Egypt and security?

Voyager2002

Now that the USA has avoided its citizens not to visit Egypt, what do people here feel about holidays there? Has anyone tried to cancel a booking because of this, or change a holiday destination?

Mr_Wang

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Now that the USA has avoided its citizens not to visit Egypt, what do people here feel about holidays there? Has anyone tried to cancel a booking because of this, or change a holiday destination?

I am heading to Luxor next week and am staying with a friend (she is Belgian) she has assured me that there is no issues whatsoever in that part of the country.
I was there a couple months back and was told that money never trickles South in Egypt and so the issues that blight the North of the country rarely effect or concern those in the South.

And so it seems that as previously, the problems are centred around Cairo and Alexandria. I should also add that I was in Cairo at the height of the troubles earlier in the year and tourists were not the focus. Though it was not the sort of place you wanted to be and was a little hairy at times.
http://www.thesummerholidayofalifetime.com/2013/01/a-city-suffering.html

Additionally the FCO have yet to change their advice, but I think it would be a good idea for anyone going to Egypt to keep an eye on developments.

spender

According to the daily mail the FCO have advised not to travel to all parts of Egypt

peachyprice

Full FCO advice:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity. See North Sinai.

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of (i) the Red Sea Resorts including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; (ii) the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site; (iii) road travel between the Red Sea resorts; (iv) road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east; and (v) transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh. See South Sinai and Road travel.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Although security is tight throughout the country, especially in resort areas, there remains a high risk of attacks which could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by foreigners. Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a threat of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. See Terrorism.

Demonstrations happen regularly across Egypt, often on Fridays. Some have been violent and resulted in deaths. Police may use tear gas for crowd control. You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. See Political and security situation.

A series of large protests are planned for Cairo, Alexandria and other Egyptian cities from 25 June onwards. Exercise caution at potentially sensitive locations such as government buildings, police stations, security directorates, political party offices, military barracks, the vicinity of Tahrir Square, the presidential palace and the Mokkatam area in Cairo. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks erected by demonstrators, or the security forces. Monitor travel advice updates and the local media for further information.

You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately.

The location and size of demonstrations will be difficult to monitor. You should consider carefully your movements around major cities in Egypt over the period of 27 to 30 June. See Political and security situation for further details of likely routes of marches

Pollycat

spender wrote: »

According to the daily mail the FCO have advised not to travel to all parts of Egypt

Honestly?

All parts of Egypt? Are you sure it says all parts of Egypt?
Do you have the link?

If that is what the Daily Mail has printed, it just goes to show what a total waste of trees printing the Daily Mail is.

If you look at the map on the link by peachyprice, you'll see what areas are affected - and the FCO certainly don't advise against travel to all parts of Egypt.

Between the Daily Mail and FCO - I know who I'd rather take advice from.

Pollycat

Here's the link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2352202/Anti-Morsi-protests-Tourists-warned-travelling-Egypt-seven-people-killed.html

Here's what the Daily Fail says:

The U.S. State Department and UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office have urged citizens to cancel travel plans to or within Egypt.

The FCO advise against all travel to parts of the country - around one million British nationals visit Egypt every year.

Total contradiction in 2 sentences.
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (or FCO) haven't 'urged citizens to cancel travel plans to or within Egypt' at all.

They have advised against travel to certain named parts of Egypt.

Who on earth reads this naff newspaper?