04/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2024 02:28
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office () provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about travel advice.
Areas where advises against travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
Egypt-Libya border
advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).
North Sinai
advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.
Northern part of South Sinai
advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.
The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate
advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.
Western Desert
advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:
Hala'ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid
advises against all but essential travel to the Hala'ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
Conflict in neighbouring Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)
The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. As a result, the land border into Israel from Egypt at Taba could close with little notice. Check with local authorities and consult the travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories before trying to cross the border.
In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Egypt and protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers. Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests. See Safety and security
Iranian military activity against Israel
On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel.
Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Read advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.)
Entering Egypt from Gaza
The Rafah border crossing partially opened on 1 November. This is primarily to facilitate the evacuation of seriously wounded Palestinians and some foreign nationals. We understand that the crossing will continue to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.
Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Israel and The Occupied Palestinian Territories travel advice.
The Egyptian authorities have said all aid going into Gaza from Egypt must be channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent:
They are unlikely to consider requests for humanitarian access made in Egypt at short notice.
Concern for friends and family
If you are concerned about friends or family, or need consular assistance call:
Incidents in South Sinai
On 27 October, an Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson confirmed that an unidentified drone fell near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Taba next to the Israeli border, injuring six people. An additional unidentified drone also struck outside the town of Nuweiba, though no casualties have been confirmed. The authorities are conducting ongoing investigations.
Incident in Alexandria
On 8 October 2023, an Egyptian police officer is reported to have shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in Alexandria. A third tourist was injured. Remain vigilant and exercise caution at tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings. Find out more information on current risks on the Safety and security.
Border crossings from Sudan
There are still people trying to cross the border into Egypt at Argeen and Qustul. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.
If you are a British national and have crossed the border without valid documentation, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for consular assistance on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:
Follow and contact travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.