GCC citizens urged to ignore allegations of bribery at Egypt airports

CAIRO – 5 May 2017: People in Gulf states have been urged to ignore Whatsapp messages being circulated in their countries, alleging that they are forced to bribe officials at Egyptian airports, according to a statement by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Friday.

GCC ambassadors to Cairo said in the statement the allegations are “false and unfounded” and aim to “stop Arab tourists from visiting Egypt and stir sedition.”

The said messages allege that officers at Egyptian airports fabricate drug charges against GCC citizens if they refused to pay bribes, according to the statement.

Egypt has recently announced a campaign to draw tourists from Gulf states to the country during Ramadan, coinciding with the end of May, and in the summer. Foreigners who reside in GCC countries will also be granted a visa upon arrival in Egypt in anticipation of high tourist turnout.