Tourists still safe to travel to Egypt amid conflicts in the region
- The ongoing Middle East conflict involves Israel's airstrikes on Iran and U.S. military actions.
- Despite regional tensions, major tourist destinations in Egypt are still operating normally.
- Travelers are advised to monitor local advisories but can currently visit popular sites without advisory warnings.
Egypt continues to be a prominent destination for tourists, despite escalating conflicts in the Middle East following recent military actions. On June 13, Israel initiated airstrikes on Iran, which led to heightened tensions between the two nations, further complicated by U.S. involvement when President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend. These developments have raised concerns regarding the safety of travelers in the region. However, popular tourist destinations within Egypt, such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, remain unaffected according to the UK’s Foreign Office. Though the Foreign Office has issued travel cautions regarding specific areas in Egypt, they have not designated a blanket advisory against traveling to main tourist attractions. This cautious optimism suggests that holiday companies and airlines are still operating their services in these regions, maintaining travel schedules to and from Cairo Airport. Nonetheless, there have been some cancellations of flights, particularly affecting routes to Amman, Beirut, and Baghdad due to the ongoing conflicts. Tourists and travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their rights, especially if they hold packages booked under UK law. When airlines cancel flights, affected passengers can opt for an alternative flight or request a refund. However, without a comprehensive travel advisory from the Foreign Office calling for a complete travel ban to Egypt, travelers do not have the grounds to claim refunds from their travel packages or insurance policies. As the situation in the Middle East evolves, tourists should remain vigilant and aware of potential changes in local travel advisories, especially regarding access to international borders close to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Such borders, including the Taba crossing, may close at short notice, so it is crucial for those planning to travel to stay updated on local council messages or consult authentic travel information. The UK government is prepared to assist citizens in Egypt and can be reached through the British Embassy in Cairo for any necessary support.