According to Basem Salah, co-founder and operations manager of Great Wonders of Egypt, U.S. cancellation requests began arriving in the two weeks following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7. However, as the war intensified, they began to receive cancellations for November and December.
Investors have recently been informed by cruise lines Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean that there has been a decline in bookings and an increase in cancellations for the Middle East market. Israel was dropped from both companies’ schedules.
Even though the crisis has not yet reached Egypt, it could still have an impact on travel there. “They just feel unsafe to be in the region, and this is happening because for them they don’t know what will happen for us tomorrow,” Salah said.
: Is it safe to travel to Egypt now? Latest travel advice and updates
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained the country’s alert level at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” since July 13. Travelers should still refrain from visiting the Sinai Peninsula, That is a “particularly dangerous area” bordering Israel, Gaza and the region east of Cairo.
Because The embassy cannot always help dual-citizen Americans who are detained or arrested. The US Department of State advises travelers to exercise extra caution in Egypt.
Do not travel to:
- The Sinai Peninsula (excluding travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by plane) due to terrorism.
- The Western Desert as a result terrorism.
- Egyptian border areas because of military zones.
Terrorists have attacked Western businesses, restaurants, resorts, markets/shopping centers, tourist destinations, diplomatic buildings and local government buildings. They can strike with little to no warning. Even in Cairo and other urban locations, terrorists have carried out attacks despite the intense presence of security forces. Mosques, churches, monasteries and buses going to these places are all targeted by terrorists.
The United Kingdom and British nationals are highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks around the world, especially from individuals and groups who consider Britain and its citizens as targets. You must always be careful.
It is very likely that terrorists will attempt to carry out attacks in Egypt.There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt, especially in northern Sinai. Random attacks can occur. Possible goals could be:
- Egyptian security forces
- Religious places
- Large public gatherings
- Places visited by foreigners
Egyptian authorities maintain a strong security presence throughout the country.Armed security personnel are stationed at strategic locations, key infrastructure and traffic checkpoints. Additional precautions are being taken at tourist locations. Some of the recent attacks include:
- In 2022, an attack took place on security personnel in the city of Ismailiyah, west of the Suez Canal.
