In great news for those considering a trip to Egypt, the Australian Government has lowered its official travel advice level for the country to level two.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its advice on Tuesday, telling Aussies to now “Exercise a high degree of caution” for overall travel to the North African nation – lowered from “Reconsider your need to travel” (level three).
“We’ve reviewed our advice for Egypt and have lowered the overall travel advice level,” DFAT states on its Smartraveller website. “We now advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.”
The department continues to advise Aussies to “not travel or reconsider your need to travel to several areas of Egypt due to threats including higher risks of terrorism or serious crime”.
“Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt. Potential targets include religious sites and tourist locations,” it states.
“The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions, and the security situation could deteriorate with little notice.
“Increased tensions in the Middle East may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions, and other travel disruptions. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.”
However, importantly, the lowered travel advice applies to Egypt’s main tourist areas around Cairo, Giza, Luxor and the Nile River.
Bunnik buoyant
One of Australia’s leading small group operators for travel to Egypt, Bunnik Tours, has welcomed the “long overdue” downgrade, flagging that the new advice put the country on the same advisory level as the UK, France, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and other destinations popular among Aussies.
“Egypt has captured the hearts of travellers for over 2,000 years and has one of the most organised and sophisticated group touring industries in the world,” said Bunnik Tours Joint CEO Dennis Bunnik, who has travelled to the country more than 30 times.
“This change in advisory finally brings Australia’s advice in line with that of the UK Foreign Office.
“I, together with my industry colleagues, have been requesting this review for some time and it is great to see it finally happen.
“There is nothing on earth like standing in front of the Pyramids, sailing down the Nile or walking around the corner and catching your first ever glimpse of Abu Simbel. Egypt is a truly breathtaking destination.”
Bunnik also highlighted the economic importance of tourism for the country, “a key driver for jobs across all levels of society”.
“This is a massive boost for the people of Egypt and for every Australian who has ever dreamt of visiting Egypt,” Dennis said.
DFAT’s announcement comes ahead of the African nation’s high travel season, which starts in early October.
