Updated travel advice in Sinai

Security 21/02/2012

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) has amended its travel advice for Egypt and now advises against all but essential travel to Sinai north of the Suez-Taba road.

The advice does not apply to the towns of Suez or Taba. The new advice is due to the significant increase of criminal activity in the North Sinai area.

Tahir Square in Cairo remains a place to avoid as frequent large-scale demonstrations take place, often on Fridays. Demonstrations also occur in other areas of Cairo as well as other cities in Egypt, including Alexandria.

British nationals should avoid all crowd gatherings and demonstrations. The FCO recommends that travellers keep abreast of local and international news and seek advice from tour operators and local authorities.

Caution should be exercised as there have been two incidents in February 2012 of kidnappings of foreign tourists on the road between Dahab and St Catherine's in Sinai.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt, including in Sinai. There is a high risk of indiscriminate attacks, including places frequented by foreign tourists.