OTTAWA — Global Affairs Canada is advising against non-essential travel to Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation. The advisory does not apply to the Red Sea coastal resorts of Hurghada (and its surroundings) and Sharm el-Sheikh, nor to the area from Luxor to Aswan along the upper Nile, where Global Affairs Canada says travellers should exercise a high degree of caution.

Canadians travelling to Egypt are also advised to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Islamic State suicide bombers killed at least 45 people in attacks on Palm Sunday services in two cities in Egypt, as a state of emergency went into effect amid fears of further violence.

At least 17 people were killed at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, the historic seat of Christendom in Egypt. Another suicide attack killed at least 28 people inside St. George’s Church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, the Health Ministry said, updating an earlier toll. IS claimed both bombings.