Security authorities at Cairo International Airport denied a US diplomat access to the country without a visa in advance. Such unprecedented decision was taken after Egypt enforced the principle of reciprocity on US citizens. Official sources at Cairo Airport said the principle of reciprocity had not been previously applied to the Americans, as they have requested a period until the beginning of this year to inform all bodies concerned. The US diplomat was onboard a German plane coming from Frankfurt to work at the American embassy. He was sent back to the same plane.
In addition, a British with a diplomatic passport was also denied access to Egypt. The British diplomat, who was supposed to work in the British embassy, was returned to the same plane that carried him to Cairo. An official source at the US embassy in Cairo told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the embassy had informed the US State Department of the new Egyptian law on visas and advised all diplomats to obtain one before traveling to Egypt. The law of reciprocity was put into effect only two days ago, the source said, adding that the embassy will continue advising all US diplomats to observe the new law. "With the passing of time, everyone will be acquainted with the law" he added.
