Japan lowers travel advisory levels for parts of Egypt

TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Ministry has lowered the danger level for the South Sinai Governorate in Egypt from Level 3, which advises avoiding travel, to Level 2, which advises avoiding non-essential travel, citing a stabilization of the local security situation. While this change was implemented, the ministry maintained existing danger levels for other regions across Egypt.

The North Sinai Governorate and the Libya border region remain at Level 3, meaning travel should be avoided. The Gulf of Aqaba coastal area, stretching from Dahab to Sharm El-Sheikh, continues to be rated at Level 1, which calls for exercising caution. Similarly, the Greater Cairo metropolitan area and other specified areas are at Level 1. Remaining areas of Egypt are classified at Level 2, advising against non-essential travel.

In its advisory to Japanese citizens, the ministry warned that terrorist sweep operations are ongoing in North Sinai and urged those currently there to evacuate. Regarding the western and southern desert regions, the ministry noted the risk of being caught in security operations and reiterated that the unstable situation in Libya necessitates avoiding the border area entirely. In all other regions, including Greater Cairo, citizens are urged to remain vigilant, as the possibility of terrorism cannot be ruled out.

Regarding the general security situation in Egypt, the Japanese Foreign Ministry noted that “since the political changes of 2013, terrorist attacks targeting military, police, judicial, and Coptic religious institutions have occurred intermittently. Although the Minustry recognized that security measures in Egypt have led to a decline in demonstrations and clashes since 2018, it believes that the “threat of terrorism persists, including potential explosions near urban areas and tourist sites like the pyramids.” According to the ministry’s detailed warnings, Japanese citizens should remain vigilant against terrorism in places where people gather, such as tourist facilities, religious facilities, and public transportation. For travel to desert areas, the ministry advises arranging trips through a reliable travel agency and having a local guide accompany you. Travelers should be prepared for risks such as vehicle breakdowns, fuel shortages, and communication gaps, and are reminded to comply with all local regulations and security checkpoints,according to the advisery.