The British government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued the following travel advice regarding Egypt.
“In view of the continued unrest in Egypt, the FCO recommends against all but essential travel to Egypt except for resorts on the Red Sea in South Sinai and those resorts on the Egyptian mainland in Red Sea governorate.
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The FCO advise against all travel to parts of the country. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to parts of the country. |
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity.
British Nationals who are currently not in Egypt:
In view of the continued unrest in Egypt, the FCO recommends against all but essential travel to Egypt except for resorts on the Red Sea in South Sinai and those resorts on the Egyptian mainland in Red Sea governorate.
In the governorate of South Sinai the FCO advise against all but essential travel, with the exception of (i) the Red Sea Resorts including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; (ii) the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site; (iii) road travel between the Red Sea resorts; (iv) road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east; and (v) transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh. See South Sinai and Road travel.
British Nationals in-country already in Egypt:
Although we are not recommending immediate departure at the moment, British Nationals already in Egypt in areas where we advise against all but essential travel should consider whether they have a pressing need to remain. While in Egypt they should stay at or close to home or a place of safety (e.g. their hotel), keep a low profile and pay close attention to their personal safety, particularly in the larger cities. They should take particular care to avoid crowds. The situation is changeable and they should continue to watch our travel advice closely.
We are not advising against the use of Cairo airport as a transit stop providing you do not leave the airport grounds.
There is a high threat from terrorism. Although security is tight throughout the country, especially in resort areas, there remains a high risk of attacks which could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by foreigners. Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a threat of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. See Terrorism.
Demonstrations happen regularly across Egypt, often on Fridays. Some have been violent and resulted in deaths. Police may use tear gas for crowd control. You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. See Political and security situation.
A series of large protests are planned for Cairo, Alexandria and other Egyptian cities from 25 June onwards. Exercise caution at potentially sensitive locations such as government buildings, police stations, security directorates, political party offices, military barracks, the vicinity of Tahrir Square, the presidential palace and the Mokkatam area in Cairo. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks erected by demonstrators, or the security forces. Monitor travel advice updates and the local media for further information.
The atmosphere of these demonstrations can change quickly and without warning. Reports suggest that a few of those attending are armed and that arrests have been made of people intending to cause violence. A US citizen was killed in demonstrations in Alexandria on Friday 28 June. Press reporting suggests that he was stabbed after being seen to be filming the demonstration. Three people were reportedly shot dead at demonstrations in Assyut and one in Beni Souef on 30 June.
More than forty rapes and sexual assaults of Egyptian and foreign women were reported at demonstrations on 30 June.
Some press reporting suggests that some of those demonstrating in Tahrir Square and elsewhere are hostile and suspicious of any foreigners present.
If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately
Around one million British nationals visit Egypt every year. Most visits are trouble-free. Most consular cases occur in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh. In 2012, the FCO handled 23 cases of sexual assault and 6 cases of rape in Egypt.
You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is usually sufficient.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.”
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
