Egypt Travel Safety

General safety

Although most tourist sites are open, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe. There is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled. Egypt has a special police force to assist tourists. Officers, who wear a distinctive arm band saying "Tourism and Antiquities Police", can be found in hotels and at tourist sites. Carry identification at all times. Photocopy your passport and other identification in case of loss or seizure.

Road safety

Road conditions are often poor and the rate of vehicular accidents is one of the highest in the world. Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, unless you are in immediate danger, such as from a crowd and need to move to safety. Exercise caution when using taxis and the metro. There have been robberies and accidents involving both, and the metro has been the target of terrorist attacks. Most taxis do not have working metres, and back seats are rarely equipped with seat belts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver. The metro can be overcrowded and is not climate controlled but does have cars for women only on most lines. Use vehicles and hire drivers from reputable travel agencies.

Scuba diving

Sharks are present in the waters off Egypt. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. The Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Water Sports provides updates on closures and diving conditions in Egypt. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities.

Regional travel

If you are planning onward travel to other Arab countries, bear in mind that Foreigners have been denied entry because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, which would indicate they entered from Israel.

Landmines

Unexploded landmines remain a risk in some desert and coastal areas, notably the Mediterranean shore, the Western Desert, the Sinai Peninsula and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Known minefields are not marked by signs, but may be enclosed by barbed wire. Seek local advice, especially if travelling off-road.

Rail transportation

Rail travel is generally safe between Alexandria and Cairo. However, safety standards vary throughout the rest of Egypt.

Marine transportation

Overcrowding and poor safety standards on ferries have caused accidents. Use reputable ferry operators.

Public transportation

Avoid microbuses because of hazardous driving habits.

Women's safety

Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls and touching.

Crime

Crimes such as pickpocketing, bag and purse snatching and home invasion have become more common. Purse snatching and pickpocketing occur most often in tourist locations and on the metro. Be aware of your surroundings and vigilant for thieves using different strategies to distract and rob you. Kidnapping and carjacking may also occur outside North Sinai. Carjackings usually target sports utility vehicles. Although isolated areas and night driving present the greatest threat, there have been reported incidents in daylight hours and in busy areas of Cairo. Assailants are usually armed, and a variety of tactics may be used to get vehicles to stop, including throwing objects at the windshield, feigning a traffic accident or minor collision with the target vehicle, or "sandwiching" the target vehicle to force it off the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, do not resist as carjackers are typically after the vehicle and, if the carjacking is successful, will leave the driver unharmed. If you are a victim of crime, report it to the Tourist Police (dial 126 from a local phone) or at a nearby police station as soon as possible. Request a copy of the police report at the time the report is made. Failure to report the crime while in Egypt makes it much more difficult to seek prosecution or insurance claim.

Culture

Egypt's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. Due to the current security context, be conscious of your behaviour and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. Meeting with or discussing banned organizations or those considered to be terrorist organizations could be perceived as criminal behaviour.

LGBT

Although same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, the charge of "debauchery" has been used to prosecute LGBT people. The flying of a rainbow flag at a concert in September 2017 led to the arrest of at least 66 individuals on debauchery charges. There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in Egypt. Public expressions of homosexuality and/or public displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to attract a high degree of unwelcome attention.

Illegal drugs

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years), life imprisonment or the death penalty. Khat is illegal in Egypt. Those sentenced to life imprisonment on drugs charges will normally spend the rest of their life in prison with no possibility of parole or pardon.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.