The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa has advised South African citizens living in or travelling to Egypt to take precautionary measures with regard to their personal safety and wellbeing, following unrest in the country.
Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the department, says: “Government strongly advises all South African citizens to register online on Registration of South African citizens Abroad (ROSA) in order for the government to be able to contact them or their relatives or friends in South Africa in case of an emergency.”
He says the South African Embassy in Egypt remains open and is available at all times to assist South African citizens should circumstances require.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all but essential travel to parts of Egypt this week, saying in a statement: “In view of the continued unrest in Egypt, the FCO recommends against all but essential travel to Egypt except for resorts on the Red Sea in South Sinai and those resorts on the Egyptian mainland in Red Sea governorate.”
Keith Grenville, owner of South African-based tour operator Egypt Today, says: “The news from Egypt is not encouraging for people to visit that country.” He adds, however, that he has no South African clients in Egypt at the moment. “The summer months in Egypt are not good for South African travellers due to the high temperatures. As for the future, we will see when the dust settles.”
The FCO has not advised against the use of Cairo airport and has suggested that those already in Egypt pay close attention to personal safety, particularly in the larger cities.
