Egypt travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Egypt, including several reported deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website. See the Health section of this advice for further information. Egyptian authorities screen for t Swine Flu at several airports, including Cairo, Hurghada, Taba, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh. You may be asked to undergo further tests if you show flu-like symptoms, including high temperatures. If you have a high temperature and/or flu like symptoms, you should seek medical advice prior to travel to prevent problems on arrival in Egypt. Please see the Swine Flu section of this advice for more information.
  

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants.
  

• Since 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula and four in Cairo, the latest on 10 May 2009. These attacks killed and injured a number of British nationals. See the Terrorism Section of this advice for more details.
  

• The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza remains closed for an indefinite period. For travel advice on Gaza see the travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Territories.
  

• You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.
  

• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Egypt have led to 27 human fatalities since 2006. The last fatality was in May 2009. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and Avian and Pandemic Influenza for more details.
  
  
• 1,201,859 British nationals visited Egypt in 2008 (source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. 432 British nationals required consular assistance in Egypt in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (108 cases); hospitalisations (97 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (45 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (153 cases). The majority of consular cases occur in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh.
  
• Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for details.
  
  
• The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should safeguard valuables including your passport and money. You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, e.g. around pandemic flu and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Security is tight throughout Egypt, especially in resort areas. There remains a risk of indiscriminate attacks in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants. Egyptian security forces continue to carry out counter-terrorist operations in some areas of Sinai. Security authorities may insist on escorting you in some areas.

On the evening of 10 May 2009, an explosion occurred outside St Mary’s Church in Zeitoun, Cairo. No one was injured. The security services are still at a high state of alert and you may be stopped and questioned. We recommend that you carry photo identification and co-operate fully with officials.

You must apply for a permit from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior, located at the corner of Sheikh Rihan and Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo, if you intend to travel to the south west corner of the country near the Egypt/Sudan/Libya border. We advise extreme caution in travelling to this area. The issuing of permits was suspended during the autumn of 2008 following the kidnap of 19 people whilst on safari in the Karkur Talh area, near the border. The borders in this area are porous and bandits and armed groups operate. You should not travel to the area without a legally obtained permit and you should closely consider whether your security arrangements are adequate.

Since 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula. Three of these attacks have killed and injured a number of British nationals. The most recent incident involving British nationals occurred on 24 April 2006 in the resort town of Dahab killing 23 people, and injuring more than 60 including three British nationals. The Multinational Force and Observers are also targets of indiscriminate attacks and have been the victims of bomb attacks in 2005 and 2006.

You should be aware that some of these attacks have taken place over local holiday weekends. Egyptian security forces tend to step up their presence at these times. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should take sensible precautions. Take care of your passport and valuables, use hotel safes and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. If you are travelling alone or in small groups, you are advised to take extra caution, as there have been many cases of harassment, the majority targeting women, especially on the streets of busy cities or at the beach resorts. If you are the victim of any crime you must report it to the Tourist Police immediately. Failure to report crimes before you leave Egypt will make it impossible to seek a prosecution at a later date.

During 2008 there was an increase in reports of sexual assault cases by British Nationals to Consular staff. In 2008, we handled 24 cases of serious sexual assault and six cases of rape. Some of these assaults were against minors. Many have occurred in what were considered to be safe environments e.g. hotel premises

. For more guidance about this see Rape and Sexual Assault.

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.

Taxis and minibuses often overcharge tourists for airport transfers. You should ensure that you agree with the driver a charge for the ride before taking it.

For more general information see Victims of Crime.

Political Situation

Egypt Country Profile

Opposition in Egypt to Western and British policy in the Middle East is widespread. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbance. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

Border Areas

The area of the border between Egypt and Gaza is tense due to the situation there. The Rafah crossing is controlled by the Egyptian authorities and remains closed indefinitely, however the Egyptian authorities do occasionally open it for short periods. You should contact the Egyptian authorities for details of any of planned temporary openings. For the latest requirements on crossing from Egypt to Gaza, delivering aid or entering for humanitarian purposes, you should contact the Egyptian Embassy in London. All aid to Gaza from the Egyptian side is channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent (Tel + 20 226 703 979, + 20 226 703 983, Fax + 20 226 703 967). You should contact the Egyptian Red Crescent, in parallel with the Egyptian authorities, to agree the consignment methodology and agree any costs involved well in advance of sending any aid/medical equipment or supplies. Short notice requests and those made in Egypt are unlikely to be considered. You can also contact the British Embassy in Cairo for more information about crossing into Gaza and you should see the Travel Advice for Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Other border areas with Libya, Sudan and Israel should also be treated with extreme caution. You should obtain the necessary permits before travelling to these areas and check regularly for updates. See the Road Travel section of this advice (below) for more details.

