Holidaymakers booking a getaway to Egypt for 2024 may be concerned about the escalating crisis around the Red Sea.
Houthi forces coming from Yemen to protest the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel began to stop cargo ships heading to Israel in the Red Sea.
The rebel group is said to be trying to deter Israel from its bloody military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has so far claimed the lives of 24,000 Palestinians.
Egypt’s eastern coastline lies on the Red Sea, leading some holidaymakers to question whether upcoming beach holidays in the region are safe.
UK travel advice for Egypt updated at the beginning of January 2024. However, most Red Sea tourist hotspots such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab were not affected by the latest travel guidelines.
Flights continue and major tourist destinations in Egypt are open. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Egypt in the coming months.
Is it safe to travel to the Red Sea?
In response to Houthi attacks on cargo ships heading to the Suez Canal, UK and US forces launched retaliatory strikes on Yemen.
At a press conference this week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the situation was “worrying” as the Houthis continued their attacks on commercial shipping.
The latest travel update on the UK Government website says: “Military activities are currently ongoing in response to attempts by Houthi militants to disrupt the movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. Although the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, Travel Advisories for nearby countries “There is a possibility that this may change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advisories and comply with relevant instructions from local authorities.”
Two of Egypt’s most popular beach destinations, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab, are located on the Red Sea coast and welcome thousands of British holidaymakers every year.
There were some reports of drones detected near the Egyptian coastline in 2023; but so far there have been no warnings or restrictions on travel to Egypt’s main Red Sea resorts.
While tourists are always advised to exercise caution when traveling abroad, currently most visits to Egypt’s Red Sea are relatively safe and enjoyable.
Since the Houthi/US situation is constantly evolving, it is important to keep up with travel updates during your trip.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
There has been no update on wider travel advice for Egypt since late 2023. However, regional experts are closely following the developing situation in Gaza, with which Egypt shares a border.
Egypt’s main tourist centers such as Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Hurghada and Alexandria are not located close to the border region in question.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel guidance for these tourist destinations has not changed and most visits to Egypt have been uneventful.
According to the advice, travelers should not come closer than 20 kilometers to the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where only essential travel is recommended).
It’s worth remembering that your travel insurance may be invalidated if you visit an area that the FCDO recommends you travel to.
What is the UK Government’s official advice on traveling to Egypt?
According to the FCDO: “Authorities in Egypt maintain a significant security presence throughout the country, including armed security guards, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints in key areas. Extra precautions are being taken in touristic places.”
FCDO advises against travel within 20 kilometers of the Egypt-Libya border and North Sinai Governorate.
Travel to parts of South Sinai Governorate beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa Road is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Coastal areas in the west and east of the peninsula, such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab, will not be affected.
Non-essential travel to Ismailia province east of the Suez Canal and certain destinations in the western desert is discouraged.
For the latest information on UK travel advice, check the Government website for updates.
Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?
UK visitors can obtain a one-month visa on arrival when entering Egypt. Whichever port tourists enter the country from, they will need to pay $25, preferably in that currency.
Alternatively, those traveling in the Sinai peninsula (such as Sharm el-Sheikh) can obtain a free 15-day visa covering that region. However, if you travel to mainland Egypt, you will need to obtain a new visa.