Foreign Office travel warning for anyone going to Egypt and Morocco as 'situation changing fast'

UK tourists planning to visit Egypt or Morocco have been alerted to a rapidly changing situation in the Middle East following serious events over the weekend.

The popularity of Egypt and Morocco as holiday destinations have surged recently thanks to their affordable luxury resorts and hot climate which is drawing in UK holidaymakers. However, in light of an attack by Iran on Israel last week, the UK government has revised its travel guidance for both countries.

Although Egypt and Morocco were not targets in the recent strike, the Foreign Office updated its advice on the gov.uk website, cautioning travellers: "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."

Egypt, which shares a land border with Israel, has specific advisories regarding certain areas. The government advises: "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 locations in the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, reports the Mirror.

The ministry warns: "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 also cautioned about a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups near the border and remote desert areas stating: "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 also updated its travel advice for Morocco, issuing new cautions to British nationals. The update includes a stark warning: "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."

Additionally, the risk associated with local sympathies towards extremist groups was underlined: "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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