02 Feb
2011

ABTA Statement in Response to Egypt Protests

As of 02 February 13.00 hrs, the FCO has updated its travel advice to state that the nationwide curfew has changed to 1700-0800 local time. This is not being enforced in the Red Sea Resort area, where the situation remains calm.

In light of the ongoing demonstrations, we continue to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (all four governorates of Cairo, Giza, Helwan and 6 October), Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.  We recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means, where it is safe to do so. This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other international destinations, although there is disruption to flight schedules. However, you should check with your airline before travelling. We advise against non-essential travel to Luxor.  Essential transit by road between the port and airport in Luxor can take place during daylight hours.

The vast majority of British holidaymakers in Egypt are based in resorts in the Red Sea area (for example Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada). This is a very considerable distance from the affected areas and these resorts remain unaffected.

Any tourists based in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor or Suez should liaise with their tour operator or airline regarding their holiday arrangements. There have been no reports of British nationals being affected by the unrest and foreigners are unlikely to be targeted. Tourists should also follow Foreign Office advice, avoiding political gatherings and demonstrations and respecting any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

British Government flights for British Nationals wishing to leave Cairo:
In light of the ongoing unrest in Cairo the British Government has chartered a plane to supplement commercial capacity.  The plane will depart from Cairo International Airport on Thursday 03 February.  To register for a seat on this flight and further instructions please call: +44 (0)207 008 8765 / 0020 227 916 000

Notes:

1. All but essential travel means that customers of ABTA Members who have booked package holidays to the affected areas of Egypt but have not yet travelled will be entitled to receive suitable alternative arrangements, rebook for a later date or, where these aren’t available, a full refund. These arrangements apply to immediate departures only, and for the period the advice is in force. Customers with future departure dates should discuss arrangements with their tour operators. Customers whose travel arrangements aren't a package holiday should refer to the terms and conditions of the services they have bought to determine what their rights are.

2. We estimate that approximately one million British holidaymakers visit Egypt each year with the vast majority of these based in resorts in the Red Sea area.

For further information
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Tour Operators are regularly updating their policies in relation to Egypt:

Cosmos

Thomas Cook

Thomson/ First Choice

Discover Egypt

Easyjet

Jet2.com