Local Travel

Road Travel

You can drive in Egypt on an International driving licence for up to six months. If you intend to remain in Egypt for a longer period you must apply for an Egyptian driving licence.

Road accidents are very common in Egypt, mainly due to poor roads, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Police estimate that road accidents kill over 6,000 people in Egypt each year. This is twice the UK figure. Avoid driving on country roads at night and observe the local speed limit. Make sure you obtain adequate third party insurance. In the event of an accident emergency medical facilities are limited.

By law, seatbelts must be worn when travelling in the front of a vehicle. Where available, seatbelts should be worn at all times. Child car seats are available locally.

Only certain categories of foreign residents may import vehicles. Vehicles of visitors should be temporarily imported with a valid “carnet de passage” available from the Automobile Association.

Pavement and pedestrian crossings are not always present and drivers do not give right of way to pedestrians.

There have been eight serious bus crashes since January 2006, in which over 100 people have been killed. If you are a passenger in a vehicle that is travelling at an unsafe speed you should firmly instruct the driver to slow down.

If travelling off road, a qualified guide should be employed. The hiring of quad bikes can be dangerous. There have been several serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in resort areas. You should take the same safety precautions as you would in the UK as safety standards can vary considerably. You should always wear a crash helmet and you should ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you fully before you hire a quad bike.

There have been three serious hot air balloon accidents in Luxor so far in 2009. You should consider the operator's safety arrangements carefully.

Travellers to remote destinations away from the main towns and border areas should contact the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior, located at the corner of Sheikh Rihan and Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo as written permission may be required. You should not travel to these areas with a valid permit.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

Egypt's extensive rail network has experienced a number of accidents in recent years. The most serious took place in February 2002, when a fire developed in a train in southern Egypt and led to 361 fatalities. Most recently 42 people died and dozens were injured when a passenger train collided with traffic 270 north west of Cairo on 17 July 2008. There were no British nationals among those killed or injured.

River/Sea Travel

There have been four significant fires on Nile cruisers since September 2006. An Egyptian ferry sank in the Red Sea between Duba, Saudi Arabia and Safaga, Egypt in February 2006.

Egypt has a stable coastline and an active coastguard and therefore does not see the scale of piracy experienced in the Horn of Africa. However, there were two incidents in 2006 where robbers threatened smaller boats and stole equipment. Travellers in small or slow boats are advised to move in convoy and obtain detailed advice from the coastguard before carefully considering the risks in travelling through the Red Sea. Some cruise ships departing from Egyptian ports travel through the Gulf of Aden. You should consult the Department for Transport's latest advice on piracy in the Gulf of Aden if you are considering travelling through this region.

If you are considering diving or snorkelling in any of the Red Sea resorts you should be aware that safety standards of diving operators can vary considerably. A basic rule is never to dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible you should make any bookings through your tour representative, and ensure that your travel insurance covers you fully before you dive. Diving beyond the depth limit of your insurance policy will invalidate your cover.

You should ensure that your travel insurance, or that of the tour or dive company, provides adequate cover for the costs involved in any air/sea rescue if you are lost at sea. The current fee can exceed $4000 per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only undertake air/sea rescue operations on receipt of a guarantee of payment. The British Embassy is unable to provide this initial guarantee, but does facilitate communication between the insurance company and the Egyptian authorities. There have been delays in the past in starting a rescue operation while such a guarantee has been sought from the insurance company. It is essential, therefore, that you have effective cover in place beforehand.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Mines

There remains a small risk from unexploded mines in certain desert areas in the north west of Egypt near to Alamein, and on some limited stretches of the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matrouh and on the Red Sea coast south of Suez. Danger areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing. You should exercise caution and follow local advice, especially if planning trips off marked roads.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Egypt is predominantly a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs. This is especially important during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

The government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal.

Egypt is also a conservative society. You should dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional areas like mosques and souqs (markets). Women's clothes should cover their legs and upper arms. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may be frowned upon in other areas.

Visitors and residents should carry photographic ID at all times. Your passport must contain a valid visa.

Drinking in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.

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

Photography of or near military official installations is strictly prohibited. Don’t photograph officials without their consent. Plane spotting is not advised in any circumstances. You may be detained or arrested if you use binoculars near an airport.

Although homosexuality is not in itself illegal under Egyptian law, homosexual acts in public are illegal and homosexuals have been convicted for breaching laws on public decency.

Women are advised to take extra caution when travelling alone as there have been cases of harassment and sexual assault, including rape.

