State Department issues travel alert for Egypt

A general view of thousands of Egyptians gathered in Tahrir Square to mark the one year anniversary of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. / AP Photo

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in Tahrir Square to mark the one year anniversary of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 25, 2012.

/ AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo

(CBS News) WASHINGTON -  The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert on Thursday warning Americans traveling to and living in Egypt of  "the continuing possibility of sporadic unrest."

The alert comes in advance of Egypt's first round of presidential elections May 23 and 24, with a possible second round in mid June. Egypt's next president is scheduled to take office by June 30, at the latest.

The warning says "political rallies and demonstrations are likely to occur in the period leading up to and following the elections and during the drafting of a new constitution."

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Over the last year, demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square and around the country have seen violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in some deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. Several Americans have been arrested during the protests.

The U.S. Department of State "strongly urges 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."

It also warns "should security forces block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, Americans "should not attempt to come to the Embassy."

U.S. citizens are advised to remain alert to the local security developments, carry identification and a working cell phone.

The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm.

This travel alert  takes the place of previous warnings from November 7, 2011 and is due to expire on June 30.

[Molly-Pchr]

Surprise, surprise.

[oberiomena]

I have just arrived back from a holiday in Cairo and then a nile cruise.During our stay in Cairo we visited the Giza pyramids,the Cairo Museum,the market place Khan Kihili,Sukkara pyramids and Memphiss.I saw or felt no hostility whatsoever during my stay even when we visited the museum which is right next to tahir Square and cannot understand the reasoning behind this latest warning.It simply is not the case.I have felt more intimedated in Florida whilst on holiday.all these warnings are doing is destroying the lives of many Eygptians who depend on tourism.So leave them alone or tell the truth.

[stormerF69]

What do you mean? Hillary and Obama just gave them 1.5 Billion in Tax Dollars why is it now we can not go there? Maybe Obama is a Muslim? Something in the cream is not clean.

[MSquared66]

The U.S. didn't "give" Egypt 1.5B the U.S. gave Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and other weapons manufacturers continued Billions in weaponry that is to be used against the Egyptian people by the SCAF. The amount of actual "aid" given to Egypt is so miniscule and insignificant in this equation to matter. Americans (of which I am one) should stop being surprised when people who are tear gassed, shot and drove over by tanks stamped with "made in USA" on them. We (the U.S.) chose strategic interests over human rights. Siding with the oppressor with never lead to peace. the only reason the money went through is due to an election year and the overly influential AIPAC who are destroying america by protecting Israel's agenda (which is insane) over our own.

[stormerF69]

Msquare,..If they gave the money to be used by Egypts Military,they gave the money to Egypt,DUH!