Ok, following recent events, we have put this information together from a number of sources to provide advice if you have planned travel to Egypt. Information is mainly from the Foreign Office, and Daily Mail.
- If you are planning to travel to Egypt: The first thing to point out is that the situation is very different to Tunisia. Travel is not restricted to all of Egypt, the FCO only advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other international destinations, although there is disruption to flight schedules. However, you should check with your airline or tour operation to confirm your travel plans.
- If your trip/flight has been cancelled: You should be entitled to a refund. Contact your tour operator/airline in the first instance. Holiday companies only have to give refunds and change trips for current bookings which are affected by the FCO advice
- If you want to cancel your future trip to Egypt: Check with your tour operator in the first instance. This will largely depend on where you planned to travel. The situation on the coast, such as Sharm El Sheik, is said to be calm, according to the the FCO. Therefore, if you choose to cancel your trip personally, it is unlikely that you will be covered to do so, and therefore you will need to bear the cost. This may change if the FCO advice changes.
- If you are already in Egypt: The advice here depends on where you are located in Egypt.
The FCO recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means where it is safe to do so. British nationals in other areas of Egypt where there are demonstrations should stay indoors wherever possible. A major demonstration is planned for today (1 February) with calls for one million people to take part in Central Cairo. Similar, although smaller, demonstrations are expected in other major cities around Egypt. British nationals should observe instructions and advice by local security authorities and avoid public gatherings and disturbances.
Around 30,000 British tourists are thought to be on holiday in Egypt – out of the one million who go there each year. The majority however are in relatively trouble-free Red Sea resorts. Although some hotels in Sharm el Sheikh have put up barricades as precautionary protection, Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said the situation in the Red Sea Resorts was ‘genuinely calm’. However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly so you should stay in touch with your tour operator. The nationwide curfew is not being enforced in the Red Sea Resort area. The internet is currently not working and mobile phone coverage is intermittent. You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times, a copy of your passport is sufficient.
British nationals in Egypt requiring other types of assistance or advice can call 020 7008 0000 from the UK or (02) 2791 6000 in Egypt.
Update (2nd February): Information from the FCO
BRITISH GOVERNMENT FLIGHTS FOR BRITISH NATIONALS WISHING TO LEAVE CAIRO
In light of the ongoing unrest in Egypt the British Government has chartered a plane to supplement commercial capacity.
The plane will depart from Cairo International Airport on Thursday 03 February and there will be a charge of approximately £300 per person.
To register for a seat on this flight and further instructions please call: +44 (0)207 008 8765 / +20 227 916 000 in Egypt
