Safety and Security Considerations for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders in Egypt

1. What is the current status of U.S. citizens’ and green card holders’ rights to travel to Egypt?

As of October 2020, U.S. citizens and green card holders are permitted to enter Egypt, but they must present a negative COVID-19 test result from an accredited laboratory taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Travelers must also register on the official Ministry of Health website prior to arrival. It is important to note that all travelers arriving in Egypt must adhere to strict quarantine regulations for a period of 14 days.

2. How does the government of Egypt protect the safety and security of U.S. citizens and green card holders?

The government of Egypt is committed to protecting the safety and security of U.S. citizens and green card holders. The Embassy of the United States in Cairo maintains a close working relationship with the government of Egypt. The government of Egypt is responsible for providing security for U.S. citizens and green card holders, with the help of Egypt’s Ministry of Interior, Central Security Forces, and other security bodies. Additionally, U.S. citizens may register their presence in Egypt through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. citizens to receive important messages about safety and security from the Embassy in Cairo. The Embassy also provides emergency services for U.S. citizens, including medical care, legal advice, and assistance during emergencies.

3. Are there any relevant laws that U.S. citizens and green card holders must abide by when visiting Egypt?

Yes, U.S. citizens and green card holders must abide by certain laws when visiting Egypt. It is important to keep in mind that the laws of the host country must be respected. A few important laws to know include:

-It is illegal to take photographs of military or government buildings without prior permission.
-It is illegal to carry more than 200 cigarettes or two litres of alcohol into the country.
-It is also illegal to bring in any form of drug or psychotropic substance into the country.
-It is illegal to import any type of arms or ammunition into the country without prior permission from the Ministry of Interior.
-It is illegal to engage in any kind of missionary activities or evangelism in Egypt.

4. What is the overall crime rate of Egypt and how does it compare to other countries?

The overall crime rate in Egypt is relatively low compared to other countries. According to 2016 data from the International Crime Victims Survey, Egypt had a total crime rate of 14.5 per 100,000 people. This is much lower than the global average of 37.2 per 100,000 people. Egypt also had a lower rate of violent crime than most other countries in the world, with only 4.3 cases of violent crime per 100,000 people.

5. What kind of emergency response infrastructure is in place in Egypt in case of disasters or other emergencies?

Egypt has a comprehensive emergency response infrastructure in place to respond to disasters and other emergencies. This includes a network of civil defence centres and fire stations, which are supported by 1,000 fire engines and more than 500 ambulances. There is also an extensive system of early warning systems which monitor seismic activity, floods and other potentially hazardous events. Additionally, a centralised disaster management authority has been established to coordinate the response to any major emergencies.

6. How safe is it for U.S. citizens and green card holders to walk around public areas during the day and night in Egypt?

It is generally considered safe for U.S. citizens and green card holders to walk around public areas during the day and night in Egypt. However, visitors should exercise caution as crime and harassment are still prevalent in some areas. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night and to avoid traveling to areas that are known for criminal activity. Additionally, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and be respectful of local customs and laws.

7. How reliable are the police services in Egypt when it comes to protecting U.S. citizens and green card holders from crime?

The reliability of police services in Egypt in protecting U.S. citizens and green card holders from crime varies depending on the location. In general, police services are known to be more reliable in major cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor where more attention is paid to visitors. However, in rural and less populated areas, police presence is not always reliable and incidents of crime can occur. It is important for those visiting Egypt to exercise caution and take steps to ensure their own safety.

8. Are there any terrorist or extremist organizations operating in Egypt that might threaten the safety and security of U.S. citizens and green card holders?

Yes, there are a number of terrorist and extremist organizations operating in Egypt that could potentially threaten the safety and security of U.S. citizens and green card holders. These include al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and other affiliated militant groups such as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (ABM). Additionally, some militant groups have recently been gaining strength in the Sinai Peninsula, such as Wilayat Sinai, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. It is important to be aware of these threats and to exercise caution when traveling to Egypt.

9. How vulnerable are U.S. citizens and green card holders to cybercrime when visiting or living in Egypt?

U.S. citizens and green card holders visiting or living in Egypt are vulnerable to cybercrime, as they are susceptible to the same types of attacks that affect all computer and internet users. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using technology while in Egypt, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks. U.S. citizens should also be mindful of the fact that many websites and online services are blocked in Egypt, including those related to social media, news, and streaming services. Additionally, many online activities such as banking and shopping should be done over a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). Taking extra precautionary measures such as using strong passwords and two-factor authentication will also help to protect U.S. citizens from cybersecurity threats while in Egypt.

