internationalsos.com - Press releases

Holding statement: International SOS activates crisis team due to the ongoing anti-government protests

International SOS, the world's leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance, and concierge services company, is providing advice and emergency assistance to its members based in Egypt.

In wake of the recent anti-government protests in Egypt, International SOS activated a crisis management team in London with direct support from its Dubai, Philadelphia and other alarm centers. The team, comprising medical, security, aviation and logistics experts, has secured evacuation assets and providers and is currently preparing action plans that anticipate the fluid nature of the situation in Egypt. Also, this team is cascading critical information and advice to the other 24/7 alarm centers so they can help members locally who may have travelers, students or others in Egypt.

International SOS has also deployed a team to three strategic locations in Egypt. This team includes logistical experts and security specialists, who are part of a joint venture between International SOS and Control Risks, one of the world's leading security risk management consultancies. These specialists are on hand to assist members and provide on-the-ground intelligence. 

Travel security email alerts have been sent to clients advising of the situation along with analysis and travel and emergency advice. In addition, subsequent alerts will be sent highlighting the impact of the events and emerging safety and security issues.
Political protests, most recently in Tunisia, have demanded on-the-ground security intelligence, advice and services for International SOS and Control Risks clients.

Travel Advice to our Members
International SOS and Control Risks are closely observing the state of affairs in Egypt and updating clients with travel advice regularly to assist them with preparing and responding to the situation. A special advisory has been issued to members through email and secure website that includes the following advice:

- Defer all non-essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor (Luxor governorate), Suez and other major urban centers until the situation stabilizes.

For Personnel in country:

• Remain in a secure location if it is safe to do so and wait for the situation to stabilize.
• The security environment is prone to rapid and unpredictable localized deterioration, rendering road movement potentially hazardous. If road movement is unavoidable, use stringent journey planning and management and depart only if you are confident that your route is clear.
• There is a credible risk of further violent anti-government protests, particularly in Cairo. Avoid all gatherings because of the credible risk of violence; do not stop to watch or photograph them. If a crowd or large group of security personnel begins to gather, vacate the area immediately. In the unlikely event of a confrontation with local nationals, do nothing to resist or antagonize your assailants.
• Be aware that the security forces' sensitivities may be heightened at this time. Do not cross military or police cordons without the express permission of the authorities and treat members of the security forces you encounter with patience and respect. Carry photographic identification and follow all instructions promptly.
• In this period of uncertain telecommunication services, personnel should plan overland travel carefully, ensuring that they have sufficient fuel and support in the event of a vehicle breakdown or security incident. Travelers should prearrange a check-in procedure to confirm arrival at their destination.
• Personnel wishing to leave Egypt by air should be confident in their journey management plans for transfer to the airport and should allow additional time for road movement and check-in procedures.
• International flight connections and domestic transfers via Cairo are still possible; travelers should check for delays with their airlines before traveling.
• Stay abreast of and observe curfew hours; be aware that these may change with little or no notice.
• Monitor developments closely via the international news media and local contacts prior to and during your stay. Utilize all available resources (hotel staff, local colleagues, hosts etc). Register with your embassy and ensure that you receive regular updates prior to and during your visit.
• If you encounter violence, where possible to do so safely, return to your accommodation immediately and remain there until the situation stabilizes.
• Be aware of and plan for the authorities imposing temporary media, power and telecommunication blackouts.
• Several foreign governments have put travel warnings in place; travelers undertaking essential travel should confirm that their travel insurance remains valid.
• Personnel should plan overland travel carefully, ensuring sufficient fuel supplies and support in the event of a vehicle breakdown or security incident. Travelers should pre-arrange a check-in procedure to confirm arrival at their destination.

Note: This travel security advice continually gets updated as the situation evolves. Kindly check the members' website to ensure you have the latest information.