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This Travel Alert was issued on August 18, 2005 to update security information about Egypt, including the Sinai, and alerts Americans to the potential for disruptive demonstrations leading up to the September 7 Egyptian elections. This Public Announcement supersedes the July 23, 2005 Public Announcement for Egypt and expires on November 15, 2005.

On August 15, in the vicinity of the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip, a small, improvised explosive device detonated near a Multinational Force Observers (MFO) vehicle, causing minor injuries to its occupants.   The day before, Egyptian authorities discovered a one-ton cache of explosives in El Arish, on the Mediterranean coast of the Sinai.  In addition, on August 13 an intercity bus was shot at along a road traversing the Sinai.

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On July 23, 2005, three bombs exploded in Sharm El Sheikh, at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 67, including one American, and injuring hundreds of Egyptians and some foreign tourists.  One vehicle penetrated the driveway security of a hotel and detonated in the lobby area.  Another car bomb exploded on a street in the old section of Sharm El Sheikh.  The third bomb was in a package or bag that exploded in a pedestrian area frequented by tourists. There is no indication that these attacks were directed at Americans, but they are widely regarded as targeting the Egyptian tourist industry.

In addition, in October 2004 a multi-story tourist hotel in Taba and two rustic seaside camps near Nuweiba by the Israeli border of the South Sinai were attacked by vehicular bombs.  Thirty-four people died, including one U.S. citizen.

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In Cairo, there were three unsophisticated attacks on crowded tourist destinations in April 2005.  On April 7, a lone suicide bomber killed three foreigners, including an American, at the Khan el-Khalili Market.   Several Americans were seriously injured in this incident.  Two related attacks at the end of the month targeting tourists near the Citadel and the Egyptian Museum were thwarted by Egyptian Authorities.  The only deaths in these two attacks were the perpetrators themselves, who were the remainder of the small terrorist cell responsible for the April 7 bombing.

In light of the terror attacks in Egypt over the past ten months, the U.S. Government continues to strongly urge all Americans resident in or traveling to Egypt to exercise caution.  Furthermore, Americans should avoid travel to the Sinai.  U.S. citizens should make decisions based on their personal safety and security considerations.  In addition to taking extra precautions in crowded tourist areas throughout Egypt, travelers are advised to read the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html for general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment.  Travelers should be acutely aware of their immediate surroundings and should particularly avoid suspicious packages, objects, or individuals in public places.  In the event of an incident, Americans should first take cover, and then depart the area of commotion immediately.

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Egyptians will go to the polls September 7 in the first contested multi-candidate Presidential election in Egypt's history, and will return to the polls for parliamentary elections to be scheduled in October and November.   In the run-up to the polls, political demonstrations have become more frequent.   While these events have been largely peaceful, there have been incidents of violence.  U.S. citizens are cautioned to be especially alert to the possibility of demonstrations as the date of the election nears.  U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations and obey all instructions given by Egyptian authorities.

U.S. citizens in Egypt are strongly urged to register and update their contact information at the U.S. Embassy or through the Department of State's Internet travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.   The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Latin America Street, Garden City, Cairo, telephone (20) 2 797-2301, after-hours telephone (20) 2 797-3300, website http://egypt.usembassy.gov.   Current information on travel and security in Egypt may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.  U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, available on the Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.

For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our specialists today.
info@worldwidemedicalplans.com
877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

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Haben Sie eine sichere Reise!
Abbia un viaggio sicuro!
ˇTenga un viaje seguro!
Ayez un voyage sűr!
Have a safe trip!