Egypt Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk.

• The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.
• Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be solely Egyptian citizens.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning:

Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection. However, extremists continue to express interest in planning and carrying out attacks. Security is generally present at potential targets, which include:

• Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there)
• Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies)
• Tourist sites
• Transportation centers
• Shopping malls
• Restaurants and foreign businesses
• Resorts
• Roadside checkpoints
• Urban areas in Cairo

Do not travel to:

• The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism.
• The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company.
• Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where we advise against all but essential travel.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• 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 White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley: the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa) the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga the road between Kharga and Baris the road between Baris and Luxor

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Approximately one million British people travel to Egypt each year. Most visits are trouble-free. This guide also has safety advice for regions of Egypt.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Egypt

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Be vigilant in crowds and large gatherings.

Targets might include:

• Egyptian security forces
• religious sites
• large public gatherings
• places visited by foreign nationals

The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.

Examples of recent attacks include:

• In 2024, one Israeli-Canadian national was killed in a shooting attack in Alexandria
• In 2023, 2 Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide were killed in a shooting attack in Alexandria
• In 2022, 4 police officers and one insurgent killed in an attack on a police checkpoint in Ismailiya City

This section has safety advice for regions of Egypt. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where we advise against all but essential travel. There are active military operations targeting criminal activity in this area.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to North Sinai Governate due to continuing criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths. See Terrorism in Egypt.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai Governate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

We advise against all but essential travel due to criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths. See Terrorism.

If you plan to travel in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle from mainland Egypt through the Suez crossing, you must get a permit from Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. You should book any activities outside of resort areas through approved agents or tour operators.

Travel to Red Sea tourist areas in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula is generally low risk. Security forces carry out routine checks on vehicles and at airports to protect resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam.

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of the Ismailiyah Governorate which are east of the Suez Canal, due to ongoing military operations against terrorists and criminals. Egyptian authorities at checkpoints may prevent onward travel to this region. See Terrorism.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions due to risks from criminal activity and military operations, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel
• 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 White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley: the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa) the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga the road between Kharga and Baris the road between Baris and Luxor

Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide. There is limited phone reception and poor medical facilities. Monitor travel advice and follow guidance from official guides and local authorities.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Al Bawiti and Siwa, including the desert areas near the start of the road in Bahariya. The road is closed and there are military checkpoints.

If you travel to the south-west corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya, you will need a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas.

Be extremely cautious in all border areas.

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

The Hala’ib Triangle remains disputed territory between Egypt and Sudan. If you’re in the Hala’ib Triangle and need urgent UK government support, contact the British Embassy in Cairo.

The Bir Tawil Trapezoid is unclaimed by either Egypt or Sudan. If you’re in this area and need urgent UK government support, contact FCDO in the last country you travelled through.

Risk level

Egypt - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to ongoing tensions in the region, the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.

Regional risks

Northern Sinai - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to northern Sinai due to terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by the Egyptian Armed Forces. This advisory includes all of the Governorate of North Sinai and parts of the following governorates east of the Suez Canal :

• Port Said
• Ismailia
• Suez

This advisory excludes the Al Qantra Shark – Ras Sedr road between the border of the Governorate of South Sinai and Al-Ganayen, in Suez Governorate, on which you should exercise a high degree of caution.

The Western desert and Libyan border area - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following areas, due to smuggling, terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups and ongoing military operations:

• within 50 kilometres of the border with Libya
• the Western Desert, west of the Giza-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel road, including the oasis of Dakhla

This advisory excludes the following areas where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

• Marsa Matruh via the Marsa Matruh Road only
• The White and Black deserts via the Oasis Road only
• The oases of: Siwa via the Masra Matruh-Siwa Road only Bahariya, Farafra and Bawati via the Oasis and the Farafra-Dairut Roads only

Northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, north of St. Catherine – Nuweiba – El Tor Road, due to the threat of terrorism.

This advisory excludes the following locations, where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

• the Dahab – Nuweiba – Taba road
• the towns of Nuweiba and Taba
• the Al Qantra Shark – Ras Sedr road up to the border with the Governorate of Suez
• cities between Ras Sedr and El Tor

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist groups have planned and carried out attacks in Egypt. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Egyptian security forces have increased their security operations and have a large and visible presence across the country. Further counterterrorism operations may take place throughout Egypt. Heightened security measures are in place.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

There is an increased risk of incidents and attacks on and around dates of national significance, including:

• January 25, the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution
• The week of Orthodox Easter
• June 30 to July 3, the anniversary of the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013
• August 14, the anniversary of clearing protesters from Rabaa and al-Nahda squares in 2013
• Other religious observances and holidays.

Exercise increased caution during these periods.

Western Desert

Borders with Sudan and Libya are porous, and bandits and armed groups are active in these areas. Attacks on security checkpoints and forces are expected to continue. Egyptian military and security personnel are also engaged in security operations in the area. If you intend to travel to these areas, consider the risks to your personal safety and ensure you have made appropriate security arrangements. Travel to these areas requires a permit from the Travel Permits Department at the Egyptian Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Siwa Oasis

To visit the isolated oasis town of Siwa, take the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road. Access to essential services such as medical care, ATMs, fuel and mobile phone coverage is limited on the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road and in Siwa itself. There is only one gas station on the 300km road between Marsa Matruh and Siwa. The road is poorly lit, unpaved in some areas and has a number of significant potholes. Traffic accidents are common.

If you are travelling to Siwa:

• carefully plan all road travel in advance

• fill up in Marsa Matruh and make sure to have enough fuel to reach your destination

• be sure to have sufficient water and cash with you

• travel during daylight hours only

• consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel-drive

• expect military checkpoints along the way

• do not travel off-road outside of the Oasis

埃及风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在埃及中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。