Lawlessness in remote parts of Egypt has led to the Foreign Office warning against all by essential travel to Sinai north of the Suez-Taba road.
This includes the road itself but not the towns of Suez or Taba.
The warning said: "This advice is due to the significant increase in the risk of criminal activity in the North Sinai area.
"Since 11 February 2011, security has been looser in North Sinai and there have been attacks on government buildings and energy infrastructure – mainly in the Al Arish area."
The move follows the kidnap of two American tourists and their guide and the kidnap of three Korean tourists and their guide a week later on the same road between Dahab and St Catherine’s in Sinai, earlier this month.
Both groups were released unharmed shortly afterwards.
By Diane Evans
