Egypt travel advice

Following mass demonstrations in major towns and cities a curfew remains in place between midnight and 0600 hours (except in Luxor and the Red Sea resort areas). Visitors should obey this curfew and be aware of any changes. While protests have calmed the situation remains volatile and visitors should remain vigilant.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks can be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

On 6 January 2010, around seven people were killed in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Naj Hammadi in southern Egypt. This was followed by reported clashes between protestors and police on 7 January. In May 2009 an explosion occurred outside St Mary's Church in Zeitoun, Cairo. No one was injured. In February 2009 there was an explosion in Cairo's Khan al Khalili market which killed one foreign tourist.

Since 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula. These attacks have killed and injured a number of foreign nationals. The most recent incident was on 24 April 2006 when there were explosions at three separate locations in the resort town of Dahab, in which 23 people were killed and more than 60 injured.

As some of these attacks have taken place over local holiday weekends, Egyptian security forces tend to step up their presence at these times. You are advised to take extra cautioin at these times and respect any advice or instructioin from the local security authorities.

Developments in the region may trigger public unrest. Travellers should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.

The crime rate in Egypt is low but visitors should safeguard valuables including passport and money.

Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly.

Travellers should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.

On 1 December 2010, diving and water sport activities in the Sharm El Sheikh area were suspended following reports that three Russian tourists had been attacked by what is believed to be a single adult oceanic white tip shark. After the ban was lifted, a German tourist was killed in a shark attack in the same area on the 5 December 2010. Tourists are advised to approach snorkelling, diving and swimming with caution, though attacks by oceanic white tip sharks are extremely rare and shark attacks of any kind are very unusual in the Red Sea.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel