Egypt travel update as Britons given new guidance on where they can go - plus a warning on 'bandits and armed groups'

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) gave Britons an update on where they should and should not visit in Egypt.

FCDO "no longer advises against all but essential travel to some areas of the Western desert".

Western Desert

Britons were warned: "FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions due to risks from criminal activity and military operations, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel
• the Faiyum Governorate
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
  • the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
  • the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
  • the road between Kharga and Baris
  • the road between Baris and Luxor"

Holidaymakers were advised: "Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide.

"There is limited phone reception and poor medical facilities. Monitor travel advice and follow guidance from official guides and local authorities.

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Al Bawiti and Siwa, including the desert areas near the start of the road in Bahariya. The road is closed and there are military checkpoints.

"If you travel to the south-west corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya, you will need a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas."

Britons were finally advised to "be extremely cautious in all border areas".

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While Egypt is a popular tourist destination, there are several parts of the country FCDO advises against travel to. For the latest guidance on this, Britons should consult its Warning and Insurance page as well as its Safety and Security page.

Before travelling to Egypt, holidaymakers must consult FCDO's up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.

For safe, well-informed travel, Britons should check the latest guidance on their chosen destination.

Holidaymakers were recently given an Italy travel warning as new requirements are introduced for hotel check-ins.