Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Latest advice after Boeing passenger jet crashes in Iran amid escalating tensions with US
TOURISTS heading to Egypt on holiday have been warned to "remain vigilant" after tensions escalate between the US and Iran following a missile strike and passenger plane crash last night.
Here is the latest travel advice amid fears of Westerners being targeted abroad.
The UK government : "Following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, the incident has led to increased tensions in the region.
"There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests and the security situation could worsen with little warning.
"You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media
The attack has led to protests in Iran, with other holiday destinations popular with western tourists such as Turkey and Dubai also facing potential repercussions.
A number of airlines have also banned flights over Iran and Iraq, with journeys expected to take longer.
Current travel advice also advises against all travel to North Sinai which borders the Gaza Strip and Israel.
All but essential travel is advised again in South Sinai as well as the area west of the Nile Delta.
The US government is yet to update their travel advice, with the last update in July 2019 stating: "Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk."
Since 2015, British tourists were warned not to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh after a Russian passenger plane was bombed, killing all 224 people on board.
However, the flight ban was lifted in October, with airlines and tour operators launching direct routes to the region.
The threat of terrorism remains "very likely" in Egypt, with a Cairo bombing last year killing 20 people and a tourist bus explosion near the Pyramids of Giza injuring 17.
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