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.
In 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 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 Egyptian authorities 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 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 cases reported to Consular staff of British nationals who were the victim of sexual assault have increased. 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. The majority are connected with tourist related activities e.g. massage in spas. 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 Egyptian authorities closed the Rafah crossing on 20 March 2009 for an unknown period. All aid to Gaza from the Egyptian side is channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent. All organisations (NGOs or governments) should contact the Egyptian Red Crescent on these phone numbers Tel + 20 226 703 979, + 20 226 703 983, Fax + 20 226 703 967 to agree the consignment methodology. This must be in advance of sending any aid/medical equipment or supplies. You should contact the British Embassy in Cairo for more information and crossing into Gaza and 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.
