Parts of Egypt have become a no-go zone for British travellers as ongoing mass protests and an increasing death toll prompted a change in government travel advice.
Amid reports that 16 people were killed and 200 injured overnight at a rally at Cairo University in support of president Mohammed Morsi, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office hardened its stance on travel to the country.
Britons are now advised against all but essential travel to Egypt due to the continuing unrest except for resorts on the Red Sea in South Sinai and resorts on the Egyptian mainland in Red Sea governorate.
Resorts excluded include those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site; road travel between the Red Sea resorts; road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east; and transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh.
The FCO said: “Although we are not recommending immediate departure at the moment, British nationals already in Egypt in areas where we advise against all but essential travel should consider whether they have a pressing need to remain.
“While in Egypt they should stay at or close to home or a place of safety (e.g. their hotel), keep a low profile and pay close attention to their personal safety, particularly in the larger cities.
“They should take particular care to avoid crowds. The situation is changeable and they should continue to watch our travel advice closely.
“We are not advising against the use of Cairo airport as a transit stop providing you do not leave the airport grounds.”
Morsi last night rejected an army ultimatum that the crisis be resolved by today.
The army earlier leaked details of a draft “roadmap” for Egypt’s future to the BBC.
Details of the plan outlined new presidential elections, the suspension of the new constitution and the dissolution of parliament.