by Holidaymakers with 2024 holiday bookings to Egypt may be concerned by the growing crisis around the Red Sea.
In protest against the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, Houthi forces from Yemen have begun intercepting cargo ships bound for Israel in the Red Sea.
The rebel group is said to be trying to dissuade Israel from its bloody military campaign in the Gaza Strip which has claimed the lives of 24,000 Palestinians so far.
Egypt’s east coast is located on the Red Sea, prompting some tourists to question whether their beach holidays in the region are safe.
The UK travel advice to Egypt was updated at the beginning of January 2024. However, most of the tourist destinations, such as Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab, located on the Red Sea, are unaffected by recent travel guidelines.
Flights remain operational and major tourist destinations in Egypt are open. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Egypt in the coming months.
Is it safe to travel to the Red Sea?
In response to Houthi attacks on cargo boats heading towards the Suez Canal, UK and US forces launched retaliatory attacks on Yemen.
In a press conference this week, PM Rishi Sunak said the situation was “relevant” as the Houthis continue their attacks on commercial shipping.
The latest travel update on the UK Gov website states: “Military action is currently underway in response to attempts by the Houthi militia to prevent the movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. Although the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, it is possible that the Travel Advice for nearby countries may change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”
Two of Egypt’s most popular beach locations, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab, sit on the Red Sea and welcome thousands of UK tourists every year.
There were several reports in 2023 of drones seen near the coast of Egypt; however, no travel warnings or restrictions have been issued to Egypt’s main Red Sea resorts so far.
Although tourists are always advised to exercise caution when traveling abroad, most visits to Egypt’s Red Sea are relatively safe and enjoyable at this time.
As the Houthi/US situation is constantly changing, it is important to be aware of travel updates during your trip.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
A wider travel advisory for Egypt has not been updated since the end of 2023. However, regional experts are keeping a close eye on the evolving situation in Gaza, which Egypt shares a border with.
Egypt’s main tourist hubs, including Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Hurghada, and Alexandria, are not located close to the border zone in question.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel guidance for these tourist destinations has not changed, and most visits to Egypt are incident-free.
According to advice, travelers should avoid going within 20km of the border between Egypt and Libya, except for the town of El Salloum (where only essential travel is advised).
It’s worth remembering that your travel insurance may be invalid if you visit an area that the FCDO has advised against travel to.
What is the official UK Government advice on traveling to Egypt?
According to the FCDO: “Egyptian authorities have a significant security presence throughout the country, including armed security officers at key locations, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Additional measures are in place at tourist locations.”
The FCDO advises not to travel to within 20km of the border between Egypt and Libya and the Governorate of North Sinai.
Travel to parts of South Sinai governorate, outside of the St. Catherine-Nuweibaa Road, is not recommended unless necessary. Coastal areas to the west and east of the peninsula, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab, are not affected.
Non-essential travel to the Ismailiyah government east of the Suez Canal and to certain areas in the western desert is not recommended.
For the latest information on UK travel advice, check for updates on the Government website.
Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?
Visitors from the UK can obtain a one-month visa on arrival when entering Egypt. Tourists will have to pay $25, preferably in that currency, at whichever port they enter the country.
Alternatively, those traveling to the Sinai Peninsula (such as Sharm El-Sheikh) can obtain a free 15-day visa covering that region. However, if you travel to mainland Egypt, you will need to obtain a new visa.
