sample atsb - egypt, sharm al-sheikh (hesh)

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Copyright © Travel Security Services Limited 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without the prior consent of the Company. Travel Security Services Limited (‘the Company’) endeavors to ensure the accuracy of all information supplied. Advice and opinions given represent the best judgment of the Company but, subject to section 2 (1) Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, the company shall in no case be liable for any claims, or special, inci-dental or consequential damages, whether caused by the Company's negligence (or that of any member of its staff) or in any other way.

www.medaire.com www.controlrisks.com

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Sample only - not to be used to assess current risk

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AVIATION TRAVEL SECURITY BRIEF This brief complements the medical and security information available to clients through the MedAire.com portal and Trip Ready App. Clients are encouraged to

review current travel advisories and sign up for location specific push notification alerts (medical and security) through the portal. For additional questions or

assistance at any time please contact MedAire 24/7: +1 602-281-3330.

AVIATION INFORMATION

Security Personnel GOOD: 24/7 security forces. Airport of Entry Yes.

Security Features GOOD: complete fencing, lighted

aprons, competent security forces, fire station.

International Standard Manages according to

international standards; Egypt officially evaluated by ICAO.

Runway Specs. 04R/22L: 10,108x148ft. @ 143ft. 04L/22R: 10,108X148ft. @ 143ft. RWY and RMP: good condition.

Hours of Ops 24/7.

Ground Handling

Slot not required, handling not required; Multiple ground handlers

available. Airport Contacts

Admin: +20 69 360 1145 Info: +20 69 360 1140

Authority: +20 69 360 03003 www.ehcaan.com

AIRPORT NAME Sharm al-Sheikh Int’l Airport CITY RISK RATING MEDIUM

AIRPORT IDENTIFIER ICAO: HESH, IATA: SSH MEDICAL RATING HIGH

AIRPORT LOCATION Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt COUNTRY RATING MEDIUM

PREPARED BY Jaime Beran LOCAL EMERGENCY #s Police 122, Fire 180

http://www.ehcaan.com/sharm.aspx

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AVIATION SUMMARY Egypt has been assessed by the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through their International Aviation Safety Audit (IASA) program and has been rated as Category 1, allowing air carriers from Egypt to operate to the US. Additionally, Egypt has no significant safety concerns (SSCs) and no operational restrictions with regard to European airspace. Overall, airport security levels in Egypt are above world averages and in line with developed countries.

Airport Summary Serving the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, Sharm al-Sheikh International Airport is the country’s third busiest international airport. It is also a major tourist destination on Egypt’s Red Sea with seasonal summer charter traffic from Europe and the CIS. Currently, the airport consists of two terminals and two runways. Airport facilities are modern, yet standard, and include free wireless internet, cafés, currency exchange desks, ATMs, and duty-free shops. There are multiple ground handlers available for hire to meet the needs of business and general aviation aircraft, crew, and passengers. The general aviation terminal offers BGA flights assistance through customs and immigration and provides an additional layer of security to aircraft, passengers and crew.

Airport Security The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for aviation development and supervision of civil aviation activities in Egypt, and works in cooperation with Egyptian Airports Holding Company (EAHC) to ensure security of the facility. The Federal Police authorities along with EAHC contracted security forces oversee security operations at the airport. There is a visible and strong security presence and several X-ray machines for baggage inspection. The airport boasts of being equipped with the latest explosive detection technology, the first to be used in Egyptian airports. Unfortunately, having excellent security procedures and scanning technology is almost meaningless if there is an insider threat which should be something to consider if operating to Sharm al-Sheikh International Airport.

Shortly after takeoff from Sharm al-Sheikh, Metrojet flight 7K9268 carrying 224 passengers and crew experienced an as of yet unknown catastrophic event causing the aircraft, an Airbus A321, to crash with no survivors on 31 October 2015. While at FL330 flight 7K9268 experienced an unknown catastrophic event originating from inside the aircraft as a result of a technical failure, volatile interaction of cargo, or willful act of hostility. The investigation is still ongoing and should it conclude that the cause of the crash was a willful act of hostility, it could mean that airport personnel at Sharm al-Sheikh were complicit in the crash.