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. Please see parental child abduction.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. However, the Egyptian authorities state that "British nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts only, for up to 14 days, do not require a visa, they shall receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or overstay, you must obtain a visa." Visas can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD, for stays of up to a month. If you have travelled to the Sinai peninsular, entering without a visa, and your plans change you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm El Sheikh airport to allow you to travel. Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. Further information is available from the Egyptian Consulate and any enquiries should be directed to the Egyptian authorities.

A visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt. The decision to allow or decline entry rests solely with the Egyptian immigration authorities and we cannot interfere in another country's immigration policy or procedures. We will, however, do all we properly can to make contact within 24 hours of hearing of the detention of a British national to offer advice and contact relatives in the UK if requested.

You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will not normally be allowed to leave if the visa is out of date by more than 14 days. For visas and further information on entry requirements, check with the Egyptian Embassy in your country of residence: the Egyptian Embassy in London.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Work permits

Evidence of an AIDS test is required if you are applying for a work permit.

Customs regulations

5,000 Egyptian pounds is the maximum amount of local currency you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you may bring in, but sums that exceed USD 10,000 should be declared on arrival. Egyptian currency should not be sent through the post.

Certain valuables such as electrical equipment, video camera etc must be declared on arrival. Electrical items noted in passports must be produced on exit from the country. Failure to do so will result in payment of high rates of customs duty. It is advisable to contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Health

Medical facilities outside Cairo can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Cairo. You should ensure that your medical insurance covers the cost of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence.

Come prepared for the heat. Use a high factor sun block and drink plenty of water to guard against exposure and dehydration, which can result in serious health problems.

In general tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,000 adults aged 15 or over in Egypt were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Egypt and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection for Egypt you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (H5N1)

The first cases of bird flu in Egypt were confirmed on 17 February 2006. Since then, bird flu has been confirmed in 20 Governorates. This has led to a number of cases of human infection, including 27 fatalities, believed to have arisen from close contact with infected poultry. Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Over 1.2 million British tourists visited Egypt in 2008 and the risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form which is easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Swine Flu - A (H1N1)

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Egypt, including several deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert has been raised to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health website.

Egyptian authorities screen for the Swine Flu virus at many Egyptian airports, including Cairo, Hurghada, Taba, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh for passengers arriving on international flights. There is currently no exit screening in place although this may change with no notice. Several British nationals have been taken to hospital after showing high temperatures and/or flu like symptoms. If you have a high temperature and/or flu like symptoms, you should seek medical advice prior to travel to prevent hospitalisation on arrival in Egypt.

Anyone showing a temperature above 38 C (97.5 F) and/or demonstrating flu-like symptoms may be placed in a designated isolation hospital while further tests are carried out. Results from the tests can take up to 24 hours to be known. Those who test positive are required to remain in quarantine, in hospital, until the virus has been retested again after treatment and found to be negative.

Medical facilities can be basic and vary throughout the country. Consular staff are unable to secure better hospital facilities or food and because of isolation requirements are unable to visit those affected. British nationals who are hospitalised with swine flu should contact their insurance company and travel representative as soon as possible.

If you are quarantined in a private hospital you may be charged for accommodation, food and medical treatment even if you are found to be H1N1 negative. The British Embassy is unable to advance payment or settle bills on your behalf.

Natural disasters

Egypt is susceptible to occasional earthquakes; the last major one was in 1992.

General

Insurance

You are recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Make sure it covers the cost of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence. You should check any exclusions, e.g. pandemic flu and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. If you intend to hire a quad bike you should always wear a crash helmet and ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you this. You should contact your insurer if you have had a previous health condition, including mental illness, as this may not be covered if it recurs. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

Here's how we can help if things go wrong.

Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Money

Cash machines are quite common in Egypt, especially in the main tourist areas. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes are not exchangeable in Egypt.

Major hotels and medical facilities will usually accept payment by credit card, however smaller hotels and medical establishments may expect payment in hard currency.

Purchase of Property

British nationals have purchased land in many parts of Egypt. Some have encountered problems. If you intend to purchase a property in Egypt we advise you to engage a local lawyer in whom you have confidence. A list of English speaking lawyers is available on the British Embassy Cairo website. You should deal only with established and reputable lawyers and estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine, and you should make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels and not in cash.

In parts of Egypt and increasingly, in the area of the West Bank in Luxor your land tenure rights can be severely curtailed by local legislation. It is important that your lawyer obtains an extract from the local land registry to satisfy you that the property or land in question is formally registered. You should again seek legal advice before entering into any contract. Don't sign anything that you do not understand. A list of translators is available on the British Embassy, Cairo website (see above). You should ensure that your personal details and the full purchase price of the property are reflected on the deeds.

The British Embassy is unable to interfere with court or legal proceedings. Neither can it lobby or provide updates to British national involved in land or property disputes.