British tourists planning trips to Egypt and Morocco are being warned as the situation in the Middle East evolves rapidly.
The UK Government has issued fresh travel guidance for those heading to these increasingly popular holiday spots, known for their value resorts and hot climate, following significant developments in the region. The update comes after Iran launched an attack on Israel last week, prompting changes to the travel advice on the gov.uk website for both Egypt and Morocco.
Although neither country was targeted in the strike, the Foreign Office has advised: “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 FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.”
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For Egypt, which shares a land border with Israel, there are specific cautions regarding travel within certain areas. The government’s advice includes: “FCDO 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).”
Additionally, British nationals are urged to avoid North Sinai, South Sinai, the Hala’ib Triangle, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, and various parts of the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, reports the Mirror.
The authority stated: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times. Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate.
“The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.
“There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends.”
It highlighted a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups near the border and remote desert areas, declaring: “British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.”
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Morocco, cautioning visitors with new information: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco.
“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”
The update also warns of an increased risk due to local sympathies towards extremist groups: “There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells. While there have been no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals in Morocco, it cannot be ruled out.
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