For operations to this location we would advise extra precautions with consideration of airport personnel having access to the aircraft and anything that is brought on board (luggage, cargo, personal affects, provisioning, etc.). If leaving the aircraft overnight; locks, tags, and seals should be fully utilized and a thorough inspection performed by the flight crew completed prior to any movement. Everything brought on board should be closely scrutinized and all personnel with access to the aircraft should be constantly monitored by the flight crew.

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Airport Security (Continued) As a result of the Metrojet flight 7K9268 crash numerous flight suspensions have been enacted by individual governments and or airlines. British and Irish authorities have suspended flights between their countries and Sharm al-Sheikh, while France has halted all direct services between the country and the Egyptian city. Also, Eurowings, a subsidiary of German carrier Lufthansa, has suspended flights to and from Sharm al-Sheikh. Russian authorities have announced that all flights operated by Russian airlines to and from Egypt have been suspended indefinitely. Meanwhile, Danish, Dutch, Finnish and Norwegian carriers will not be serving Sharm al-Sheikh International Airport until further notice.

Well-maintained perimeter fencing with signage installed along the fence line.

Protective lighting that mitigates the risk of petty crime, such as theft or vandalism.

CCTV monitoring of entire installation along with gated and monitored access control points.

Secure areas of the installation and flight line require centrally managed security credentials. Well-trained and equipped security forces that conduct foot and mounted roaming patrols.

Threats to aircraft vary across Egypt. Aircraft are vulnerable upon ascent after take-off and descent while landing as they transition to and from higher altitudes and on the ground as airports remain a high profile target for militant groups. As such, we advise all civil aviation operations to the country to include comprehensive contingency plans. Considering the recent Egyptian Air Force airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets within Libya and aggressive stance the Egyptian military has taken against Islamist militants within its own border, increased Egyptian military operations and or exercises have the potential to impact civil aviation flight activity within Egyptian Airspace. We advise all civil aviation operators to monitor airport/airspace specific Notices-to-Airmen (NOTAMs) prior to departure. Please consult our Airspace Assessment for Egypt for additional information.

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TERRORISM The political upheaval and declining security infrastructure since Mubarak’s ousting and instability in neighboring Libya and the Gaza Strip has created an environment conducive to the development of Islamic extremist networks. North Sinai governorate has historically been a hub of militancy and a key route for arms-smuggling due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip and anti-government sentiment caused by the economic marginalisation of local residents. As a result, a number of groups inspired by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS) have been able to attract recruits in the region and are no longer confined to North Sinai governorate. Areas of the Western Desert, particularly those near the Libyan border, share many similarities with the Sinai Peninsula which also makes it attractive to militant groups. Sharm al-Sheikh is Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort city and, along with Dahab and other tourist sites, makes South Sinai a critical region for Egypt’s tourism industry. On one hand, this means that South Sinai and Sharm al-Sheikh specifically have a very large state security presence in place to protect those assets; however, on the other hand, it makes Sharm al-Sheikh a highly attractive target for Islamist militants like Sinai Province (SP), which is the Egyptian affiliate of IS based in North Sinai. This threat was most prominently demonstrated by the 2005 suicide car bombings in Sharm al-Sheikh which killed some 88 people and a similar attack in 2006 in nearby Dahab which killed 23. Since those attacks however, which precipitated a significant overhaul by the Egyptian government of the security presence in South Sinai, there have not been any successful terrorist attacks in Sharm al-Sheikh or the other resort areas of South Sinai Governorate. The one exception to this was a suicide bombing at the Egypt-Israel border town of Taba in February 2014 which killed 4 people. Taba is, however, on the border with North Sinai and the attack was carried out in the early stages of the escalation of violence in North Sinai. That escalation of violence has likewise prompted a renewed security effort in South Sinai in addition to the ongoing security operations to combat the insurgency in North Sinai. The risk of terrorism is higher in Sinai than elsewhere in Egypt because of the wider availability of weapons and explosives, arms smugglers' ties to Palestinian armed groups and the presence of Israeli tourists. While there is a potential presence of IS or other militant cells in South Sinai, their capabilities appear to be limited as South Sinai has not experienced the kind of continuous militant violence that other MEDIUM risk areas of Egypt have, where SP, Ajnad Misr, and violent elements of the deposed Muslim Brotherhood routinely carry out small-scale shootings, bombings and armed clashes, usually targeting government facilities and personnel. Several arrests were made in October-November 2012 associated with an alleged plot to attack resorts in Sharm al-Sheikh and other tourist sites on the Red Sea.

