Is it safe to travel to Egypt now? New warning from British government

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General

• In light of the ongoing demonstrations, we continue to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (all four governorates of Cairo, Giza, Helwan and 6 October), Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.  We recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means, where it is safe to do so.  We advise against non-essential travel to Luxor.  Essential transit by road between the port and airport in Luxor can take place during daylight hours.  British nationals should observe instructions and advice by local security authorities and avoid public gatherings and disturbances.
• If you are in other areas of Egypt where there have been disturbances, we recommend you follow the advice below and stay indoors wherever possible.   The situation in Sharm el Sheikh is currently being reported as calm.  However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly.  This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, although there is some disruption to flight schedules.
• The nationwide curfew  in place has been extended from 1500 to 0800 local time.  You must respect the curfew and listen for announcements about any changes to the curfew requirements. The internet is currently not working and mobile phone coverage is intermittent.   
• If you are travelling to, through or from Egypt, you are advised to check with your airline or tour operator to confirm your travel plans. You should not travel to the airport without having a confirmed flight.  British nationals in Egypt requiring assistance or advice can call 020 7008 0000 from the UK or (02) 2791 6000 in Egypt.  Airline and airport contact information is also available on the FCO website.
• Over the past week there have been violent demonstrations in Cairo and other locations across Egypt and particularly in central Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. The police have been using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. There have been a number of deaths.  There are also reports of gangs, sometimes violent, looting properties and shops in Cairo and Alexandria.  You should avoid these areas.  The situation is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should also avoid any political gatherings, demonstrations or large crowds and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities. We advise people in Cairo or other large cities to follow the news on TV and radio and not to go out in central Cairo or other areas where demonstrations are taking place.   See Safety and Security – Political Situation.
• Shortly after midnight on 01 January 2011 there was an explosion, believed to be from a suicide bomb, outside a Coptic Church in Alexandria. Reports state that at least 21 people were killed and over 80 were injured.  Following the explosion there have been demonstrations, some violent, in both Alexandria and Cairo.  We advise British nationals to avoid the area around the bomb attack and to exercise extra caution in the vicinity of churches particularly around the time of religious services. Security has been increased outside churches in both Cairo and Alexandria.  See Safety and Security – Terrorism. 
   
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants. See Safety and Security -Terrorism. 
   
• The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is open daily between 09:00 and 19:00 for humanitarian aid providers and those with prior clearance.   However, from Friday 24 December 2010, the crossing will close on local weekends (Friday and Saturday) and public holidays. See Safety and Security - Local Travel -  Border Areas. 
   
• 1,346,724 British Nationals visited Egypt in 2009 (Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. The majority of consular cases occur in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh. 
• The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should safeguard valuables including your passport and money.
• You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient. 
   
• Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly. See Local Laws and Customs. 
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance. 
  

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety and Security - Political Situation  
Egypt Country Profile 

We advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (includes all four governorates of Cairo, Giza, Helwan and 6 October), Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. We recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means.  We advise against non-essential travel to Luxor.  Essential transit by road between the port and airport in Luxor can take place during daylight hours.  British nationals should observe instructions and advice by local security authorities and avoid public gatherings and distrubances. 

If you are in other areas of Egypt where there have been disturbances, you are advised to follow the advice set out below and stay indoors wherever possible.  This advice does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, although there is some disruption to flight schedules.  The curfew in place across Egypt has been extended from 1500 to 0800 local time.  You must respect the curfew and listen for announcements about any changes to the curfew requirements.

If you are travelling to, through or from Egypt, you are advised to check with your airline or tour operator to confirm your travel plans.  You should not travel to the airport without having a confirmed flight.  British nationals in Egypt requiring assistance or advice can call 020 7008 0000 from the UK or (02) 2791 6000 in Egypt.

Over the past week there have been violent demonstrations in Cairo and other locations across Egypt, including Suez, North Sinai, Rafah, the Delta region and some areas of Upper Egypt, including Luxor.  The Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh is currently being reported as calm.  However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly. 

The police have been using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. There have been a number of deaths.  There are also reports of gangs, sometimes violent, looting properties and shops in Cairo and Alexandria.  There is no access to the pyramids at Giza, which have been closed for security reasons.    You should follow news on the TV and radio closely and stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people, public buildings or other sites which may become the focus of demonstrations, such as Tahrir Square in central Cairo. You should respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities and tour operators. 

The British Embassy in Cairo is located close to the main site of demonstrations in Cairo, making access difficult. If you intend to visit, please call the Embassy in advance to confirm that it is safe to do so, on (002)(02) 2791 6000.

The internet is currently not working and mobile phone coverage is intermittent. 

Click here for more general safety advice for visiting Egypt from the FCO.