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Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? 2024 travel advice

This is the latest foreign office advice following iran’s military action against israel and the introduction of egypt’s buffer zone on the border with gaza.

G iven the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, travellers may be worried about whether it’s safe to visit other countries in the region — especially following reports of strikes by Israel on Iran. On April 19, Israel reportedly launched a retaliatory attack on Iran , in response to missile and drone attacks on Israel on April 13. The UK Foreign Office has not updated its advice, but rather cautions tourists that the situation is “changing fast” and to monitor its advice pages.

Iran’s military attack on Israel on April 13. In Egypt, the main tourist resorts — Cairo, Nile cruise stops including Luxor and Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh — are all still considered safe to travel to by the UK government. However, there are several regions along its borders where the Foreign Office currently advises against travelling to. This includes the border with Gaza at Rafah, where Egypt has built a buffer zone in anticipation of Israel’s ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah.

More generally, you should stay vigilant for things like petty crime, and avoid protests and demonstrations. The Foreign Office also states that it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check that it provides sufficient cover before travelling. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Egypt?

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.

However, the Foreign Office currently 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).

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It 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 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 Governorate of Faiyum, 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

Following US and UK strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen in January and February 2024, the Foreign Office said: “Military activity is currently under way in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

This advice is still current. In addition, terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt, according to the Foreign Office, and targets could include destinations popular with tourists. Most attacks are 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. Stay vigilant and carry your photo ID with you at all times.

Has Egypt been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Broadly, the Foreign Office warns that the border between Israel and Egypt (Taba) could close at short notice. Visitors should check with local authorities before trying to cross. It also warns that since fighting broke out in southern Israel and Gaza, demonstrations (often at short notice) have taken place. Tourists should be vigilant and avoid large gatherings and protests.

On October 27, 2023, an official confirmed that a drone fell near a medical facility in the Red Sea resort of Taba, near the Israeli border, injuring six people. Authorities are investigating.

Separately, two Israeli tourists and their local guide died after a police officer opened fire on a group of Israeli tourists in Alexandria on October 8, 2023, according to reports by the Israeli foreign ministry. This has not been confirmed by Egyptian authorities.

• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

Is Cairo safe?

Yes, Cairo is considered safe to visit by the Foreign Office and this advice has not changed since the US and UK joint strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen in January and February 2024. The same general travel advice that applies to other parts of the country also applies to Cairo.

However, it’s a big and busy city so it’s still worth staying vigilant for petty crime. Female travellers should also take care — as in other parts of the country, harassment and sexual assault can and do happen.

Is it safe to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh?

Sharm el-Sheikh reopened to British tourists in October 2019, four years after a bomb exploded on a Russian plane carrying 224 tourists and crew. Security measures were increased at the Red Sea resort: x-ray scanners in hotels; security walls; and high perimeter fences around the airport were installed.

The area of Sharm el-Sheikh is now deemed safe to travel to by the Foreign Office. This advice has not changed since the US and UK launched joint strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen at the beginning of 2024.

Is it safe to travel to Hurghada?

Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort, is also deemed safe to travel to by the Foreign Office. Again, travel advice has not been amended for the resort following the strikes on the Houthi bases in Yemen.

• Best hotels in Hurghada • Best things to do in Hurghada

Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?

Egypt is an Islamic country. While attitudes are more relaxed in tourist resorts, customs can be very different elsewhere and more strict during Ramadan. Public drinking, for example, can lead to arrest — alcohol is only permitted in a licensed restaurant or bar.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences or even the death penalty. Visitors should be aware that what is legal in the UK may not be legal in Egypt. In 2017, for example, a British woman was jailed for three years for taking painkillers into the country. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, is a prescription drug in the UK but is illegal in Egypt.

What about taking photos in Egypt?

Be aware of what you’re photographing. Taking pictures of military installations (strictly prohibited), embassies, government buildings, churches and even infrastructure such as train stations can lead to arrest. If you want to photograph any Egyptian citizens, you must have written permission from them; photographing children is not permitted.

