Authorities around the world today raised travel alerts for Egypt in response to widespread protests in several cities, including Cairo, which started on January 25, 2011.
Government officials in Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and US, New Zealand and Australia have issued severe warnings to their citizens, dated January 29, 2011, against any non-essential travel to Egypt.
The Hong Kong government raised the travel alert from Amber to Red – the second highest level of severity – but will continue to closely assess the situation – while Australian authorities also raised the travel alert to the second highest level which advocates a reconsideration for "the need to travel".
The British government stated: “We now advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.”
Recent activity in Egypt has seen thousands of people take to the streets of major cities, leaving at least 52 dead in latest estimates. The protests reflect the population’s dissatisfaction with President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year leadership. Internet access has been cut off.
Political unrest in Egypt follows similar demonstrations around the world, starting in Tunisia on January 13 and spreading to Jordan on January 28.
Alisha Haridasani
