Egypt travel restrictions relaxed

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Egypt travel restrictions relaxed

November 27, 2013 - 18:18

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office cancels travel advisories for Cairo and Giza

Giza Pyramid

In a statement on their website, the FCO announced: "[We] no longer advise against all but essential travel to Cairo Governorate and Greater Cairo including Giza City and the Giza Pyramids (which are part of the Giza Governorate)”.

Restrictions were imposed in July 2013, when the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi resulted in months of political upheaval. In the wake of recent changes to FCO advice regarding travel to Aswan, Abu Simbel, Alexandria and Luxor, the majority of Egypt once again free from restrictions. The region’s tour operators, who have been badly affected by the recent bans, have welcomed the move. Divers visiting the Red Sea can once again add Cairo’s historic sites and the pyramids at Giza to their itineraries.

The FCO continues to advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, however, due to a “significant increase in criminal activity and recent terrorist attacks”. It also advises against “all but essential travel” to the Governorates of Beni Suef, Minya, Asyut and Sohag and to the Governorate of South Sinai. The Red Sea Resorts, St Catherine's Monastery and the airports at Taba and Sharm el Sheikh remain unaffected.