Travel To Egypt: Open For Exploration Now?

As of September 2024, the UK government considers travel to Cairo, Nile cruise stops including Luxor and Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh to be safe. However, there are large parts of the country that the UK Foreign Office warns against travelling to. The US and Australian governments advise against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai and within 40km of Egypt's border with Libya. The Canadian government advises against all travel to northern Sinai and the western desert and Libyan border area. The US and Canadian governments advise against non-essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai. All governments warn of the threat of terrorism and advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution.

Travel advisories for popular tourist spots

There are no travel advisories in place for popular tourist spots in Egypt such as Cairo, cities along the Nile including Luxor and Aswan, and resorts by the Red Sea such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. These are all considered safe by the UK government.

However, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, which includes the crossing at Rafah, and within 20km of the Egyptian/Libyan border (excluding El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel).

The Foreign Office also advises against all but essential travel to the following areas:

• The northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai beyond the St Catherine-Nuweiba Road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.
• The eastern part of the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.
• The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, the Faiyum Governorate, the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis, the road between Giza and Farafra (except the road between Bahariya and Siwa where all but essential travel applies), Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, and the White Desert and Black Desert.
• The Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

The US and UK strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen at the beginning of 2024 have not changed the UK government's travel advice for Egypt. However, the UK Foreign Office warns that the border between Israel and Egypt at Taba could close at short notice. Visitors should check with local authorities before trying to cross.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt, and targets could include destinations popular with tourists. Most attacks in the past have been in the North Sinai region, but they may take place in other parts of the country too. The risk is heightened during public holidays and festivals, such as Christmas and Ramadan, and is particularly high around religious sites, large public gatherings and places frequented by foreigners.

The UK Foreign Office advises that tourists in Egypt should stay vigilant and carry their photo ID with them at all times.

Border crossings

Egypt's borders are under military control. The military restricts and, in some cases, bans the movement of civilians and vehicles. You need permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior to cross borders on the main sealed roads, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and parts of the Sinai.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is a vital lifeline for Gaza's two million residents. It is one of two main crossings for inhabitants of Gaza, the other being the Erez crossing at the northern Israeli border. The Rafah crossing is controlled by Egypt, but Israel monitors all activity in southern Gaza from its Kerem Shalom military base and other surveillance points.

The Rafah crossing has seen numerous shifts, openings, and closures over the years, prompting the construction of illicit tunnels beneath it to facilitate the flow of people and goods. Since Israel imposed a land, sea, and air blockade and an embargo on the Gaza Strip in 2007, movement in and out has been significantly restricted. As a result, a system of tunnels between Gaza and Egypt was developed, allowing goods and people to cross the border illegally.

The Rafah crossing was open for 245 days in 2022, and 138 days in 2023, according to the UN. Before the October 2023 Hamas attacks that sparked the latest violence between Hamas and Israel, aid used to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing controlled by Israel. Since the war broke out, Israel has tightened its existing restrictions, making Rafah the only entry point for humanitarian aid.

The Egyptian government has warned that any occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor by Israeli forces would be a violation of the 1978 Camp David Accords. In May 2024, Israel took control of the Rafah crossing and stationed its forces within the Philadelphi Corridor, violating the terms of the Camp David Accords.

To enter Egypt from the Gaza Strip, you must obtain permission from the Egyptian authorities. If you enter through the Rafah crossing, you must leave the same way. You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for a long time while waiting for approval to return.

The Australian Government cannot influence the granting of approval or the opening of the crossing and its ability to provide consular help in Gaza is extremely limited.

Safety in Cairo

Cairo is generally considered safe to visit, but it's important to be aware of potential dangers and remain vigilant. The city has a low crime rate compared to other Western nations, but violent crime, terrorism, pickpocketing, scamming, and mugging can occur. Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere in Egypt, and Cairo has seen attacks in recent years. As such, it's important to monitor local media and follow the advice of authorities.

• Terrorism: There is a risk of terrorism in Cairo, as in other parts of Egypt. Terrorist attacks could target religious sites, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and other public places. Avoid areas with a high risk of terrorist activity, such as within 40km of the border with Libya and the Governorate of North Sinai.
• Scams: Be cautious of scams, such as the security guard scam, camel scam, ticket checker scam, and locals offering to take your photograph. Pre-book camels and tours to avoid scams, and consider hiring a local guide to help you navigate and avoid scams.
• Transportation: Cairo has a well-developed transportation system, including taxis, Ubers, a subway system, buses, and microbuses. While these options are generally safe, always be vigilant and keep your belongings close to you. Avoid walking alone at night, and consider using female-only carriages on public transport.
• Health: Cairo has high levels of pollution and dust, which can be harmful to people with breathing difficulties or lung conditions. Ensure you have comprehensive medical insurance and consider wearing a face mask to protect yourself from air pollution.
• Infectious Diseases: Waterborne and foodborne diseases are common in Cairo, including hepatitis, filariasis, and traveller's diarrhoea. Avoid drinking tap water, and be cautious when consuming raw or undercooked food.
• Sexual Harassment: Women travelling alone should take extra precautions, as female travellers may be subject to unwelcome male attention and sexual harassment. Avoid going out alone at night, and consider travelling with a group or a guide. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, and consider wearing sunglasses to avoid eye contact with men on the street.
• LGBTQ+ travellers: Cairo is not considered LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex relationships are not criminalised, but there is little public acceptance, and LGBTQ+ individuals may face social stigma, discrimination, and prosecution under 'debauchery' laws. Avoid public displays of affection, as this may attract negative attention.
• Local Laws and Customs: Respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques, and markets. Do not drink alcohol in public places, as it is prohibited and can lead to arrest. Do not criticise the Egyptian government, security forces, or Islam, as this can lead to legal trouble. Do not bring or use drones without special permission, as it is illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Entry requirements