Personnel should ensure that their hotel has good levels of access control and security measures.

Reduce the amount of time spent in places that are most vulnerable in the event of a terrorist attack, such as hotel lobbies.

Egyptian Military Response Due to the increased threat of attack by Islamist militant groups, Egypt’s military has taken an aggressive stance in rooting out such extremists in the Sinai Peninsula, Western Desert, and even beyond its border.

15-16 February 2015: The Egyptian Air Force conducted airstrikes against Islamist militants in Derna (Libya). The airstrikes targeted locations of the Libyan-affiliate of the extremist IS group, which had earlier beheaded 21 kidnapped Egyptian Coptic Christians.

In response to the heightened threat of militancy across Egypt, President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi on 16 August 2015 approved an anti-terrorism law that gave the government additional powers to fight militancy. Unfortunately, such an aggressive stance led Egyptian security forces to accidently targeting a tourist convoy in the Western Desert during an anti-terrorism raid in September 2015, underscoring the HIGH security risks in the Western Desert and the presence of members of Islamic State-affiliated Sinai Province who are capitalizing on the security vacuum in the region.

13 September 2015: The Egyptian security forces accidentally killed 12 tourists travelling near the Bahariya oasis in the Western Desert during an anti-terrorism operation. The Egyptian Interior Ministry has claimed that the tourists and their guides were in the area illegally and launched an investigation.

Further airstrikes by the Egyptian Air Force against IS targets within Libya and even in the North Sinai and Western Desert are possible in the near term, as these areas are likely to remain battlegrounds between militants and security forces. Continued fighting in the Sinai Peninsula is likely to see IS-affiliated militants attempt to increase their presence in the Western Desert, where they have greater freedom of movement. Visitors should expect an increased security presence deployed along highways and in public areas throughout the country as a precautionary measure. Business travellers can mitigate the risks by avoiding crowded public areas and the vicinity of security posts and checkpoints.

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LODGING In general, we recommend booking hotels that meet international business class standards for security, cleanliness, and amenities. In most locations, hotels that meet these standards are branded international hotels. Branded international hotels often enforce a higher level of standards in each of their hotels throughout the world and are more likely to have desirable levels of security, amenities, and sanitation in less-developed countries.

There are a number of suitable facilities in Sharm al-Sheikh that meet these criteria. We advise you to seek out an internationally branded business-class hotel with robust security measures in place, including a 24/7 security presence, perimeter control - potentially including anti-ram vehicle barriers - entry screening for individuals and vehicles, as well as physical security measures, such as door locks and spy holes and working fire escapes. While we have not assessed any hotels in Sharm al-Sheikh and thus cannot recommend a specific hotel, there are a large number of such hotels in the city which are likely to have suitable security measures in place.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION Sharm al-Sheikh town and the resort of Naama Bay lie four miles (6km) apart from one another. Each resort is self-contained, with a broad array of accommodation, restaurants, and access to beach and reef.

From the airport: Taxis are the easiest way to reach the resort town. However, we recommend travellers pre-arranged airport transfer from their ground handling provider or hotel of choice prior to travel.

