Level 3 travel advisory issued for Egypt due to increased risk of terrorism

The U.S. Department of State issued a “Level 3” travel advisory for Egypt on Tuesday due to the increased risk of terrorism that has hit the country.

The advisory warns tourists from the US (*3*)traveler to Egypt due to terrorism, in addition to the U.S. Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. and Egyptian residents who’re arrested or detained within the country. U.S. travelers have been specifically advised to avoid traveling to the northern and central Sinai Peninsula and the Western Desert due to the risk of terrorism, and to avoid traveling to Egyptian border areas because they’re energetic military zones.

“The U.S. Embassy may be limited in its ability to provide consular services to U.S.-Egyptian dual citizens,” he said. advisory reads. “Egyptian law recognizes dual citizens as Egyptian citizens.”

The advisory cited how “extremists continue to express interest in planning attacks in Egypt on religious sites, government institutions and diplomatic missions.”

Tourist areas are typically most vulnerable to terrorist attacks because terrorists goal steadily visited places resembling transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, Western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and native government facilities.

“Although Egyptian authorities largely exercise effective security oversight, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target specific targets,” the advisory reads. “Local law prohibits protesting and demonstrating without permission. The presence of anti-government protests nearby may attract the attention of Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens were detained for participating in protests and posting on social media content perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.”

Egypt is one of a very powerful attractions in Africa destinationsknown for the pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the traditional world. Visitors are also drawn to ancient monuments situated within the fertile Nile Valley, resembling the Great Sphinx, the hieroglyphic temple of Karnak in Luxor, and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. In the capital, Cairo, you can find Ottoman monuments resembling the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, which houses a powerful collection of antiquities.

For those continuing with travel plans to Egypt, the Department of State has issued a listing of precautions to take:

• Visit the DOS website regarding travel to high-risk areas.
• Keep your travel documents up to date and simply accessible.
• Make contingency plans for leaving the country that is not going to depend upon U.S. government assistance.
• Please check local regulations and conditions before traveling.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be vigilant in places frequented by Westerners.
• Get comprehensive medical insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• Enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
• Review the homeland security report for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC website for the most recent travel health information related to your trip.
• Prepare a contingency plan in case of emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.