FCO Travel Advice for - Egypt

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  • The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity. See North Sinai.

  • The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of (i) the Red Sea Resorts including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; (ii) road travel between these resorts; and iii) transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh. See South Sinai.

  • 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.

  • Egyptian Armed Forces and Ministry of Interior declared a state of 'High Alert' in Sinai on Saturday 9 March 2013 following reports that Jihadist groups might conduct terrorist attacks against the army and security forces in North and South Sinai.

  • 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. See Political and security situation.

  • There has been an enhanced security presence in the Governorates of Port Said, Suez and Ismalia since violent clashes between protestors and police in January 2013. The clashes followed verdicts in the trails of some of those implicated in violence at a football match in Port Said in February 2012. There have been further clashes in Port Said and elsewhere in the Canal Governorates since 3 March resulting in several deaths and injuries.

  • 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 2011, the FCO handled 20 cases of sexual assault and 6 cases of rape in Egypt. See Crime and Consular assistance statistics.

  • 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.

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