Taxis do not wait immediately outside the terminal, but visitors will be approached by taxi drivers if they walk across the car park in front of the arrivals hall.

Taxi drivers do not use meters and tend to overcharge foreigners. Personnel are advised to compare prices and negotiate fares in advance. Taxi drivers prefer to be paid in US dollars, euros or British pounds.

In the city centre:

Taxis are the easiest way to travel between Sharm al-Sheikh and Naama. They can be hailed from the streets.

Business visitors are advised against driving themselves as roads are often in poor condition, driving standards are low and the accident rate is high.

If it is essential to drive, hire a car and driver from a reputable organization, because many Egyptian vehicles are badly maintained. Insurance cover (preferably with a foreign company) is essential.

International car-hire companies such as Avis, Europcar and Sixt operate in the city.

Buses provide services to most parts of the city, but can be crowded.

Most hotels run a shuttle bus from the hotel to the beach or city centre.

Sharm al-Sheikh is compact and easy to get around on foot at any time. Roads are well-signed.

SOCIAL UNREST Resentment of the government and security forces is widespread in the Sinai peninsula. The local Bedouin community alleges marginalisation and discrimination on the part of the authorities and periodically stages demonstrations. These events – which have become increasingly common since 2011 – can be extremely disruptive due to the imposition of roadblocks, while the prevalence of weapons heightens the risks posed to foreign nationals. Disaffected Bedouins with criminal motives or socio-economic grievances have staged protests at or temporarily occupied parts of coastal resorts, though such activities are unlikely to affect business-class hotels and the security forces are able to limit the capabilities of such groups. Protests over political issues are uncommon in Sharm al-Sheikh.

Please contact the aviation security team for additional questions or information.

CRIME Sharm al-Sheikh (South Sinai Governorate) is a MEDIUM travel security risk location, and we advise that normal travel can continue with security precautions. This is in contrast with North Sinai Governorate, which was upgraded to EXTREME risk on 27 October and where we advise travellers to defer all non-business-critical travel. In Sharm al-Sheikh, tight security measures limit criminal activity because of its significance as a tourist resort and venue for high-profile international conferences, despite increasing crime levels in the surrounding governorate of South Sinai. Nonetheless, personnel should take care against petty crime. Security is high in the entertainment and shopping areas of central Naama Bay and Old Sharm, where the main streets have been closed to traffic. There is a security checkpoint at the entrance of Old Sharm. The police are not conspicuous in the city centre. They wear a white uniform during summer and black during the winter. Officers are generally helpful and approachable, though few speak English. Business travellers are unlikely to find themselves in a situation where the police would seek baksheesh (bribe) from them. Visitors should take along a knowledgeable local when dealing with the police.

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE Although there are a number of well-trained, competent doctors in Egypt, many of whom have obtained post-graduate training in the US or Europe, the Egyptian medical system is still generally considered substandard. Nursing care in Egypt is also of a lower quality. All hospitals outside of Cairo should be avoided and only private hospitals in Cairo should be considered. In any event, we strongly advise immediately contacting MedAire’s 24/7 Global Response Center for advice and coordination of care should a medical emergency arise.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS All routine vaccinations should be current, these include: Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, and Varicella. Influenza occurs in the northern and southern hemisphere winters and year-round in the tropics. An annual vaccination is recommended.

For the most up-to-date vaccination requirements and recommendations, please visit the MedAire Client Portal (login required) or contact MedLink directly to discuss your specific requirements and recommendations with a medical professional.

Hepatitis A Recommended for all travellers and expatriates. Many travel health professionals recommend the hepatitis A vaccination regardless of destination.

Hepatitis B Recommended for all travellers and expatriates. Many travel health professionals recommend the hepatitis B vaccination regardless of destination.

Polio A booster is recommended. Although polio has not been recorded in this country for some time, there is a risk of polio importation from areas nearby. Vaccination is required for entry into Egypt for travellers from Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan and Syria.

