Brits advised to take extra care after Cairo clashes

Security 03/02/2012

After another bout of angry protests following violent clashes between rival football fans last week in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, are becoming cause for concern.

On 1 February, riots at a football stadium in Port Said after a high-profile national football match, left over 70 people dead and hundreds injured. Two marches were called for the afternoon of 2 February heading for the Ministry of Interior, next to Tahrir Square, Cairo to protest against the violence.

Although there are no travel restrictions in place for the moment, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises British nationals to continue avoiding all crowds and demonstrations in Egypt. The situation can change rapidly and the FCO recommends that all travellers follow events on local and international news and seek advice from tour operators before travelling.

There are frequent demonstrations, usually on Fridays, centering on Tahrir Square, Cairo. There remains a possibility of demonstrations taking place elsewhere in Cairo as well as other cities in Egypt, including Alexandria. Protestors remain in Tahrir Square in Cairo and vehicle access is currently impossible. Mohammed Mahmoud and Shaikh Rihan Streets both remain blocked off and Qasr al Aini is also blocked near Tahrir Square. There is a risk of delay due to traffic congestion around some areas of downtown/Garden City.

The recent events come after protests on 31 January, when thousands of demonstrators marched around the Parliament. Around 40 people were injured as a result of scuffles which broke out.