Travel to Egypt: Foreign Office issues advice

The Foreign Office has warned British holidaymakers to steer clear of Egypt's main cities as violent demonstrations threaten to overthrow the government.

However, many holiday resorts popular among Brits are not affected by the trouble.

Foreign secretary Willliam Hague said: '[We] now advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, and does not cover Egypt's Red Sea resorts.'

The Foreign Office confirmed the advice extended to include Giza, the famous pyramid site near Cairo. Meanwhile, tour operators including Thomson and First Choice have cancelled excursions to Cairo until further notice.

A spokeswoman for travel association Abta said: 'The vast majority of British holidaymakers in Egypt are based in resorts in the Red Sea area, for example Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. This is a very considerable distance from the affected areas and these resorts remain unaffected.'