Britons jetting off on winter sun holidays to Egypt are being warned about the risk of violence as tensions between the Middle East and the US mount. Just months after flights were given the go-ahead to return to holiday hotspot Sharm el-Sheikh, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued an updated travel warning urging holidaymakers to avoid certain areas in the country.
With Egypt close to the border of at-risk countries, the situation poses a concern for Britons holidaying in the popular winter destination.
The terrorism scale for Egypt is also relatively high at the moment, with an attack “very likely”.
FCO officials warn: “There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
“Although most attacks occur in North Sinai, there is a risk of terrorist attacks across the country.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, affecting Egyptian security forces, religious sites, large public gatherings and places visited by foreigners.
“Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends.
“Terrorists have attacked tourists in Egypt in the past.
“There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks targeting Coptic Christians from extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai in Egypt.
“You should follow the advice of Egyptian authorities, remaining particularly vigilant and maintaining a high level of security awareness in crowded places and at large gatherings.”
The news comes just weeks after the UK government decided it was safe for British tourists to return to Sharm el-Sheikh.
An inaugural flight took off on 19 December, relaunching vacations to the popular destination.
Government officials made the decision to ban all travel to the city in 2015 following a fatal terrorist attack which targeted a flight filled with tourists from the region to Russia.
The fatal attack killed 224 passengers on a flight to St. Petersburg and is considered Russia’s worst aviation disaster.
Following the incident the British government suspended flights to Sharm el-Sheik, deeming the area unsafe and advising travellers against visiting.
After working closely with the Egyptian government on security precautions, restrictions have since been lifted.
Sharm el-Sheikh is still considered to be largely safe for British tourist, even amid the current crisis.
In a statement in October, the FCO said: “Restrictions on flights between Sharm el-Sheikh Airport and the UK have been lifted.
“Improvements in security procedures at the airport, and close co-operation between the UK and Egypt on aviation security, mean commercial airlines can now be allowed to operate routes to and from the airport.
“This is the first step in the resumption of flights to Sharm El-Sheikh, which is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. This decision supports air carriers to provide more choice to travellers hoping to visit the country.”
However, as the threat of war is on the rise, experts are warning travellers they should remain in the know about current developments which could affect their holiday.