The Foreign Office has already issued travel warnings for Israel, the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Due to the tense situation, German citizens are recommended to no longer travel to these countries. But what about Egypt? The country is a popular holiday destination for Germans, especially in winter, because of its summer temperatures. Providers such as Tui, DER Touristik. FTI Group, Alltours entice you with cheap offers. A week all-inclusive in the El-Sheikh shoal can be had for under 500 euros per person.
At the same time, many experts expect that Egypt could soon open the Rafah border crossing to allow residents of the Gaza Strip to escape the region.
Planning a vacation in Egypt? You need to know this beforehand
The Egyptian borders are open to international travel, airlines and package tour operators are operating as usual in all hotspots in the country, and there is only a partial travel warning for Egypt. The Foreign Office announced on October 23rd: “Traveling to the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the North Sinai Governorate and the Egyptian-Israeli border area – with the exception of the immediate coastal strip and the border town of Taba – is not recommended.” Holidaymakers should specifically Do not book any excursions to these regions on site. However, this request was already in place before the current Gaza conflict. When asked, tour operators generally state that Egypt remains a safe holiday destination for Germans. Major Egyptian cities and tourist resorts such as Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh would be located far from the borders of Israel and Gaza.
FOCUS online advises: Travelers should pay attention to the information provided by hotels and tour operators. The telephone number of the German Embassy should also be saved in the cell phone. However, this precautionary measure applies to all holiday countries. At the same time, holidaymakers from Germany should always in advance at the Crisis preparedness list of the federal government (ELEFAND). “Whether it’s a trip abroad or a permanent stay abroad, by entering the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list you create the conditions that, in the event of a crisis or disaster, you can be quickly informed by our diplomatic missions abroad and included in crisis management measures,” says the Federal Foreign Office.
Anyone who has only booked a trip to Egypt in spring 2024 should follow developments in the country and read the travel advice from the Foreign Office carefully.
What you need to pay attention to when snorkeling and diving
Diving and snorkeling tours as well as trips to the desert are particularly popular with tourists. For your own safety and to protect the environment, travelers should only undertake these tours with licensed local guides. It is also advisable to find out about the local conditions and possible dangers in advance so that you can enjoy a carefree holiday.
Trips to the Sahara and the border areas with Libya and Sudan are prohibited.
Fear of the situation in Egypt: Can I cancel my vacation?
There is currently only a partial travel warning for Egypt. Anyone who does not want to go on a planned vacation to the popular country because of fear or concern about terrorist attacks or unrest must wait until the Federal Foreign Office issues a corresponding travel warning. “Fear due to the current situation or a general threat of terrorism is not enough to withdraw from the travel contract,” says Karolina Wojtal from the European Consumer Center Germany in one Report from the “Travel Reporter” .
“There must be evidence that a trip cannot be carried out as contractually agreed,” explains lawyer Paul Degott from Hanover. Anyone who does not want to travel to these countries out of fear will have to pay cancellation costs to the organizer.
FOCUS online advises: If you do not want to travel to a holiday destination because you are afraid, you should contact the organizer as soon as possible. Ask whether the provider allows you to rebook to another travel destination free of charge as a goodwill gesture.
In which countries is it not safe for German tourists?
Israel
Because of the escalation of violence in the Middle East, the Foreign Office is warning against traveling to Israel and the entire Palestinian territories.
Lebanon
The Foreign Office (AA) has asked German citizens and their relatives in Lebanon, which borders Israel, to leave the country because of the tense security situation.
West Bank
The Foreign Office also issued a similar exit recommendation for the West Bank.
Entry warnings and exit recommendations also apply to Afghanistan , Haiti , Iran , Libya , Myanmar , Niger , Somalia , Sudan , South Sudan , Syria , Ukraine and the Central African republic .
A partial travel warning applies to Egypt , Algeria , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Ethiopia , Burkina Faso , Côte d’Ivoire , Democratic republic Congo , Eritrea , Iraq , Japan , Cameroon , Mali , Mauritania , Mozambique , Nigeria , Pakistan , Philippines , Russia , Chad , Venezuela.
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