The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Britons in Egypt or those planning a trip there soon. The Foreign Office cautioned that on Sunday, August 31, a Cairo British embassy building was shut after security barriers outside were ‘removed’ by authorities.
This specifically regards the embassy’s main building, which will be temporarily closed as officials assess ‘the impact of these changes’. The duration of this closure is not yet known, but embassy services in the capital will still be operational.
The Foreign Office’s current online notice states: “On Sunday 31 August security barriers outside the British Embassy in Cairo were removed by the Egyptian authorities. The main Embassy building will be closed while the impact of these changes is reviewed.”
Despite the shutdown, Britons can still obtain emergency consular assistance by dialling 0020 2 2791 6000. Those with pre-arranged appointments should also contact 0020 2 2791 6000 for advice on what to do next.
At present, the Foreign Office does not discourage travel to Cairo, but it does advise against visiting certain areas of Egypt, including:
- Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate – All but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal is discouraged.
- Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid – All but essential travel is discouraged to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.
- Western Desert – All but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for several specific areas listed on its website.
- Egypt-Libya border – All travel within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border is discouraged, except for the town of El Salloum. Here, all but essential travel is discouraged.
- North Sinai – All travel to the North Sinai Governorate is discouraged.
- Northern part of South Sinai – All but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate is advised against beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road. However, this excludes coastal areas ‘along the west and east of the peninsula’.
Despite around one million Brits travelling to Egypt annually without incident, it is important to be aware of potential health and safety risks. The Foreign Office notes that while crime rates are ‘generally low’, there is a ‘high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals’.
Its current advice reads: “Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Be vigilant in crowds and large gatherings.”
Before jetting off to Egypt, it is also crucial to ensure you are up-to-date with the necessary vaccinations. The Foreign Office urges travellers to consult Travel Health Pro for the latest health advice at least eight weeks prior to departure.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against the Foreign Office’s advice. In an emergency, you could be paying more money for help abroad.
“The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries,” the Foreign Office also adds. “Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Egypt. You may need permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health before you arrive.
“If you do not have prior permission or the required documentation, you will not be allowed to take the medication into Egypt and you may be prosecuted.”
For further information, head to the Foreign Office’s website here.
