Business as usual for the Red Sea Resorts
Despite the horrific scenes of violence in Cairo that we’ve all seen on the news over the last few days, the official line from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is that it is still safe to travel to the Red Sea Resorts in Southern Sinai.
This is the FCO’s current (as of the morning of Friday 16th August) report for the Red Sea Resorts:
In the governorate of South Sinai the FCO advise against all but essential travel, with the exception of the Red Sea Resorts including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site; road travel between the Red Sea resorts; road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east; and transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh.
In Hurghada on 14 August there were some violent clashes, in an area away from tourist resorts. One man was killed. Hurghada Police advised tourists to remain in hotel grounds. We advise you to follow their advice. You are strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to cross road blocks erected by the security forces or protestors.
Here’s what some of the dive centres in the Red Sea had to say:
“Thanks to all those who have been in touch to ask how we are. Just to let our divers know it’s business as usual here in Sharm El Shiekh. Our night dive last night, Thistlegorm this morning and our usual day boat were not affected by the events in Cairo. Sharm is peaceful and quiet as usual. For those of you concerned about the profits of the Stella Bar, please be reassured that the Elite Team are doing their utmost to keep them in business! ” – Elite Diving
“Many thanks to all our guests who have contacted us about the situation in Sharm El Sheikh. Sharm El Sheikh and surrounding areas remain completely calm despite recent unrest experienced in Cairo and other large Egyptian cities. All our diving and snorkeling trips continue to run as normal. Today we have approximately 40 guests diving with us, with three boats departing for daily diving at Tiran and local sites. We have plenty of new divers taking PADI courses diving from our beach and diver training pool. Guests from nine European countries including the UK are staying with us at Camel Hotel at present. Our own restaurants, bars and beach are operating as normal, as are other venues in Naama Bay. There are no restrictions on the consumption of alcohol. Internet and mobile phone networks are fully working.” – Camel Dive Club
“An update from Sharm: The sun is out, The sky is blue, There are no tanks or fights to spoil the view, On a day like this the only thing missing is you!!!!! As ever Sharm is safe and hundreds of miles from the troubles in Cairo, so don’t let what you see on the news put you off – we hope to see you soon!” – Red Sea Diving College
“We will bring you more details as and when there are developments, but in the meantime we would like to reassure all our guests, friends and agents that our three southern villages are completely unaffected and are a long way from these incidents. Our guests on site are enjoying their holidays and diving as usual with no effect from events going on elsewhere in Egypt. We are also in close contact with authorities in Marsa Alam and Hurghada to ensure that should any incidents occur in these cities, we will be well-informed. ” – Red Sea Diving Safari
For a full report on the FCO’s travel advice for Egypt, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
