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Reviewed 09 April 2009, 16:40 NZDT
Still current at:
08 November 2009
There is some risk to your security in Egypt due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution. There is the possibility of terrorist attacks at any time.
Egypt has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent years, including in tourist/landmark areas frequented by foreign visitors. On 22 February 2009 a bomb explosion outside the Khan el Khalili bazaar, a major tourist attraction in the centre of Cairo, killed one foreigner and injured a number of other people. In April 2006 in the resort town of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula, 23 people were killed and 60 people seriously injured following a series of explosions in the town centre. In April 2005, a series of bombings in Cairo, including at the Khan el Khalili bazaar, resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including seven foreigners. The popular Red Sea tourist destinations of Sharm El Sheikh and Taba were also the scene of major terrorist incidents on July 2005 and October 2004 respectively.
New Zealanders in Egypt are advised to be security conscious at all times and monitor the local media for information on potential threats to safety. We advise you to follow any advice issued by the local authorities and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent. Care should be taken in public and commercial areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, and shopping areas. Particular care should be exercised in the Sinai Peninsula and resort/landmark regions, especially over local long holiday weekends.
In September 2008 a number of tourists were kidnapped on the Egypt/Sudan border. They have since been released but the risk of kidnapping in the Sudan/Libya border region remains. The Rafah border crossing point with the Gaza strip is closed most of the time.
There are landmines in some desert and coastal areas. Travellers should seek advice from local authorities on landmine locations.
Piracy is an ongoing problem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. See the piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau for current information:
www.icc-ccs.org.
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Egypt to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Egypt should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance polices in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealand citizens travelling or resident in Egypt are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for the Middle East
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Contact details are
Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt
Telephone +202 2461 6000 Facsimile +202 2461 6099
Email: nzembcai@link.net
Website: www.nzembassy.com/egypt
Office Hours Sun-Thur 0900-1600 hrs
