Egypt Unrest – MFAT Media Update

2.20 pm - 1 February 2011

• The unrest and demonstrations in Egypt continue. Looting and vandalism are the main threats to security in Egypt at present. Further large demonstrations are likely over the next 24 hours.
• All NZers currently in Egypt are advised to stay indoors throughout the day and night unless they have confirmed departure arrangements in place and it is safe for them to travel to the airport.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to advise against all travel to Egypt due to the extreme risk to security. Visit www.safetravel.govt.nz for the full advisory.

Advice for New Zealanders in Egypt

• New Zealanders wanting to depart Egypt should register with the New Zealand Embassy (+20 101 061 163) in Cairo so consular staff based at the airport can facilitate departure from Egypt, if required.
• Mass demonstrations are expected throughout Egypt on Tuesday 1 February. All New Zealanders currently in Egypt are advised to stay indoors throughout the day and night unless they have confirmed departure arrangements in place and it is safe for them to travel to the airport. Curfews should be observed and you will need to check in for flights five hours before departure.
• New Zealanders in Egypt are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the safetravel website - www.safetravel.co.nz
• New Zealanders with friends and family in Egypt should attempt to make contact with them directly in the first instance and if there are serious concerns about their safety they should contact MFAT on 04 439 8000.

General Update

• 299 New Zealanders registered with MFAT as being in Egypt
• The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo is open and operating 24/7 to assist New Zealanders.
• Embassy staff are at Cairo International Airport providing assistance to New Zealanders.
• International flights are continuing out of Cairo, and some carriers do have spare capacity. Long delays and cancellations are occurring and some passengers are experiencing issues with reliability of bookings.
• New Zealand is closely coordinating with Australia, the UK, Canada around evacuation planning, and on-the-ground at Cairo International Airport.
• Embassy staff are in contact with registered New Zealanders. Communications at times are hampered by intermittent outages.

A further update will be issued this evening – prior if there is major new information

ENDS

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