Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Britain has warned against travel to Egypt, particularly
the turbulent Sinai Peninsula.

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning against several Middle
East states, including Egypt and Turkey.

The government department cited the danger of attack and abduction by anti-government elements along major highways, particularly in Sinai.

“Due to the significant increase in the risk of criminal activity in the
North Sinai area, we advise against all but essential travel to Sinai north of the Suez-Taba road,” the advisory said on May 16. “We advise against using the road itself, but this advice does not extend to the towns of Suez or Taba, nor does it apply to the road from Taba to Taba airport.”

The British travel warning was one of the first in the West that cited
the dangers in Sinai. The Foreign Office urged British tourists to travel in convoys and stay in contact with Egyptian authorities.

“When driving outside cities local security authorities may request that
you travel in convoy,” the warning said. “You should comply with these
instructions. You should avoid travelling with unlicensed tour operators and
should not travel around Sinai by road after dark.”

In 2012, tourists were reported to have been frequently abducted,
particularly in central Sinai. The Foreign Office said robberies and
abductions were taking place on roads between Nuweiba, Dahab and St.
Catherine.

Sinai was also becoming a magnet for Islamic insurgents. The British
warning, however, said that Egyptian authorities were maintaining tight
security in major hotels in the peninsula.

“There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Egypt, including in
Sinai,” the warning said. “Security is tight throughout the country,
especially in resort areas. There is a high risk of indiscriminate attacks
including public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers,
including but not limited to resorts, hotels and restaurants.”

  Britain warns visitors to Sinai to travel in convoys