Travel warning for Brits heading to Egypt and Morocco as situation 'changing fast'

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits after an attack by Iran on Israel last week

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Graeme Murray

Sophie Foster

04:52, 19 APR 2024

Marrakech Djemma El Fna Square is a location which the Foreign Office has warned about visiting — Marrakech Djemma El Fna Square by Night (Image: Getty Images)

A swift change in travel circumstances has resulted in an updated travel alert for Brits planning a getaway to Egypt and Morocco. The Middle East has experienced significant events over the weekend that have led to alterations in the official advice for tourists.

Egypt and Morocco have increasingly been viewed as appealing holiday destinations with their budget-friendly resorts and stunning weather conditions. A recent attack by Iran on Israel, however, has now caused changes in the travel advice for both countries this year, reports the Mirror.

The gov.uk website has revamped its travel guidelines for Egypt and Morocco, amidst these unsettling developments. The Foreign Office announced: "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 borders Israel by land, has a number of warnings attached to travel to and within the country. The government states: "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)."

It also wants British people to stay away from North Sinai, South Sinai, the Hala'ib Triangle, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal and a number of regions in the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions.

The authority adds: "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 warned of a threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups near the border and remote desert areas saying: "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 also issued new warnings for visitors to Morocco. It highlighted: "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."

"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."