Are you going on holiday to Egypt?

Egypt has just come out of the holy month of Ramadan and things are getting back to normal. There is a high threat from terrorism, demonstrated by three South Korean tourists and their driver who were killed in Taba (Sinai) on 16 February of this year. The group responsible has threatened further attacks. 

However in general Egypt remains a safe place to go on holiday as long as you are aware of the local nuances and what is going on in the country.

RPS advises against all travel to:

 

• the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity and recent terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths

With other places, RPS advises that you ask yourself - is it essential to go to the following places?

• the Governorates of Beni Suef, Minya, Asyut and Sohag
• the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes the airport and the areas of Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq
• within 50km of the border with Libya (excluding the town of Siwa)
• the desert areas in south-west Egypt, including the oases at Farafra, Dakhla and Bawati

Terrorism

Terrorists continue to plan attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur without prior warning. Terrorists could target protestors and the Egyptian authorities. Attacks have mainly been aimed at the security forces, their facilities and other government buildings. You should take great care near these buildings. Attacks targeting foreigners in tourist resorts and elsewhere can’t be ruled out, but the likelihood remains low at this time.

There were a number of explosions in Cairo on 25 June of this year, including at some Metro stations. There were reports of injuries. 

On 2 May 2014, there were bomb blasts in El Tor (Al Tur) in South Sinai targeting a police check point and a bus. On the same day there was an explosion outside a court building in Heliopolis in Cairo. There were a number of deaths and injuries.

Are you going to Sharm el Sheikh?

Enhanced security measures are in place to protect the Sharm el Sheikh resort areas.

Egyptian military are situated in Sharm el Sheikh international airport, at check points around the perimeter of Sharm el Sheikh and throughout the South Sinai Governorate. Routine security checks are being performed on entry into the airport and the police are carrying out vehicle checks in Sharm el-Sheikh.

There were no violent protests in the South Sinai resorts during recent disturbances in Egypt. Ensure you carry ID with you at all times and expect to be stopped routinely.

Going to Hurghada?

Enhanced security measures are in place to protect the resort areas in Hurghada. Egyptian military are situated in and around Hurghada international airport. There are checkpoints around Hurghada and throughout the Red Sea Governorate.

There are roadblocks in place in the town and monitoring of areas often frequented by tourists. In Hurghada on 14 August 2013 there were some violent clashes, in an area away from tourist resorts. One man was killed but ,there have been no incidents since.

Protests and demonstrations

There is an increased likelihood of demonstrations in Cairo and across Egypt on or around Thursday 14 August.

This date marks the first anniversary of violent clashes between protestors and security forces in Cairo that resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries in 2013. If you are on holiday or working, RPS advises you to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Protests, marches and demonstrations are common across Egypt. Demonstrations often happen on Fridays, but can occur at any time and with little prior notice.

The atmosphere at demonstrations can change quickly and without warning. Police may use water cannon, tear gas, birdshot or live ammunition for crowd control.

There have been several violent clashes since July 2013 resulting in a large number of deaths. Most of the clashes have taken place in Cairo and Alexandria. At protests in Cairo, Alexandria and Fayoum on 24 and 25 January 2014 there were reports of around 80 deaths. There are ongoing protests and clashes within university campuses across the country.

If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. Don’t attempt to cross road blocks erected by the security forces or protesters.

Make sure you keep valid photographic identification with you at all times. Take particular care in areas with a history of regular protests. At protests on 24 and 25 January westerners, including British Nationals, were singled out and attacked by some protestors.

There is a serious risk of violence and sexual assault at demonstrations. NGOs report more than 100 rapes and sexual assaults against women in demonstrations since 30 June 2013. Foreign and Egyptian women have been attacked. Don't be tempted to go and "have a look and take photos".

Travel Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

Contact [email protected] for more travel advice to Egypt or other countries in the region.