Ambassador to Israel recommends nationals to avoid travel to Egypt

RIGA - Due to the unstable security situation, it is not recommended to travel for leisure purposes not only to Israel, but also to its neighbouring countries, including Egypt, said Aivars Groza, Ambassador of Latvia to Israel, in an interview with Latvian Radio this morning.

Egypt borders the Gaza Strip. The Ambassador warned that at any moment the Israeli army could launch a ground operation in the Gaza Strip and streams of refugees could pour into Egypt.

It is up to each individual to decide, but it would not be advisable to choose Egypt for tourism at this time, said Groza.

As reported, despite the security situation in Israel, some travelers are still planning trips to countries in the region, such as Egypt and Turkey, Diana Eglite, press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told LETA.

She urges that before planning such a trip, it is strongly recommended to familiarize oneself with the most up-to-date information available on the Foreign Ministry's website in the Travel Alerts section on the entry rules and security situation abroad, as well as to register in the Consular Register on the "latvija.gov.lv" website.

Eglite stresses that the security situation in Turkey and Egypt is volatile, there is a risk of protests or terrorist threats in some places, and there is an appeal not to visit border areas, avoid mass gatherings, and visit religious sites during religious festivals. Due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East region, the ministry urges people not to visit Lebanon at this time without legitimate need, as well as the Jordanian border area with Syria.

The ministry spokesperson urges that, before travelling, additional consideration should be given to the cost of travel, insurance risks and whether Latvia is represented in these countries or whether other EU Member States are represented, as well as to the possibility of consular assistance in the event of an emergency. It is also important to be aware of the stark differences in culture, language and local customs, which can pose a risk to the unwary traveler.