High-ranking authorities have once again announced recommendations on where it’s safe to travel in Egypt and where it’s better to avoid visiting. The most interesting aspect is that some of these places are located surprisingly close to one another. The Foreign Ministry provided tourists with clarification on these areas. Although the British Foreign Ministry issued this guidance, it’s clear from the list that it also affects routes frequently traveled by tourists from other countries.
“The FCDO recommends refraining from any travel, except essential trips, to areas in the western part of the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta due to risks related to criminal activity and military operations,” the Foreign Ministry stated. However, they clarified that popular tourist destinations are exceptions to this recommendation.
The advisory does not apply to Luxor, Qena, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, nor the El-Fayoum province, coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza province northeast of Bahariya Oasis, the White and Black Deserts, or the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut), and Kharga.
As further guidance, tourists were advised: “Visitors entering the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, White Desert, and Black Desert should apply in advance for permission and use the services of an official guide. Cell service is limited, and medical facilities may not be of high quality. Follow the recommendations of travel experts and the instructions of official guides and local authorities.”
However, within these recommended routes, there are also strictly dangerous sections. For instance, the FCDO advises against any travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa, except for essential trips. A similar restriction applies to the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut), and Kharga, as well as the road between Kharga and Baris and from Baris to Luxor. “The FCDO recommends avoiding any travel on the road between El-Bawiti and Siwa unless necessary, including desert areas near the beginning of the Bahariya road. The road is closed and has military checkpoints. If you plan to travel to the southwestern corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya, you will need permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Bandits and armed groups are active in these areas.”