Sweden lifts all Egypt travel warnings
Sweden has dropped all advisories warning against travel to Egypt, the foreign ministry announced on Tuesday.
"In light of the more stable security situation, the Foreign Ministry no longer advises against travel to Egypt," the ministry said in a statement.
Sweden first issued a travel warning on February 4th amid violent clashed between supporters of deposed Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and anti-government demonstrators.
The warning was partially lifted on February 14th, when the ministry lifted its advisory against travel to tourist resorts on Egypt's Red Sea coast.
With Tuesday's announcement, the ministry now deems the entire country as safe enough for Swedes wishing to travel there.
However, the lifting of the travel advisory likely comes too late for Sweden's major tour operators, who decided in early February to cancel all charters to Egypt for the remainder of the winter season.
Tour operators Ving and Apollo estimate they will trips to Egypt on May 2nd at the earliest.
Speaking to the TT news agency ten days ago, representatives from Swedish tour operators said it was unlikely they would send any travelers to Egypt before May even if the foreign ministry lifted the travel advisory.
In Egypt for talks on the new political situation in Egypt, Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt emphasised the importance of tourism for the country's future development.
"Now the hope is that tourism will start up again. And there is no doubt that Egypt has a lot to offer," Bildt wrote on his blog.
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"In light of the more stable security situation, the Foreign Ministry no longer advises against travel to Egypt," the ministry said in a statement.
Sweden first issued a travel warning on February 4th amid violent clashed between supporters of deposed Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and anti-government demonstrators.
The warning was partially lifted on February 14th, when the ministry lifted its advisory against travel to tourist resorts on Egypt's Red Sea coast.
With Tuesday's announcement, the ministry now deems the entire country as safe enough for Swedes wishing to travel there.
However, the lifting of the travel advisory likely comes too late for Sweden's major tour operators, who decided in early February to cancel all charters to Egypt for the remainder of the winter season.
Tour operators Ving and Apollo estimate they will trips to Egypt on May 2nd at the earliest.
Speaking to the TT news agency ten days ago, representatives from Swedish tour operators said it was unlikely they would send any travelers to Egypt before May even if the foreign ministry lifted the travel advisory.
In Egypt for talks on the new political situation in Egypt, Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt emphasised the importance of tourism for the country's future development.
"Now the hope is that tourism will start up again. And there is no doubt that Egypt has a lot to offer," Bildt wrote on his blog.
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