The Australian government has recently downgraded its travel warning for Egypt, advising Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism” rather than restricting travel to essential trips only.
In an update published on Tuesday on Smartraveller, the government stated, “We’ve reviewed our advice for Egypt and have lowered the overall travel advice level.” However, the government continues to caution against travel to certain areas of Egypt due to threats including heightened risks of terrorism and serious crime. The advisory notes that terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt, with potential targets including religious sites and tourist attractions. Additionally, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine could lead to a rapid deterioration in the security situation.
The timing of the update is significant as October marks the beginning of Egypt’s high tourist season, attracting travelers from around the globe to explore its ancient wonders, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Brett Jardine, Managing Director of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), welcomed the revised travel advisory. He remarked, “CATO has been actively lobbying with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for a reassessment of travel advisories for Egypt. This positive development underscores the value of having on-the-ground expertise and a deep understanding of destinations where CATO members have a significant presence.”
Jardine noted that nearly 8,000 Australians selected Egypt as their primary holiday destination in the first half of 2024, marking a modest increase compared to the same period in 2023. He highlighted a notable trend: a nearly 40 percent growth in travelers aged 60 and above, indicating Egypt’s increasing appeal to this age group.
Despite regional conflicts, Jardine emphasized that Egypt remains a favored choice for Australian tourists. “Australians are enthusiastic travelers, and we anticipate that holiday travel in 2024 will exceed pre-COVID levels across all regions. While the Middle East has faced geopolitical challenges over the past year, it continues to be a popular destination for Australian tourists. We expect increased interest in Egypt as we approach the peak travel season from October to April.”
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