From the pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to the attractive seashores and mesmerising reefs alongside the Purple Sea, Egypt is stuffed with wonders for travellers to discover. However whereas it has all of the components for an awesome vacation — with an abundance of solar, a beneficial alternate charge and lots to see and do — the final decade has been tumultuous.
When Arab Spring protests unfold from Tunisia to Egypt in 2011, it led to violent clashes and the overthrow of the then president Hosni Mubarak. A number of years of political turmoil and unrest adopted. Whereas issues have largely calmed down, protests can and do nonetheless happen. After which there was the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 over North Sinai in October 2015 that noticed flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheikh suspended till October 2019.
Many holidays to Egypt have taken place within the intervening years with out points, however journey advisories are nonetheless in place for sure areas of the nation. Right here’s what it is advisable know.
Foremost photograph: assembly a camel on the Giza pyramids (Getty Photos)
What’s the newest authorities recommendation about travelling to Egypt?
There aren’t any journey advisories in place for common vacationer spots like Cairo, the cities alongside the Nile, together with Luxor and Aswan, and resorts by the Purple Sea similar to Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.
Nevertheless, the UK International Workplace at the moment advises in opposition to all journey to the Governorate of North Sinai and inside 20km of the Egyptian and Libyan border (excluding El Salloum, to the place it advises in opposition to all however important journey).
It additionally advises in opposition to all however important journey to the next areas:
• The northern a part of the Governorate of South Sinai past the St Catherine-Nuweiba street, between the Suez crossing and Taba inside the southern a part of the Governorate of South Sinai, however excluding the coastal areas on the western and jap a part of the peninsula
• The jap a part of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez canal
• The realm west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta areas, however excluding the Governorate of Faiyum, and coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Street, and the oasis city of Siwa
• The Hala’ib Triangle
• The Bir Tawil Trapezoid
Terrorists are very prone to attempt to perform assaults in Egypt in response to the International Workplace, and targets may embody locations common with vacationers. Most assaults are within the North Sinai area, however they will happen in different elements of the nation too.
The chance is heightened throughout public holidays and festivals, similar to Christmas and Ramadan, and is especially excessive round non secular websites, giant public gatherings, and locations frequented by foreigners. Keep vigilant and carry your photograph ID with you always.
Is there the rest to pay attention to?
Egypt is an Islamic nation. Whereas attitudes are extra relaxed in vacationer resorts, customs could be very totally different elsewhere and extra strict throughout Ramadan. Public consuming for instance, can result in arrest — alcohol is simply permitted in a licensed restaurant or bar. Public shows of affection will also be frowned upon.
Possession, use or trafficking of unlawful medicine can result in lengthy jail sentences and even the dying penalty. Remember although that what may be authorized within the UK might not be in Egypt. In 2017 for instance, a British lady was jailed for 3 years for taking painkillers into the nation. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, is a prescription drug within the UK however is illegitimate in Egypt.
Remember too of what you’re photographing. Taking photos of navy installations (strictly prohibited), embassies, authorities buildings, church buildings and even infrastructure similar to practice stations can result in arrests. If you wish to {photograph} any Egyptian residents, it’s essential to have written permission from them; photographing youngsters will not be permitted.
Taking or sharing pictures which might be perceived to be damaging to the nation’s picture can be forbidden. Equally, making strongly damaging feedback about Egypt or its politics, together with on social media, can result in you being detained.
By way of security on the bottom, it pays to be vigilant. Protests happen with some regularity and foreigners participating in political actions within the nation might be detained or subjected to different measures.
The International Workplace says: “Should you turn out to be conscious of any close by protests, marches or demonstrations, you must transfer away from the quick space because the ambiance may change rapidly and with out warning. Police have beforehand used water cannons, tear fuel, birdshot and stay ammunition for crowd management.”
At common vacationer spots, guests could be harassed for cash or to purchase issues. There’s additionally a threat of theft and mugging, even in taxis. Travelling as a part of an escorted tour can assist scale back the dangers. If you’re a sufferer of crime, you must contact the native vacationer police who can assist you make a report.
What are Egypt’s Covid journey restrictions?
Egypt now not has Covid-related journey restrictions.
For entry into Egypt although, you’ll want no less than six months of validity left in your passport. You’ll additionally want to use for a vacationer visa for visiting many of the nation. These could be obtained on-line earlier than you journey or on arrival at devoted desks contained in the airport. That is legitimate for as much as three months.
Should you’re travelling to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you will get a free entry permission stamp upon arrival for stays of as much as 15 days. You’ll must get a visa if you wish to keep longer or go to different locations.
Is Egypt protected for feminine travellers?
Typically, sure. However there have been reported incidents of sexual assault and harassment within the nation.
The International Workplace advises: “Feminine travellers ought to train warning when travelling alone as they might be weak to undesirable consideration or harassment. If you’re travelling on a microbus, keep away from being the final passenger left on the bus. Take further care when travelling alone, notably at evening, in taxis and microbuses.”
Is Egypt protected for LGBT+ travellers?
It may be problematic. Whereas homosexuality isn’t technically unlawful in Egypt in response to the International Workplace, the fees of “debauchery” and “sexual deviance” have been used to prosecute LGBT+ individuals previously. Sixty-six individuals have been arrested in 2017 on debauchery expenses after waving a rainbow flag at a live performance in Cairo for instance. Once more, attitudes are extra relaxed in vacationer areas however any public shows of affection will doubtless trigger points.