The Christian Science Monitor reports that tens of thousands of protesters in Egypt braving tear gas and water cannons, were converging on Tahrir Square in central Cairo and protests were taking place across the country. Similar scenes were played out in hundreds of mosques in Cairo, Alexandria, and the gritty industrial towns of the Nile Delta.
As a result the recent protests Canadian department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has recently updated the travel advisory for Egypt. Canadians traveling to Egypt should exercise a high degree of caution due to occasional demonstrations and protesters, high levels of criminal activity and violence throughout the country, and the threat of terrorist attacks.
According to recent world news reports from Egypt, major demonstrations have been announced and they are likely to be well attended. The week of January 30, 2011 has seen serious civil unrest as a result protesters in many parts of Egypt with reports of large scale arrests, property damage, injuries, and several deaths from injuries sustained during the protests. Access to some areas may be restricted due to increased security measures and police presence on the streets.
Canadians, in particular those visiting or living in urban areas of Egypt, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings of protesters and to follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are advised to exercise caution and restraint, and to avoid unnecessary travel in the later hours of the day and at night.
Will travel insurance cover you while traveling to Egypt?
At this time the Government travel advisory is only a warning and not a recommendation not to travel. Therefore your medical travel insurance policy should cover you when traveling to Egypt on holiday. It is advisable however, to check with your travel insurance provider before traveling to Egypt to see if your policy will be valid based on your specific travel itinerary.
These travel advisories can change at any time, so it is important to check the Government web site before traveling. Your travel insurance policy may cover you, but understand the risks traveling to Egypt due to the current situation.
If you decide to travel to Egypt, do not become a protester, stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people, public buildings or other sites which may become the focus of protester demonstrations, such as Tahrir Square in Cairo. You should exercise caution, and observe instructions given by local security authorities and tour operators.
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