Overview
- Egyptian authorities removed security barriers outside the British Embassy in Cairo on 31 August, prompting the Foreign Office to close the main building pending a security review.
- Embassy services remain operational through alternative arrangements, and emergency assistance is available by calling 0020 2 2791 6000.
- The UK is not advising against travel to Cairo but warns against all travel to North Sinai and within 20km of the Libya border, with further restrictions for parts of South Sinai, the eastern Ismailiyah Governorate, the Western Desert, Hala'ib and Bir Tawil.
- Official guidance cites a high global terrorist threat affecting UK interests and cautions that attacks could be indiscriminate in places visited by foreign nationals.
- Travellers are urged to check vaccinations via Travel Health Pro well before departure and to secure permissions for medicines that may be controlled in Egypt, noting insurance can be void if official advice is ignored.