Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt? Latest Travel Advice
Following the intensification of conflicts in Israel, Gaza, the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, and the activities of Houthi rebels in the southern parts of the Red Sea, travelers might be questioning the current security situation for trips to Egypt or other locations in North Africa and the Middle East.
Here is an essential guide on traveling to Egypt, assessing its safety, and understanding your rights if you choose to cancel your travel plans.
What does the FCDO say about travel to Egypt?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to extensive areas within Egypt. Specifically, the border regions adjacent to Israel and Gaza, located at the eastern stretch of the Sinai Peninsula, were already under travel advisories before the incidents on October 7, 2023.
Previously, the FCDO’s guidance stated: “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern sector of the South Sinai Governorate beyond the St Catherine-Nuweiba roadway, excepting the region’s western and eastern coastal zones.”
Additionally, travel is discouraged in the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, significant portions of the Western Desert, the Hala’ib Triangle, and Bir Tawil areas, and any areas within 20km of the Libyan border.
As of the latest updates, the FCDO notes: “Following military strikes by Iran on Israel dated 13 April 2024, and subsequent reports of explosions across Iran, Syria, and Iraq on 19 April, travelers should stay informed through continuous monitoring of this travel advice and other media outlets. Rapid changes in the situation are possible. Stay updated via FCDO travel's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or receive email alerts on advice updates.”
Regarding the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, the FCDO advises: “Traveling to and beyond Rafah is risky and should be undertaken only if deemed safe by the traveler.”
Importantly, for British travelers, areas like Sharm El-Sheikh, Cairo, and Hurghada are listed as "green," indicating no travel advisories are in place, and travel insurance remains valid for visits to these regions.
Have Egypt’s resorts been affected by the conflicts with Houthi rebels?
The well-frequented Red Sea resorts in Egypt are positioned over 1,000 miles from the Houthi-operated airfields that were targeted by airstrikes from the UK and US in January 2024. For context, this distance is comparable to that between England and Russia. While there have been a few incidents in waters near Egypt and Jordan, the majority of Houthi assaults on ships have occurred near the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the southern Red Sea.
Is terrorism a risk in Egypt?
The Foreign Office indicates: “There is a high probability of terrorist attempts in Egypt.” It mentions six specific terrorist attacks from 2018 to 2022 in locations including Cairo, the Minya Province, and near the Suez Canal. Furthermore, the FCDO cautions travelers about the possibility of political protests, which have become more frequent following the conflicts in Israel and Gaza.
“In light of the recent conflicts in Israel and the OPTs, various protests have emerged in Egypt, with some occurring post-Friday prayers. These demonstrations can be organized quickly, often with substantial security deployments. It’s advisable to steer clear of large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. See Safety and security for more details,” the FCDO advises.
Are flights still operating?
Flight operations to and from Egypt continue, with routes typically avoiding the Middle East by crossing Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.
What if I want to cancel my holiday?
Should you decide to cancel a package holiday to Egypt, it’s recommended to contact your tour operator who may provide flexibility through alternative travel dates.
However, as the Foreign Office has not formally advised against travel to major Egyptian resorts, there is no assurance of receiving a refund or making successful claims with your travel insurance.
If your travel arrangements were made independently, reaching out to your service providers at your earliest convenience to discuss possible alterations is advisable. Given the current conditions, obtaining a full refund might be challenging.
