Australian government has issued a travel advisory following turmoil in Egypt where angry anti-government protests have raged since last week.

Department of Foreign Affairs advice said there was ongoing civil unrest and the high threat of a terrorist attack in Egypt.

Smartraveller, the Australian Government’s travel adviser, has released an updated warning for Egypt with the advice level of ‘Do not travel’.

“We advise you not to travel to Egypt because of ongoing civil unrest and the high threat of terrorist attack,” the website said, adding “If you are currently in Egypt, and concerned about the security situation, you should leave if it is safe to do so.”The situation remains unpredictable and may deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations could occur in any part of Egypt.

Australians should avoid all demonstrations as they may turn violent.” Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said that at this stage there is no information to suggest Australians have been caught up in the violence, or need help to leave the country.

“The embassy in Cairo has been actively contacting registered Australians, of whom there are more than 800 in Egypt,” he said. “On top of that, (it has been) contacting the major tourist hotels where Australians travelling to Egypt would normally be accommodated.

“This is a difficult task because mobile telephone communications have been disrupted from time to time,” he added. The anti-government protests aimed at ousting Egypt’s longtime President Hosni Mubarak have cost more than 150 lives since they erupted last Tuesday.