Security Message for U.S. Citizens
As a reminder to the U. S. citizen community, awareness and understanding of crime aids in our ability to decrease the likelihood of being victimized. The majority of criminal incidents over the past couple years have been primarily related to purse snatchings and petty thefts such as pick-pocketing, as well as several incidents of sexual harassment/assault. More often than not these incidents have been carried out by young males often operating from a vehicle or motorcycle. Though much less frequent, incidents involving the use of a weapon during a street robbery have also been reported within the community.
Please see attached for some useful tips tio avoid criminal incidents.
Lastly, the U.S. Embassy would like to reiterate the importance of not taking pictures of police, military or their facilities. We have had multiple reports of foreigners – including diplomats – being detained for taking pictures of security personnel or their facilities, including checkpoints. The best guidance is, if you are not sure it fits the sensitive category of taking pictures related to security – then do not take it.
As a matter of general practice, U.S. citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Egypt are urged to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly.