Red Sea travel ban lifted Governments around Europe announced their decisions on Wednesday, following pleas from Egyptian tourism authorities. The news will be welcomed in Egypt, where around 11 per cent of GDP comes from tourism, especially ahead of the key winter sun period. Britain was among those countries that always omitted the Red Sea from its travel ban, even last month when demonstrations spread to the popular resort of Hurghada, and when tourists in Sharm El Sheikh were advised to stay in their hotels. Its decision was criticised at the time, as it meant any holidaymakers wanting to cancel or rearrange their trip were unable to do so free of charge. The Foreign Office continues to advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Egypt "except for resorts on the Red Sea in South Sinai and those resorts on the Egyptian mainland in Red Sea governorate (including Hurghada) ." There have been violent clashes since July 2013 resulting in a large number of deaths. Most of the clashes have taken place in Cairo, Alexandria and Mansoura," it adds. There have been demonstrations in other parts of Egypt, including Hurghada and Luxor, some of which have turned violent. Further demonstrations are likely and could take place in any part of the country. Army and security forces have been deployed in anticipation of further protests and rallies. A national state of emergency was declared in Egypt for a period of one month on 14 August. It was extended for a further two months on September 12. Train services across Egypt are suspended. See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt for more information.