BRITS have returned to Sharm el-Sheikh after four years following the government’s decision to lift the flight ban from the UK, as the first flight landed on Sunday.
However, is the destination safe for holidays and what are the current travel warnings for Egypt?
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A TUI flight from Gatwick Airport was the first to land at the holiday destination in Egypt as airlines including EasyJet announced plans to return this year.
According to the UK Foreign Office, Sharm el-Sheikh is considered safe to travel both for holidays and for flights.
The FCO warn against travel to some regions including the the Governorate of South Sinai excluding Sharm el-Sheikh and the airport.
They also warn again any travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions (excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh).
The government has updated the travel advice for tourists following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on January 3 as well.
They advise: “The incident has led to increased tensions in the region. There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests and the security situation could worsen with little warning. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media.”
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While the majority of tourist holidays are without any problems, terrorists are also still “very likely” to carry out attacks, especially in areas popular with foreign travellers.
Brits are warned to stay vigilant, especially at tourist attractions and during religious holidays.
The FCO add: “The authorities in Egypt maintain a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers stationed at important sites, critical infrastructure, and road checkpoints.”
Sharm el-Sheikh, located on the Red Sea Coast in Egypt, has struggled since the ban on flights from the UK, although some tourists continued to visit by flying indirectly.
The government issued the ban following the terror attack on a Russian passenger plane in 2015, which killed all 224 passengers and crew.
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Prior to the terror attack, Sharm el-Sheikh was a favourite winter sun destination.
However, all direct flights from the UK to the holiday resort were stopped, with British Airways, easyJet and TUI affected.
Monarch and Thomas Cook were also affected – both of which collapsed since.
Earlier this month, a British dad was thrown in jail after patting a security guard on the back only to be accused of “sexual assault”.
Other problems face by Brits in Egypt include sickness outbreaks at hotel resorts – with many claims of falling sick due to E.coli outbreaks.
Brits are also warned against carrying any illegal drugs, or face up to 25 years in jail or the death penalty – with British tourist Laura Plummer jailed for 14 months after being caught entering the country with Tramadol.
Cheap deals to Egypt are still available during the winter to some of the safe regions, including to Hurghada.
Brits are opting for destinations such as Egypt as well as Turkey and Bulgaria as a cheaper alternative to Spain.
Soma Bay in Egypt is also a great holiday choice – especially for golfers.
