{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"EG","advisory-state":2,"has-advisory-warning":1,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Egypt","url-slug":"egypt","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 16:01 ","advisory-text":"AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to Egypt (with the exception of the Red Sea coastal resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada and the area along the upper Nile, from Luxor to Aswan, where you should exercise a high degree of caution) due to the unpredictable security situation and continued demonstrations in many parts of the country. The security situation is fluid and the ability to provide consular services may be limited at short notice. We recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad<\/a> service. You are responsible for your personal safety abroad. If you do travel to Egypt, we strongly recommend that you plan your travel through a reputable travel company\/agency. Travel companies in Egypt are well informed of the security situation and can better plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the Sinai Peninsula, with the exception of the coastal resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, where you should exercise caution. Consult the Security tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to Port Said, Suez and Ismailia due to violent demonstrations and civil unrest that have led to casualties.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada as well as the area along the upper Nile, from Luxor to Aswan. We strongly advise you to arrive and depart by air.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n Civil unrest and demonstrations have been occurring in many parts of Egypt. Although demonstrations occur mostly on Fridays following the Noon prayer time, they can occur at any time without forewarning. The situation on the ground remains fluid and there is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled. Local curfews may be imposed on short notice.<\/p>\n Although the state of emergency and curfew, imposed in August 2013, were lifted on November 12, 2013, armed security forces remain heavily deployed in many governorates.<\/p>\n While there is a heavy security presence in most parts of the country, especially in resort areas, a high threat of terrorist activities remains and could affect foreigners.<\/p>\n Be extremely vigilant, avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings and areas where they are taking place. Stay clear of military offices and facilities. Register with our Registration of Canadians Abroad<\/a> service, keep well informed of the situation as it unfolds by monitoring local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Women in particular should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as there have been multiple reports of sexual assaults. Once surrounded by a group, it can be difficult to escape.<\/p>\n Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel to the Sinai Peninsula, with the exception of the coastal resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, where you should exercise caution.<\/p>\n Coastal resorts in the Sinai, including Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba have, in the past, seen incidents of robbery. Tensions between security authorities and local Bedouin tribes may rise unexpectedly, affecting tourism.<\/p>\n If you are visiting Sharm El-Sheikh you are strongly discouraged from using any other means of transportation besides air travel to arrive and depart.<\/p>\n Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Red Sea coastal resorts such as Hurghada and to the Upper Egypt cities of Luxor and Aswan.<\/p>\n Pay particular attention to local conditions if you are visiting Upper Egypt and the historic sites of the Nile Valley. Although tourist sites continue to operate, the Upper Nile Valley between Beni Suef and Aswan has seen a greater incidence of strikes, road blockages and civil unrest than the coastal resorts. Feuds between clans, some with a religious aspect, are becoming more commonplace and can turn violent quickly. You may find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Travel in large groups and by organized transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities, hotels and tour guides if you are travelling to rural areas.<\/p>\n The security situation in the Sinai in the areas bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip remains extremely dangerous as the Egyptian military is currently engaged in military operations against terrorists in the region. Road blockades by unsanctioned groups as well as kidnappings, robberies and carjackings by armed groups and terrorists have been reported in many areas of the Sinai. You are discouraged from visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery or taking any other day trips from Sharm El-Sheikh as attacks and roadblocks have occurred outside of Sharm El-Sheikh city limits.<\/p>\n Egyptian Security Forces in the Sinai have elevated their level of alert due to terrorist attacks.<\/p>\n Reports indicate that explosions near police stations in various parts of Cairo on January 24, 2014 resulted in a few deaths and dozens of injuries. Exercise a high degree of caution, closely monitor local media and minimize movements around the city for the time being. You should particularly avoid police stations, security installations and government buildings, as well as all crowds and demonstrations.<\/p>\n In the past, terrorist attacks have occurred at tourist locations and elsewhere throughout the country. The threat of more attacks remains, and there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Monitor local developments and exercise caution, especially in commercial establishments, government facilities, public areas, tourist sites, the vicinity of churches and mosques at the time of religious services, and other areas frequented by foreigners.<\/p>\n There has been an increase in incidents of kidnapping in Egypt since the beginning of 2012. In the area of greater Cairo and the Nile Delta, there have been several incidents of kidnappings and\/or carjackings involving individuals or their children. In these areas, locals are generally targeted and there have been no reports of foreigners being implicated. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.<\/p>\n Serious crimes have been on the increase in Egypt in the wake of the January 2011 unrest. In addition to the increased threat of kidnapping (see above), carjackings have become much more commonplace. Sports utility vehicles are typically targeted. Although isolated areas and night driving present the greatest threat, there have been reported incidents in daylight hours and in busy areas of Cairo. Assailants are likely armed, and a variety of tactics may be used to get vehicles to stop, including throwing objects at the windshield, feigning a traffic accident or a minor collision with the target vehicle, or “sandwiching” the target vehicle and forcing it off the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, do not resist as carjackers are typically after the vehicle and, if the carjacking is successful, will leave the driver unharmed.<\/p>\n Petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing occurs, especially in tourist locations and on the metro. Anecdotal evidence suggests that crime is increasing, particularly property crime such as theft and robbery. Ensure personal belongings are secure and respect any advice or instructions from local security authorities. Women, particularly foreign women, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls and touching. Please consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel<\/a><\/span> for more information.<\/p>\n Unexploded landmines remain a risk in some desert and coastal areas, notably the Mediterranean shore, the Western Desert, the Sinai Peninsula and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Known minefields are not marked by signs, but may be enclosed by barbed wire. Seek local advice, especially if travelling off-road.<\/p>\n Road conditions are often poor and the rate of vehicular accidents is one of the highest in the world. Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive.<\/p>\n Use vehicles and drivers from reputable travel agencies.<\/p>\n Avoid microbuses because of hazardous driving habits.<\/p>\n Taxis and the metro are considered the safest means of travel. Most taxis do not have working meters, and back seats are rarely equipped with seat belts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver.<\/p>\n Rail travel is generally safe between Alexandria and Cairo; however, safety standards vary throughout the rest of Egypt. In the past, protesters have blocked railways, causing deadly accidents. Exercise a high degree of caution.<\/p>\n Accidents have occurred on ferries because of overcrowding and poor safety standards. Use reputable ferry operators.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Sharks are present in the waters off Egypt. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. The Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Water Sports<\/a><\/span> provides updates on closures and diving conditions in Egypt. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities.<\/p>\n Crossing the border between Egypt and Israel is strongly discouraged at this time. The status of all crossing points can be verified prior to arrival with the Egyptian Embassy in Israel or the Israeli Embassy in Egypt. Cross-border movement regulations and restrictions are subject to change at any time and are the prerogative of the responsible authorities.<\/p>\n The Rafah border crossing point to Gaza, which had been closed since June 2007, was reopened in May 2011. However, the border has been subject to sporadic closures since then. The entry and exit of people remain controlled by border authorities in both Egypt and Gaza. Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against all travel in this area due to ongoing military operations against terrorists. Consult local authorities and refer to the travel advice for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip for further information.<\/p>\n Beyond the provision of a travel document (the passport), the Canadian government does not facilitate the crossing of borders by private citizens. It is the citizen's responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country where they wish to travel, in most cases either through application for a visa or simply by going to a point of entry. Authorities at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza have sometimes requested a letter or witnessed declaration from the Canadian Embassy as a requirement to cross the border. The Embassy is unable to provide such letters given the foregoing and you should avoid all travel to Gaza. The Canadian government has very limited ability to provide consular services to Canadians in the Gaza Strip and once in Gaza it can be difficult to leave.<\/p>\n Although most tourist sites are open, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe than it was before the events of January 2011. There is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled.<\/p>\n Egypt has a special police force to assist tourists. Officers, who wear a distinctive arm band saying “Tourist and Antiquities Police”, can be found in hotels and at tourist sites.<\/p>\n Carry identification at all times. Photocopy your passport and other identification in case of loss or seizure.<\/p>\n Dial 122 for police.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Official passport holders (special and diplomatic) must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page as they are subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Egypt, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Egypt.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Egypt.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required A tourist visa may be purchased at the airport upon arrival. However, you should obtain your visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before arrival to avoid lengthy delays or the possibility of being refused entry. All other visas must be obtained from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before arrival.<\/p>\n If you intend to stay for more than one month and have obtained a visa from an Egyptian embassy abroad, a 30-day visa will be stamped in your passport regardless of the visa previously granted. You are responsible for renewing this visa. Visas of longer duration can be obtained at the immigration section in the Mogamma building, Tahrir Square, Cairo.<\/p>\n You must show proof of an entry stamp in your valid passport at the point of departure. An exit stamp cannot be obtained without proof of entry and you will be denied exit.<\/p>\n If you have entered the country with a Canadian passport and have obtained a new passport while in Egypt, you must present the new passport to the Egyptian immigration authorities at the Mogamma building to ensure that the entry stamp is transferred into the new passport. These requirements also apply to newborns and dual citizens.<\/p>\n If a child is born in Egypt to a Canadian parent, a data stamp proving that the child was born in Egypt has to be added to the child's Canadian passport before the child can exit the country. Since there will be no entry stamp in the child's passport, the data stamp is obtained at the immigration section in the Mogamma building by submitting the child's birth certificate along with the Canadian passport. Parents are advised to contact the Embassy of Canada as soon as possible to apply for citizenship and a passport for their child so as not to further delay what can be a lengthy process.<\/p>\n If you are contemplating onward travel to other Arab countries, bear in mind that Canadians have been denied entry because their passports bore: (a) an Israeli visa; (b) an Israeli border stamp; or (c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate you entered from Israel).<\/p>\n If you are travelling in the Middle East, your passport could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities and the authenticity of your passport could be questioned because of suspicion of possible misuse. Contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.<\/p>\n Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n All foreigners planning to study, work or train in Egypt for longer than one month will be required to undergo testing for human immunodeficiency virus. Egyptian immigration authorities in the Mogamma building provide information on this procedure upon application.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThere is a risk of polio<\/a> in this country. Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up-to-date.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Regional Advisory for the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El-Sheikh)<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
Regional Advisory for the Port Said, Suez and Ismailia<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
Coastal resorts <\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"Civil Unrest<\/h3>\n
Sinai Peninsula coastal resorts<\/h3>\n
Red Sea and Upper Egypt coastal resorts<\/h3>\n
Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El-Sheikh) (see Advisory)<\/h3>\n
Terrorism<\/h3>\n
Kidnapping<\/h3>\n
Crime<\/h3>\n
If you are a victim of crime, report it to the Tourist Police or at any nearby police station as soon as possible. Request a copy of the police report at the time the report is made. Failure to report the crime while in Egypt makes it much more difficult to seek prosecution.<\/p>\nWomen's safety<\/h3>\n
Landmines<\/h3>\n
Transportation<\/h3>\n
Scuba diving \/ aquatic activities<\/h3>\n
Borders<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Egyptian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt<\/a><\/span> and its consulates<\/a><\/span> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\nPassport<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required<\/p>\nEntry \/ exit stamps<\/h3>\n
Regional travel<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Health entry requirements<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Polio<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>