Countries in the Middle East like Egypt, Jordan, or Cyprus have been increasingly reporting a negative collateral impact on tourist numbers, according to relevant local tour operators and media outlets.
Travelers around the world have started to cancel, shorten, or postpone their holidays to these destinations due to safety concerns.
Thus, how safe is it to travel to these countries as of today? Let’s review the current situation.
Following an official encounter with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on April 17, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that Israel will retaliate against Iran, which, according to Israeli human rights expert Gideon Levy, has the potential to ignite a “regional war.”
“It’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act,” said Cameron. “We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible,“ Cameron told reporters speaking from Israel.
For its part, the Iranian government has warned it will strike back again if Israel or the US dare to attack its territory. If that happens, US military bases will also become targets for Iranian missiles.
These are the latest travel advisories the US and Canadian governments have issued to protect their citizens.
Official Travel Advisories
Egypt
US Travel Advisory
The US State Department still ranks the country at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” This means travel is not banned but it’s discouraged.
Terrorism has prompted the government to urge citizens to avoid all travel to Gaza; the east of Cairo; the Sinai Peninsula (the Sharm El-Sheikh by air is an exception); or the Western Desert due to terrorism.
U.S.-Egyptian citizens have been arrested and the government has limited capacity to assist you if that happens.
Canada Travel Advisory
“Exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting Egypt, said the Canadian government on April 15.
Most importantly, do not travel to the Northern Sinai; the Western Desert; the Libyan border area; or the northern side of the South Sinai governorate.
Canada’s main concerns include potential terrorist attacks and the current military operations carried out by the Egyptian government.
Jordan
US Travel Advisory
The US State Department hasn’t changed its travel advisory for Jordan since July 13, 2023, when it ranked the country as a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” which in practical terms means it’s not too dangerous to visit.
Due to the lack of consular capacity that allows the government to provide citizens with assistance in case of need, Americans are warned to avoid all travel to the Jordan-Syria border; the Iraq border; Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa’a neighborhood due to terrorism and crime concerns.
Canada Travel Advisory
On April 14, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory to “Exercise a high degree of caution” due to concerns regarding terrorism, civil unrest, and riots.
Domestic and transnational terrorist attacks can occur at any time, killing both security officials and citizens.
Counterterrorism operations are currently being carried out at government buildings, places of worship, airports, and tourist venues.
Cyprus
US Travel Advisory
The last time the US updated its travel advisory for Cyprus was July 26, 2023, and apparently, there’s no reason to change it as of yet.
Travelers to this island country are only advised to “exercise normal precautions,” which means the country is extremely safe.
To avoid getting into legal trouble, refrain from entering the United Nations buffer zone.
Canada Travel Advisory
Similar to its American counterpart, the Canadian government also considers Cyprus a very safe country to visit.
Since 1974, there’s been a region called the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in the country’s north. Canada doesn’t recognize this territory as an actual independent country. Thus, avoid visiting it because the government is unable to offer you consular assistance in case of need.