Foreign Office updates Red Sea safety advice

Sunday, 16 Aug, 2013 0

British holidaymakers in Red Sea resorts are being advised to take extra care after violent clashes in Hurghada left one man dead.

The clashes were away from the main tourist resorts, but tourist police in Hurghada are urging holidaymakers to stay within the grounds of their hotels.

The Foreign Office has updated its advice for the resort, telling holidaymakers to follow the advice of the police.

"You are strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings," it said.

"If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to cross road blocks erected by the security forces or protestors."

Other governments, such as the US, Finland and Sweden, are now advising against travel to all areas of Egypt and some Scandanavian travel firms are cancelling flights to the Red Sea resorts and bringing clients home.

But the UK Foreign Office has not included the Red Sea resorts in its travel restrictions.

Instead, it is advising against all travel to Egypt, except in the Red Sea Resorts, including Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab, plus the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site, road travel between the Red Sea resorts and road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east, and transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh.

In light of growing safety concerns, some UK operators have taken the decision to cancel excursions from Red Sea resorts.

Thomas Cook has cancelled excursions from the Red Sea resorts to Cairo, Luxor, Moses Mountain and St Catherine’s Monastery until further notice, while yesterday Kuoni announced it has cancelled all excursions for 30 days.

Renewed protests by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi are expected in the Egyptian capital Cairo today, following Friday prayers.

On Wednesday, 638 people were killed when authorities broke up Muslim Brotherhood protest camps in the city

Egypt has declared a state of emergency and police have been authorised to use live ammunition in self-defence.

by Bev Fearis

Bev

Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.