According to Basem Salah, the co-founder and operations manager of Great Wonders of Egypt, American cancelation requests began to be received in the two weeks following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7. However, when the war intensified they began to receive cancelations for November and December.
Investors were recently informed by cruise lines Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean that there has been a decrease in bookings and an increase in cancelations for the Middle East market. Israel was dropped from both companies’ schedules.
Even while the crisis hasn’t reached Egypt, it may nevertheless have an impact on travel there. “They just feel unsafe to be in the region, and this is happening because, to them, they don’t know what’s happening tomorrow for us,” said Salah.
Related: Is It Safe To Travel To Egypt Right Now? Latest Travel Advisories And Updates
U.S. Travel Advisory
The State Department has maintained the nation’s alert level at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” since July 13. Travelers should still refrain from visiting the Sinai Peninsula, which is a “particularly dangerous area” that borders Israel, Gaza, and the region east of Cairo.
Because the Embassy cannot always assist Americans with dual citizenship who are detained or arrested, the U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Egypt.
Do not travel to:
- The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
- The Western Desert due to terrorism.
- Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
Terrorists have attacked western businesses, restaurants, resorts, markets/shopping malls, tourist destinations, diplomatic buildings, and local government buildings. They can strike with little to no notice. Even in Cairo and other urban locations, terrorists have carried out assaults in spite of the intense security presence. Mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses that go to these places have all been targeted by terrorists.
U.K. Travel Advisory
The UK and British nationals are highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks around the world, particularly from individuals and groups who consider the UK and its citizens as targets. You should always exercise caution.
It is very likely that terrorists will try to carry out attacks in Egypt. There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt, especially in the north of Sinai. There could be indiscriminate attacks. Possible targets could be:
- Egyptian security forces
- Religious sites
- Large public gatherings
- Places visited by foreigners
The 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 sites. Some of the recent attacks include:
- 2022 saw an attack on security personnel in the city of Ismailiyah, west of the Suez Canal.