10. Is there a system in place for reporting hate crimes against U.S citizens or green card holders in Egypt?

Yes, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo has a system for reporting hate crimes against U.S. citizens or green card holders in Egypt. The embassy’s American Citizen Services website provides information about how to report a hate crime, including instructions for filling out the appropriate forms and providing contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.

11. Are there any restrictions on owning firearms or other weapons when in Egypt as a U.S citizen or green card holder?

Yes, there are restrictions on owning firearms or other weapons when in Egypt as a U.S citizen or green card holder. U.S citizens and green card holders are not allowed to purchase or own firearms, ammunition, explosives or any other weapon without a special permit issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

12. Are there any restrictions on bringing personal items such as prescription drugs, cameras, or electronics into Egypt as a U.S citizen or green card holder?

Yes, there are restrictions on bringing personal items into Egypt for U.S. citizens and green card holders. The Egyptian government has placed restrictions on certain items, such as prescription drugs, cameras, and some electronics. All prescription drugs must be accompanied by a valid prescription and should not exceed the quantity needed for the duration of the stay in Egypt. Cameras and other electronic items may be subject to inspection and may need to be registered with customs officials upon entry. Additionally, any commercial or professional equipment, such as video cameras, must be declared upon entry and should have proper permits.

13. Are there any health risks that U.S citizens and green card holders should be aware of when visiting or living in Egypt?

Yes, there are some health risks that U.S citizens and green card holders should be aware of when visiting or living in Egypt. travelers to Egypt should be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies. Additionally, travelers should take basic precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. There is also an increased risk of contracting avian influenza (bird flu) in Egypt. To reduce the risk of this type of infection, travelers should avoid contact with live poultry and other birds. Finally, travelers should also be aware of the risk of contracting Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Egypt.

14. Does Egypt have policies in place to protect vulnerable populations such as women, children, LGBTQ individuals, or people with disabilities from violence or abuse?

Yes, Egypt has laws and policies in place to protect vulnerable populations such as women and children from violence and abuse. According to the United Nations, in 2019 Egypt passed a law criminalizing female genital mutilation and has established a national strategy to combat violence against women. Additionally, the country has enacted laws to protect children from abuse and exploitation, as well as laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Egypt also has laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, education, and other areas of society.

15. Are there any policies or programs available to help support victims of crime who are U.S citizens or green card holders in Egypt?

Unfortunately, there are currently no specific policies or programs available to help support victims of crime who are U.S citizens or green card holders in Egypt. However, the US Embassy in Cairo provides assistance to US citizens who are victims of crime. This includes providing information on local police and medical facilities, assistance with replacing lost passports, and providing referrals to local counselors and support groups.

16. Is it safe for U.S citizens and green card holders to use public transportation while visiting or living in Egypt?

Yes, it is generally safe for U.S citizens and green card holders to use public transportation while visiting or living in Egypt. However, visitors should be aware that pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, and should take necessary precautions to protect their belongings. It is also advisable for visitors to avoid traveling in isolated areas and at night.

17. Are there any laws in place that protect victims of domestic violence who are U.S citizens or green card holders living in Egypt?

Yes, there are. Egyptian laws protect victims of domestic violence. According to the United Nations Population Fund, Egypt has introduced a number of laws to protect victims of domestic violence, including the Domestic Violence Law 144/2006, as well as the Penal Code’s articles related to domestic violence. Additionally, U.S citizens or green card holders living in Egypt may report instances of domestic violence to the appropriate U.S consulate or embassy in Egypt, which will provide consular assistance and can refer victims to local resources for assistance.

18. What rights do U.S citizens and green card holders have if they are arrested while visiting or living in Egypt?

U.S citizens and green card holders who are arrested while visiting or living in Egypt have the right to contact their home country’s embassy or consulate. They are also entitled to legal representation in accordance with Egyptian law. They may request contact with their family and friends, and they have the right to a fair and timely trial.

19. Is the water supply safe for drinking for U.S citizens and green card holders living in Egypt?

No, the water supply in Egypt is not safe for drinking by U.S citizens and green card holders. The US Embassy in Cairo recommends that they drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled.

20. Are there any special safety measures that should be taken by U.S citizens and green card holders while traveling within Egypt?

Yes, U.S citizens and green card holders should take special safety measures while traveling within Egypt. It is advised to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, exercise caution when visiting religious sites, and avoid photographing military installations, personnel, and religious buildings. Additionally, it is advised to keep a low profile, register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate upon arrival, and maintain vigilance when using ATMs or credit cards.