack on Egyptian civilians. This incident sparked the planning for Sinai-2018 Egyptian military operations on the Sinai Peninsula, which continued through 2019.

Actions against churches that do not have permits to operate within Egypt have been reported in areas outside of Cairo, but continue to decline from incidents in previous years. In April 2019, villagers attacked the church of St. Karaas claiming the association of the church did not obtain an official license. The attack wounded two church priests. Egyptian Central Security Forces (CSF) reinforcements deploy to contain the situation.

In a positive step, the Egyptian government announced in December 2019 that it had legalized 1,412 previously unlicensed churches and service buildings.

Given previous attacks against religious sites and churches in Egypt, the Egyptian government enhances security around most religious sites during religious holidays.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Egypt is a geologically active region; seismic activity occurs on occasion. Although earthquakes are rare, damage can be severe, especially to older buildings, due to lax building codes and inferior construction. The last earthquake to result in major damage was in 1996.

6 The U.S. Department of State has assessed Alexandria, Cairo, and other urban areas of Egypt as having air pollution levels three or more times higher than the most polluted areas in the United States. Air pollution is most severe during the winter, when weather patterns prevent vehicle and factory emissions and pollutants from burning agricultural waste from dispersing into the atmosphere.

Insufficient solid waste collection and disposal services are causing ecological and public health problems, including accumulated garbage and contamination of water supplies in some areas.

Personal Identity Concerns

While in Egypt, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Businesses and institutions in Egypt generally do not make special accommodations for persons with disabilities, and Egyptian authorities do not enforce laws mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings by persons with disabilities. Pedestrian sidewalks and walkways are limited, uneven, high, and sometimes in use by cars and motorcycles. Accommodations for elderly individuals or persons with disabilities are unavailable on public transportation. Crosswalks exist, but motorists have the right of way; pedestrians should exercise extreme caution. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

LGBTI+ individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt. Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual activity, but LGBTI+ persons and advocacy groups have reported harassment, intimidation, arrests, and other forms of abuse, including by police. There are also reports that authorities have used social media, dating websites, and cell phone apps to entrap persons suspected of being homosexual in an act of “debauchery,” which is a criminal offense that carries prison sentences of up to ten years. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Women regularly report instances of sexual harassment. These incidents vary in severity, from lewd comments and gestures to more explicit indecent exposure, inappropriate physical contact, and sexual assault. Local and foreign women alike have reported sexual harassment and assault in taxis, on isolated streets, and while transiting crowded areas. Incidents can occur on streets, but have also occurred inside victims’ homes at the hands of maintenance or delivery workers. Women are also likely to encounter different religious and cultural norms. Foreign women should dress conservatively in public. At night, women and teenage girls should exercise additional caution and not travel alone. Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular care in crowds, on public transportation, and in rural and isolated areas.

The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape. The Consular Section encourages women who seek assistance to take legal action against perpetrators to bring them to justice. Egypt’s National Council for Women’s Ombudsman’s Office may aid victimized women in Egypt. There is also a domestic violence hotline the Embassy’s American Citizens’ Services Unit can provide to victims. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocating back to the United States. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

7 Police Response

The police emergency line in Egypt is 122; for tourist police, call 126. Foreigners may experience varying levels of professionalism when dealing with the police. Police are generally responsive to visitors in need of assistance, and initiate investigations based on reports of criminal activity. 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. Egyptian authorities take crime seriously, and are proactive in helping where needed, but language barriers can sometimes hinder progress with reporting crimes in a timely manner. The Egyptian Interior Ministry claims to have resolved more cases in 2019 than the previous year, and continues to make improvements. View the Egyptian MOI Facebook page for additional statistics related to crime and terrorism.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Egypt-wide emergency numbers are as follows:

Emergency Police 122

Ambulance 123

Fire Brigade 180

Tourism Police 126

International Call Services 120

Inter-Government Call Services 10

Telephone Directory 140, 141

International Telephone Directory 144

Railway Police 145

Public Traffic Admin. For Highway Accidents 012111000

General Security Services (criminal offenses) 115

The Egyptian legal system is different from that in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence and due process. Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning. Police arrest suspects when there is evidence to suggest one has committed a felony or misdemeanor. Police may detain anyone without affording 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.

8 Upon arrest for any reason, make every effort to contact the U.S. Embassy, or ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Although protocol requires police services to notify the Embassy in the event of an arrest of a U.S. citizen, this may not always be the case depending on the time, place, and circumstances surrounding the arrest. Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens; Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy in these cases. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify ACS if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line in Egypt is 123. 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 areas tourists visit frequently, emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile cruise boats do not have a ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner of uncertain qualifications. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh are not to U.S. standards, and are inadequate at most other ports of call. Although availability of ambulances is improving, getting them through Cairo traffic can be very challenging. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, persons 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, choose a clean and reputable place; eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods; and avoid all uncooked food, including raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water outside of major cities may not be potable. Tourists often 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. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

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.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad

OSAC Country Council Information

The Embassy hosts OSAC Country Council meetings on a quarterly basis and ad-hoc meetings as necessary. To get involved, please email [email protected]. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa Team for more information.

9 U.S. Embassy Contact Information

5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo Hours of operation: 0830-1700 Sunday-Thursday Website: https://eg.usembassy.gov/ Embassy Operator: +20 2-2797-2301 Emergency calls after normal business hours: +20 2-2797-3300 American Citizen Services Section: [email protected] State Department Emergency Line: +1-202-501-4444

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

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