Mubasher: The United States’ official government website has updated its Travel Advisory List, but kept Egypt in the second category as “Exercise increased caution”.

The most populous Arab nation was in the same category in 2017.

“Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, avoid crowds and demonstrations and obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation, among other things,” the website said.

It also warned travellers against certain areas in Egypt including the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of Sharm El-Sheikh by air), the Western Desert, and Egyptian military zones near the borders.

The website cited terrorism as the main security problem in the country.

The Travel Advisory List highlights a four-security-level ranking system in ascending order of warnings: “Exercise Usual Precautions”, “Exercise Increased Caution,” “Reconsider Travel” and finally “Do Not Travel.”

In the “Exercise Usual Precautions” level, the website includes: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, Morocco, Oman, Bahrain, the Netherlands and Greece, among others.

At its level two “Exercise Increased Caution”, countries included are: Belgium, Algeria, Cameroon, Israel: the West Bank, Italy, Egypt, and Germany, among others.

As for level three or “Reconsider Travelling” category, countries included are Cuba, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, Chad, Guatemala, Haiti, Mauritius, and Nigeria.

Finally the direct “Do Not Travel” list includes: North Korea, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Somalia, and South Sudan among others.