Americans warned of potential attacks at vacation destination as border crossing exit fee doubles
The U.S. Embassy Cairo has issued a security alert for Americans in Egypt following regional developments related to military operations in Iran.
"The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Egypt remains unchanged at Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution,’ with ‘Do Not Travel’ guidance for the Northern and Middle Sinai as well as parts of the Western Desert," the alert says.
The alert, posted Sunday, warned of "Iranian-aligned actors" who have "expressed interest in planning and carrying out attacks in the region."
AMERICAN OFFICIALS ISSUE 'WORLDWIDE CAUTION' ADVISORY FOR TRAVELERS AMID GLOBAL CONFLICT
Potential targets include religious sites, tourist sites, transportation centers, malls, restaurants, resorts and roadside checkpoints.
While conflict continues in the region, many are still seeking to evacuate the Middle East.
The U.S. State Department warned travelers that fees at the Taba Border, a commonly used exit point for Israelis, have doubled.
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"As of March 28, U.S. citizens can enter Taba on a 14-day free visa-on-arrival if you plan to stay within the Sinai area," officials said.
"This free visa-on-arrival may be used by Americans departing Egypt from Taba or Sharm El Sheikh International Airport without transiting through Cairo."
The advisory notes that "unless you plan to stay at a hotel next to the land crossing and return to Israel, all travelers must now pay $120 to exit the Taba border crossing facility into Egypt, including to subsequently fly out of Taba International and Sharm El Sheikh International Airports."
Anyone planning to travel outside the Sinai area must obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the Taba land crossing for $30, obtain a "letter of guarantee issued by an authorized travel agent" for $20 or $25, plus pay the border crossing exit fee.
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"U.S. Embassy Cairo recommends carrying at least $175 USD cash per person for visas, [an] Egyptian letter of guarantee and exit fees, plus extra for unexpected costs," the embassy advises.
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Officials also state that ATMs at the crossing are "unreliable."