Egypt would appear to have it all as the perfect travel destination for holidaying Brits. With its five-star luxury resorts, stunning beaches and its monumental pyramids, it is not difficult to see why the African country is such a huge hit with visitors.
Last year, a record number of tourists descended on the country—some 15.8 million in total, a 6% increase compared to 2023. However, away from the glitzy resort of Sharm el Sheikh and picture-perfect tourist brochures lies a much darker and seedier side to life in the country.
Brits have been summarily arrested and locked up on bogus charges, while other tourists have disappeared in mysterious circumstances.
Ivonne Daniela Latorre disappeared from the Zamna music festival that took place in April at the Giza Pyramids.
She was later discovered severely injured and in a coma, and tragically died a few days later in the hospital.
Prior to her disappearance, the young woman and her travelling companion Estefania Bedoy were invited to an after-event party, where, allegedly, they met two men who claimed they were producers and promised to make them famous.
A 56-year-old British businessman was arrested and taken into police custody after patting a security guard on the back.
Tony Camoccio found himself facing charges of sexual assault and seven years in prison for the innocuous gesture.
He was tricked into signing a confession in Arabic and told he could avoid the charges if he “made the policeman happy”—in other words, if he paid a bribe.
The Londoner said he spent two sleepless nights in the cells of Police Station 1, and was haunted by the screams of women and children being beaten by officers.
“Egypt is a dangerous place. Most tourists just stay in their hotels because they know that, but it means they don’t see the truth,” he told The Sun.
“I used to love going on holiday there, but I’ll never step foot in that country again.”
Even former diplomats have taken to warning people to stay away from the country of the pharaohs.
John Casson – a former British ambassador to the country – described the authorities in Egypt as “violent and vindictive” and urged the Government to “deploy the full range of tools it has to protect British citizens”.
“This includes official travel advice that should caution against travel to Egypt,” he said.