The U.S. Department of State has issued an official travel alert for Egypt, citing "the continuing possibility of political and social unrest, incidents of which have led to recent violence" in the country, according to Travel Pulse. The alert warned travelers to "remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security."
The alert applies through May, The Washington Post reported -- and it cautions travelers about the proximity of demonstrations in the country to the U.S. embassy compound in Cairo, which protesters attacked head-on in September.
Egypt's political unrest rose in Dec. 2012 in anticipation of the country's constitutional referendum. Violent protests also broke out after the January sentencing of those connected with deaths and injuries at a Feb. 2012 soccer match in Port Said, Travel Pulse reported. In the past, demonstrations like this have turned into violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries and property damage, according to Travel Pulse.
Curfews have been imposed in at least three Egyptian cities, including downtown Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said -- but the State Department said that the security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, remains calm, Travel Pulse reported. The State Department also told Travel Pulse that there have been no direct attacks on U.S. citizens, although, in isolated instances, U.S. citizens have been caught in the midst of clashes and demonstrations in Egypt.
The Washington Post reported that 2012 had been a painful year for Egypt's tourism industry -- and things have worsened since, with hotel occupancy rates hitting record lows and tourists fleeing the country, according to Ahram Online.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
