Luxor4u

Foreign Office Egypt travel advice warns Brits they could go to prison for criticising government.

Egypt may be re-emerging as a travel hotspot for the summer but the Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to Brits heading there on holiday regarding criticising the Egyptian government.

The FCO travel advice for Egypt warns holidaymakers that criticising the Egyptian government could cause "trouble with the authorities", noting that even comments made on social media could lead to a prison sentence.

A statement on the website reads: "Publicising strongly negative opinions about Egypt or making political comments, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities.

"In some cases, derogatory comments on social media have led to custodial sentences."

And for those planning to take plenty of holiday snaps, the FCO warns to be vigilant and cautious about what you're capturing on camera - or you could find yourself being arrested.

Officials warn: "Photography of, or near, military official installations is strictly prohibited. This includes the Suez Canal.

"Don’t photograph officials without their consent. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of public buildings or infrastructure.


"British nationals have been arrested for photographing electricity stations, train stations and bridges if you are in any doubt seek permission before taking photographs.

"Don’t use radio controlled helicopters or ‘drones’ to take photographs."

Spot on!

Very clear and accurate advice......not that many holidaymakers spend much time educating themselves on local laws and customs before coming to Egypt!

The advice is particularly relevant to ex-pats here.

Who could find anything to criticize about? If the expats fell into this group, then obviously they would not be living here. We are all very happy with the life we have been blessed with. Have to sign off now as I'm due at the hospital due to a severe blow to the noggin.

I really love Egypt and it's Government and leaders, whoever they may be.

Quote: "British nationals have been arrested for photographing electricity stations, train stations and bridges if you are in any doubt seek permission before taking photographs.
.
Good, any 'nerd or trainspotter should be arrested for being a photographic nerd and a pratt.
probably all spies anyway wearing panama hats & white suits.


Personally speaking, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this or any other Government for that matter.
They are all f**** nutters for wanting to be in government in the first place, just look at Trump, he makes
all World leaders/despots/saviours look really intelligent, which we all know there not.

Cricketers that's what we want as leaders, now take that Imran Khan not the Bollywood actor, the playboy
"I wanna change the World looks like fun, from now on in another 'soft military coooo.....

Ps: I got arrested for taking pictures of confiscated tuk tuks..lol

In the West we're accustomed to the freedom of being able to criticise officialdom - even be quite abusive and insulting - with impunity. There are no laws against insulting "Britishness" - although anyone, paricularly a foreigner, doing so may well face reciprocal abuse on social media etc. You're more or less free to photograph whatever you want and behave as obnoxiously as you like....although we do have laws covering " hate" crimes, offending public decency etc.

Many countries, not only Egypt, are not so liberal.

It's sensible of the UK travel advice to point out the pitfalls in the case of Egypt as many British tourists go there. If they get into trouble they can't say they weren't warned. Not that that will stop the UK tabloids making a meal of any news concerning a Brit who ignores local customs and laws and gets arrested.

It's quite simple really.....if you don't like the rules and aren't able to keep your mouth shut or resist the temptation to have a go on social media, don't come to Egypt!

newcastle wrote:In the West we're accustomed to the freedom of being able to criticise officialdom - even be quite abusive and insulting - with impunity. There are no laws against insulting "Britishness" - although anyone, paricularly a foreigner, doing so may well face reciprocal abuse on social media etc. You're more or less free to photograph whatever you want and behave as obnoxiously as you like....although we do have laws covering " hate" crimes, offending public decency etc.

Many countries, not only Egypt, are not so liberal.

It's sensible of the UK travel advice to point out the pitfalls in the case of Egypt as many British tourists go there. If they get into trouble they can't say they weren't warned. Not that that will stop the UK tabloids making a meal of any news concerning a Brit who ignores local customs and laws and gets arrested.

It's quite simple really.....if you don't like the rules and aren't able to keep your mouth shut or resist the temptation to have a go on social media, don't come to Egypt!

Yep, and don't come to Turkey either!!

...and wait until your safely back sitting on your comfortable sofa at home before typing the s*** storm of indignation concerning your hols, a concrete slab is very uncomfortable to sleep on.