The security situation in Egypt continues to be unstable following President Mohamed Morsi’s refusal to step down despite a 48-hour deadline imposed by the military. Millions of protesters have participated in nationwide protests calling for Morsi’s removal since June 30th–these demonstrations have turned violent in a number of areas as opposition groups clash with rival Islamist supporters of Morsi. Government and medical sources report that at least dozens of people have been killed and hundreds more wounded across the country. Additional unrest is likely as Islamist groups and opposition supporters react to Morsi’s ouster.
While it’s strongly recommended that you avoid any travel to Egypt (On June 28th, the U.S. Department of State advised its citizens to defer all nonessential travel to the country and authorized nonemergency diplomatic staff and family members to depart), if you’re currently traveling in this region, please take the following precautions:
- Continue to shelter in place until security conditions normalize.
- Strictly avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence, if moving about in public is unavoidable.
- Stay away from government buildings, security installations, and political party offices.
- Seek updated information on security and road conditions before driving; use alternate routes to avoid downtown areas of major cities. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
- Avoid rallying points during times of civil unrest.
Related Advice: Tips for reducing your vulnerability in the event of civil unrest.
On Call Members currently traveling in Egypt have access to the following emergency services:
Identifying Commercial Flights Home: As things continue to escalate in Egypt, it’s important to consider the possibility that commercial flights could become extremely limited, or in some extreme cases – completely unavailable. For help with identifying and booking commercial flights home, pick up your phone and give us a call. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, don’t forget that social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter can quickly connect you with your airline’s customer support staff.
Finding Appropriate Healthcare: If you’re traveling more than 50 miles away from home and experience a medical emergency, On Call International can provide you with emergency medical transportation, including medical evacuation, to any hospital of your choice. Our members also have unlimited access to our 24-hour nurse helpline and worldwide medical, dental and pharmacy referrals.
Lost or Stolen Passport Assistance: For the most part, the only way to get in and out of a country is with a passport. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation that your passport has been lost or stolen, give us a call and we’ll give you a hand.
Staying Informed: If the destination you are in is under extreme watch, it’s even more important to keep yourself up-to-date. Be sure to trust vetted information sources only – this includes keeping track of what is being reported in the media as well as through social networking channels. On Call International can also assist our members in accessing timely and credible information regarding this volatile situation.
Safe Travels!