Rabies Consider for certain travellers, especially long term visitors, children who tend to play with animals, and if contact with rabies carrying animals are likely. Jogging increases your risk of dog bite.

Typhoid fever Recommended for all travellers and expatriates.

Yellow fever Travellers entering Egypt are required to show a current vaccination certificate if they are > 9 months old and coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, or of they have transited for more than 12 hours in an airport in a risk country. Egyptian officials consider certificates valid for life.

All travellers who arrive from Sudan are required to show a current vaccination certificate or a location certificate issued by a Sudanese official center that states that they have not been in Sudan south of 15°N within the previous 6 days.

(Deciding whether to have a yellow fever vaccination is complex. Always discuss with your travel health professional well in advance of your trip. If vaccination is required by a country on your itinerary, you may need proof that you were given the vaccination at least 10 days before entering that country. The nation's official vaccination requirements for entering travellers are detailed above, though these may be implemented unevenly by immigration personnel on the ground.)

ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS Passport and visa requirements are subject to change and vary depending on the length of stay and visa type (business or tourist). Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your home country. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Please see the following page for additional information with respect to Entry & Exit Requirements.

Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required

Australia Yes Yes/1 No

United Kingdom Yes Yes/1 No

Canada Yes Yes/1 No

Europe Yes Yes/1 No

United States Yes Yes/1 No

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Emergency Contact Information: MedAire Assistance 24/7: +1 602-281-3330

Visas 1. Most foreigners entering Egypt can obtain an entry visa either from Egyptian diplomatic bodies abroad or directly at the

entry port. The authorities announced that obtaining a visa prior to arrival would become compulsory starting from 15 May 2015. However, the implementation of the measure has been delayed.

Travellers continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours and remaining in the airport do not require a visa to enter Egypt, provided they are holding confirmed onward tickets. Travellers continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours and remaining in the airport do not require a visa to enter Egypt, provided they are holding confirmed onward tickets. Travellers in possession of a residence permit to Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave Egypt and return within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. Visitors of Egyptian origin or married to an Egyptian are entitled to obtain multiple-entry visas free of charge. Visa costs vary significantly according to type and nationality (an average of US$25 in 2015). Business visas must be obtained at Egyptian diplomatic offices before arrival. Such applications must be submitted with a letter from the company stating reasons for the visit. Alternatively, many business visitors simply obtain tourist visas from their Egyptian consulate. Visa applications for some nationalities require approval from the Egyptian authorities, and this may take two to six weeks. Prospective travellers are advised to contact the relevant diplomatic mission for further details. Single- and multiple-entry visas are valid for six months from date of issue for a maximum stay of 60 days and 90 days respectively. Visas cannot be post-dated. Extensions are available from the ministry of foreign affairs in Cairo. Entry/Exit Requirements All visitors require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of issuance of the visa. An entry stamp must be obtained upon arrival, based on which an exit stamp is issued on departure; failure to obtain this may result in the denial of exit from the country. On arrival, personnel are required to declare cash amounts of more than $10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, quantities of cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, electronic goods such as laptop computers and cameras, and new clothes. Both foreign personnel and Egyptian nationals are required to complete a customs declaration form and declare the address of their accommodation. Local currency can be imported or exported up to a maximum of around $830. Satellite phones and radio communications equipment must have prior clearance, and may be confiscated by officials if this is not obtained. Procedures Visitors from all countries, except nationals of the EU and US, who intend to stay for more than a month must register with the police within one week of arrival in Egypt, though this service is normally undertaken by hotels. Failing to do so incurs a fine on departure. Visitors willing to stay more than a month on tourist visas must ask for a visa extension of up to three months. The procedure takes half a day and is currently done at the Mogamma government building in Tahrir square. Videotapes and magazines may be scrutinised. Do not take photographs at any airport. Electronic items declared on arrival must also be produced at the time of departure.

sample atsb - egypt, sharm al-sheikh (hesh)

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