Passports and Visas

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date from Egypt.
• You will need to obtain a tourist visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before your departure.
• A single-entry 30-day tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports for a $25 USD fee.
• A multiple-entry visa is also available for $60 USD.
• The Government of Egypt has a website for the issuance of "e-visas".
• If you are travelling to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, you can get a free entry permission stamp on arrival for stays of up to 15 days.
• If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt, contact the Immigration Authority of Egypt.
• You may be fined upon departure if you overstay your 30-day visa without proper authorization.
• If you are a male dual citizen of the U.S. and Egypt, aged 18-40, and have stayed in Egypt for more than 180 days, you will need to finalize your Egyptian military status before departure.
• If you are a dual citizen of Canada and Egypt, your ability to receive consular services may be limited.
• If you are a dual citizen of Australia and Egypt, you will be treated as an Egyptian citizen, which will limit your access to consular assistance.

Health and Medical Entry Requirements

• All foreigners planning to study, work, or train in Egypt for longer than one month may be required to undergo testing for HIV.
• When entering Egypt from another country, you may be required to provide proof of immunizations.
• It is recommended that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza.
• It is also recommended that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A, measles, hepatitis B, COVID-19, the flu, and rabies.
• If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, you will need to provide proof of immunization.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, the NHS suggests that it is advisable to have polio and tetanus jabs, and to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid vaccinations.

Currency Restrictions

• You must declare any amount of currency equivalent to $10,000 USD or more.
• A maximum of EGP 5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt.

Other Entry Requirements

• If you are travelling with medication, carry the original prescription and ensure the medication is in its original packaging.
• Do not bring in more than a three-month supply of medication.
• If you are bringing in electronics, you may need to get approval from Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
• Drones are strictly prohibited in Egypt.
• If you are bringing in satellite phones or radio communications equipment, you will need approval from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Local laws and customs

Egypt's legal system is primarily a civil law system based on a combination of Islamic (sharia) law and the Napoleonic Code. As a traveller, it is important to familiarise yourself with certain aspects of Egyptian law that can impact you, including drinking laws, cultural norms, import restrictions, and photography restrictions.

Drinking Laws

Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is forbidden and can lead to arrest. During the holy month of Ramadan, the sale of alcohol is generally not permitted. Some tourist hotels and restaurants may still serve alcohol to foreigners, but drinking in public is forbidden and can lead to arrest by the Egyptian authorities. Public drunkenness is also completely unacceptable in Egyptian culture.

Cultural Norms

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country, and it is important to be aware of local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques, and souqs (markets). Public displays of affection are frowned upon. What may be acceptable in tourist resort areas may not be in other areas.

Import Restrictions

There are certain regulations on what travellers can and cannot bring in and out of Egypt. Permitted items include personal items such as clothing, toiletries, and electronic devices. Non-permitted items include firearms, ammunition, and other weapons, along with politically sensitive or pornographic materials.

Photography Restrictions

Photography in public places and on the streets of Egypt is generally allowed, but there are still places where it is illegal to photograph. These include military facilities or structures of strategic or military importance, such as the Suez Canal. Do not take pictures of the local police, government buildings, or military installations. Most tourist locations and sites allow picture-taking, but some museums and religious and historical sites may not permit photography in certain areas.

Other Considerations

• Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to lengthy prison sentences, life imprisonment, or the death penalty.
• Criticising the Egyptian government, security forces, or Islam can be illegal.
• Foreign journalists need accreditation from the Egyptian Press Centre before arrival. There are severe punishments for journalists working without accreditation.
• Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, but the charge of "debauchery" has been used to prosecute LGBTQIA+ people. There is little public acceptance of homosexuality, and public displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to receive a high degree of unwelcome attention.
• Women travelling to Egypt, especially solo, should be aware of certain safety measures and local customs. Women travellers in Egypt have reportedly been subject to both street and sexual harassment.
• Violent crime can occur, and women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unwelcome male attention.
• Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt, and potential targets include religious sites and tourist locations.

Frequently asked questions