Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advisory for Egypt, lowering the risk level for parts of South Sinai Governorate.
For all of South Sinai Governorate, excluding the Gulf of Aqaba coastal area from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh, which remains at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), the advisory has been lowered from Level 3 (Avoid All Travel) to Level 2 (Avoid Non-Essential Travel). The measure reflects the stable security situation resulting from strengthened security measures by the Egyptian government.
Following the terrorist attack at a mosque in North Sinai Governorate in November 2017, the Egyptian government has been conducting counterterrorism operations since February 2018. South Sinai Governorate had previously been placed at Level 3 as an area potentially affected by these operations. The latest reduction reflects the improving stability brought about by enhanced security measures.
However, the ministry urged travelers to refrain from non-essential travel or stays in Level 2 areas, noting that South Sinai Governorate—particularly areas adjacent to North Sinai Governorate—could still be affected by the ongoing counterterrorism operations in North Sinai. North Sinai Governorate will remain at Level 3, as counterterrorism operations are continuing there.
Elsewhere, the border area with Libya will remain at Level 3 due to Libya’s continuing unstable security situation. Parts of the western and southern desert regions will remain at Level 2, excluding the Mediterranean coastal area from Marsa Matruh to Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert area, the White Desert area, and Wadi El Rayan Protected Area, including Wadi El Hitan. All other areas, including the Greater Cairo metropolitan area, will remain at Level 1.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged caution, stating that the possibility of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out even in areas including Greater Cairo. In December 2018, an explosion near the pyramid area in Giza killed and injured foreign tourists. In December 2022, a checkpoint in an urban area of Ismailia Governorate was attacked, killing and injuring several security personnel.
When traveling to desert areas and similar destinations, the ministry strongly recommends not using private vehicles or rental cars. Instead, travelers should ask a reliable travel agency familiar with local conditions to arrange transportation and should be accompanied by a local guide.
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This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API. The translation may not be accurate.
