Is Egypt Really Safe? New Threats Spark Concerns Amid Regional Tensions for UK Travellers

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, there has been significant concern among travelers regarding the safety of visiting countries in the Middle East, particularly Egypt, which shares a border with Israel. The situation, which has seen military strikes and threats from both sides, prompted the US to intervene, with President Donald Trump proposing a ceasefire agreement on June 24. While the ceasefire has been tentatively holding, Israel’s defense minister has accused Iran of violating the terms of the agreement by launching strikes, a claim that Iran has denied. Despite the political tension, the situation remains fluid, and the US has become involved in direct military strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

As a result, tourists considering travel to Egypt have been left wondering if it is safe to visit, particularly with the heightened security concerns across the region. While Egypt is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient history, and popular tourist destinations, travelers are concerned about whether the proximity of Egypt to the conflict zones in Israel and Gaza might affect the safety of their vacation plans.

Proximity of Israel to Egypt’s Major Tourist Destinations

Despite the Israel-Gaza conflict directly affecting Israel, Egypt has largely avoided being drawn into the violence. While Israel borders Egypt, the distance between the conflict zones and Egypt’s key tourist destinations is substantial. For instance, one of Egypt’s most popular tourist spots, Sharm el-Sheikh, is located over two and a half hours away by car from the nearest border town with Israel. The area around the Gaza border, a key flashpoint in the conflict, is more than five hours away by road. Egypt’s major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Luxor are situated even further from the conflict zones, ensuring that these destinations are largely insulated from the violence.

For tourists traveling to Egypt, these distances provide some reassurance, as the areas most affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict remain far from major tourist hubs. As a result, Egypt continues to operate many of its popular resorts and attractions, with minimal disruption.

Airport Operations and Potential Flight Disruptions

For travelers planning to fly to Egypt, it is important to understand the status of the country’s airports and the likelihood of flight disruptions. As of now, Cairo International Airport, one of Egypt’s busiest airports, continues to operate its flight schedule largely as normal, with only minor delays reported for some departures. Similarly, Hurghada International Airport, located on the Red Sea coast, is operating normally, with only a few delays in flight departures. These airports have not reported any significant disruptions due to the ongoing conflict, and airlines are continuing to provide services to and from Egypt.

Travelers who have booked flights to Egypt are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline before heading to the airport, as last-minute changes may occur due to the fluid nature of the situation in the region. While major airports like Cairo and Hurghada are operational, there could still be disruptions in the coming days depending on how the situation unfolds in neighboring countries.

Air Passenger Rights During Disruptions

In the event that a flight to Egypt is canceled or significantly delayed, passengers’ rights are protected under air passenger rights regulations, particularly for those departing from the UK or European Union. Passengers who experience flight cancellations are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight to their destination. Additionally, if a flight is canceled, passengers are generally entitled to a refund, provided they booked the flight under UK law or European Union regulations.

In cases where a flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, passengers may also be eligible to claim compensation, although this is generally not applicable if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse weather or political instability. Travelers who are impacted by cancellations should contact their airline for assistance in rebooking or to inquire about their refund options.

Impact on Package Holidays to Egypt

For those who have already booked package holidays to Egypt, many travel companies are continuing to operate as scheduled. However, if you are planning a trip and are concerned about the ongoing situation, it is advised to contact your tour operator or holiday provider for more information. In many cases, tour operators are offering flexibility to travelers who wish to postpone their trips. However, as of now, there are no widespread guidelines allowing travelers to cancel without penalty unless there is a significant shift in the government’s travel advice.

If the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updates its travel advice to include a blanket recommendation against non-essential travel to Egypt, travelers may be able to cancel their package holiday without incurring penalties, and they would be entitled to a full refund. It’s important to note that travel insurance may be invalidated if you choose to travel against government advice, so travelers should carefully review their policies before making any decisions.

FCDO Travel Advice for Egypt

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a detailed travel advisory for Egypt, taking into account the ongoing tensions in the region. The FCDO highlighted that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, which began on June 24, has had some positive effects on the situation, but travelers are still urged to remain cautious and stay up-to-date on developments in the region.

The FCDO advises all travelers to monitor news from both local and international media outlets, stay informed about any transportation disruptions, and follow the guidance of local authorities while traveling in Egypt. It is also recommended that tourists stay updated on events and check regularly for any changes to the security situation in the region.

While the overall travel advisory for Egypt remains relatively positive, the FCDO has issued specific warnings about certain regions. The office advises against all travel within 20 kilometers of the Egypt-Libya border, as well as travel to the North Sinai Governorate, an area that has historically been affected by security concerns. Additionally, the FCDO warns against all but essential travel to several other areas, including:

• The town of El Salloum, located near the Libyan border.
• The northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the peninsula’s west and east.
• The Ismailiyah Governorate, located east of the Suez Canal.
• The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, with exceptions for specific areas listed by the FCDO.
• The Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Despite these warnings, the FCDO has not issued any advisories against traveling to Egypt’s major tourist destinations, including Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, and the popular Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. These areas remain considered safe for tourists, and holidaymakers are advised to follow local security guidelines and remain cautious while traveling.

The FCDO also notes that there is a possibility of international borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) closing at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Travelers planning to cross borders should check for the latest updates on travel restrictions and be prepared for potential changes in border access.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza remains closed as of the latest updates, with no clear timeline for its reopening. Humanitarian aid to Gaza must currently pass through the Egyptian Red Crescent, and authorities are not permitting entry or exit of humanitarian workers at this time. The Egyptian government has advised against making emergency requests for humanitarian access at short notice.

What to Do If You Are Concerned About Friends or Family in the Region

If you are concerned about friends or family members in Egypt or the surrounding region, or if you need support from the UK government, the British Embassy in Cairo can provide assistance. Travelers are encouraged to reach out to the embassy for guidance or help in emergency situations, and to stay in contact with local authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.

In conclusion, while the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, Egypt remains relatively unaffected by the violence, and major tourist destinations are still considered safe for travel. The situation is fluid, and travelers should stay informed about any changes to travel advice or safety warnings. By staying up-to-date with the FCDO’s travel advice and monitoring the situation closely, tourists can make informed decisions about their travel plans to Egypt.

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