The United States Department of State has recommended that “ U.S. citizens should consider leaving Egypt as soon as they can safely do so, due to ongoing political and social unrest.” The February 6 travel warning replaces an earlier warning dated February 1 which recalled all non-emergency personnel. “Large-scale demonstrations with the potential for violence continue in several areas of the country, and there are periodic overland travel disruptions,” the warning continued. It strongly urged U.S. citizens to “avoid all demonstrations in Egypt, as even peaceful ones can quickly become violent and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse.” In terms of travel, the statement encouraged U.S. citizens to proceed to the airport and secure commercial passage out of the country, noting that the Cairo airport is open and commercial flights are also available from Luxor, Alexandria, and Aswan. However, U.S. government-chartered flights leaving Egypt have been discontinued. The statement also warned, “Do not wait for a reply from the embassy or the Department of State before traveling to the nearest airport; further delay is not advised.” BM