Taking or sharing photographs that are perceived to be damaging to the country’s image is also forbidden. Similarly, making strongly negative comments about Egypt or its politics, including on social media, can lead to you being detained.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Egypt

What are Egypt’s entry restrictions?

For entry into Egypt, you’ll need at least six months of validity on your passport. You’ll also need to apply for a tourist visa to visit most of the country. These can be obtained online before you travel or on arrival at dedicated desks inside the airport. This is valid for up to three months.

If you’re travelling to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free entry permission stamp upon arrival for stays of up to 15 days. You’ll have to get a visa if you want to stay longer or visit other places.

Do I need vaccines for Sharm el-Sheikh?

There are no essential vaccine requirements for visiting Egypt. However, the NHS suggests that it’s advisable to have polio and tetanus jabs. You may also want to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

General safety advice for travelling in Egypt

In terms of safety on the ground, it pays to be vigilant. Protests take place frequently and foreigners taking part in political activities in the country could be detained or subjected to other measures.

The Foreign Office says: “If you become aware of any nearby protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the immediate area as the atmosphere could change quickly and without warning. Police have previously used water cannons, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition for crowd control.”

At popular tourist spots, visitors can be harassed for money or to buy things. There’s also a risk of theft and mugging, even in taxis. Travelling as part of an escorted tour can help reduce the risks. If you are a victim of crime, you should contact the local tourist police who can help you make a report.

Public displays of affection can also be frowned upon.

Is Egypt safe for female travellers?

In general, yes, it is safe for female travellers. However, there have been reported incidents of sexual assault and harassment in the country, including some affecting minors. Most of the reported incidents have taken place in the Red Sea region and, according to the Foreign Office, are often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff.

The Foreign Office advises: “Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in buses, taxis and microbuses. If you are travelling on public transport including microbuses, avoid being the last passenger left on board.”

• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?

Is Egypt safe for LGBT travellers?

It can be problematic for LGBT travellers. While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, according to the Foreign Office, the charges of “debauchery” and “sexual deviance” have been used to prosecute LGBT people in the past. Sixty-six people were arrested in 2017 on debauchery charges after waving a rainbow flag at a concert in Cairo, for example. Again, attitudes are more relaxed in tourist areas but public displays of affection are likely to cause issues.

• Is it safe to go diving in the Red Sea? • Best hotels in Egypt

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Egypt Travel Restrictions

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Can I travel to Egypt from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Egypt.

Can I travel to Egypt if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Egypt without restrictions.

Can I travel to Egypt without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Egypt without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Egypt?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Egypt.

Can I travel to Egypt without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Egypt?

Mask usage in Egypt is required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Egypt?

Restaurants in Egypt are open. Bars in Egypt are .

Update May 10, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Egypt - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Egypt due to  terrorism . Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to  the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.

Do not travel to:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to  terrorism .
• The Western Desert due to  terrorism .
• Egyptian border areas due to  military zones .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Egypt.

If you decide to travel to Egypt:  

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on   Facebook   and   Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest   Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the   Traveler’s Checklist .

Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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Embassies and Consulates

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Consular Section 5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo Egypt Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit uses an  online appointment system  for those coming to the Embassy to receive routine consular services Sunday through Wednesday, except for official holidays (U.S. and Egyptian). U.S. citizens with non-emergency inquiries may send an email to the ACS Unit at  [email protected] .

For emergencies during and after business hours, including on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the ACS Unit via the Embassy switchboard at 02-2797-3300. The mailing address from the United States is: Consular Section, Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900. Within Egypt or from a third country, it is 8 Kamal el-Din Salah Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt. Express mail services also use the physical address.

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passport and Visas:

• U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt.
• U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.
• The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “ e-visas .” There are other websites purporting to offer electronic visas, some of which reportedly charge double the official price, but this is the only official Government of Egypt portal for this service. U.S. citizens and the citizens of 44 other countries are eligible to apply through this means in advance of their travel.
• Egyptian immigration officials occasionally have denied entry to travelers without explanation. 
• U.S. citizens who have experienced difficulty with their visa status in Egypt or are concerned about their eligibility for a visa upon arrival should apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate prior to travel, but a visa obtained prior to entry does not guarantee admission to Egypt.
• Visas for gainful employment or study in Egypt must be obtained prior to travel.

Entry from Israel:

• U.S. citizens arriving from Israel at the Taba border crossing should obtain a visa ahead of time.
• If travelers do not obtain a visa prior to arrival, they may either apply for a no-fee, 14-day visa that is only valid for travel within the Sinai Peninsula, or they may obtain a 30-day tourist visa valid for travel throughout Egypt for 25 USD.
• The 30-day visa requires the submission of a travel agency support letter that may be obtained from travel agents at the border; their fees for providing this service vary.
• The Government of Egypt opens this border on an infrequent and unpredictable basis.
• Travel groups and/or humanitarian aid convoys that wish to cross at Rafah would need to contact the  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington for permission prior to travel.
• The Egyptian government screens travelers before allowing entry/exit through the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
• The U.S. government advises its citizens to avoid travel to Gaza; the U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters or provide any assistance in crossing to and from Gaza.
• Travelers to Gaza from Egypt should read the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza and are reminded the Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) attacks on security forces and civilians.

Diplomatic and Official Passports:

• Diplomatic and Official passport holders, when entering Egypt for official business, are required to have visas  before arrival in Egypt.
• Diplomatic or Official passport holders must not use these passports to enter Egypt for unofficial travel, and should use their personal passports, following all appropriate regulations.
• Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be denied entry and required to remain in the airport transit area, at their own expense, until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged.
• The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is unable to intervene in such situations. Military personnel arriving on commercial flights are not exempt from passport and visa requirements.
• The  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington currently requires at least three weeks, and sometimes much longer, to process official and diplomatic visa requests, an expedite letter from the Department of State notwithstanding.
• It is incumbent upon all official travelers to submit their visa requests and passports to the Egyptian Embassy well in advance of travel.

Work Permits:

• U.S. citizens who wish to come to Egypt for work must obtain work permits and work/business visas before arrival.
• All work permits must be obtained through the employer. These permits may be acquired from the Ministry of Manpower and Migration offices in the district of the employer; accordingly, these permits authorize residency in the country.
• U.S. citizens who arrive as tourists but want to change their status after arrival in country may acquire a three-month tourist/non-working residency visa to allow sufficient time to change their status from tourist to worker.
• U.S. citizens in Egypt on tourist visas are not permitted to work. 

For additional information on entering Egypt, please contact the nearest  Egyptian Embassy  or Consulate.

Medical Requirements:

• U.S. citizens arriving from an area that has been infected with yellow fever will need to provide proof of immunizations.
• Please verify this information with the  Egyptian Embassy  before you travel. 

Exit Requirements:

• U.S. citizen women married to Egyptians do not need their spouse's permission to depart Egypt as long as they have a valid Egyptian visa or valid Egyptian passport.
• A U.S. citizen departing Egypt with a dual-national child (U.S.-Egyptian) may be required by Egyptian immigration officers at the airport to demonstrate that they have proof of consent of the non-traveling Egyptian parent.
• If travelers attempt to depart Egypt after the expiration of their visa, they may be required to pay a fine at the airport. Travelers should ensure that they arrive to the airport early with sufficient Egyptian currency to pay any fines.
• The U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters to exit Egypt.

Dual Nationals:

• If a dual national has the annotation “Egyptian origin” on their entry visa, they will require proof of Egyptian citizenship in order to exit Egypt. 
• This is also true for dual nationals who remain in Egypt for more than six months.
• In some cases, if a dual national loses their U.S. passport, they will be required to present their parents’ Egyptian birth certificates and be documented as Egyptian citizens in order to obtain a temporary/replacement entry stamp to facilitate their travel out of Egypt.
• Male U.S. citizens who also hold Egyptian nationality, between 18-40 years old, who have stayed in Egypt more than 180 days, are required to finalize their Egyptian military status before departure, or risk being refused departure from Egypt by Egyptian Immigration officials. The U.S. Embassy is unable to intervene in these situations. For more information see: https://tagned.mod.gov.eg/ .

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert. Travel to the Libyan and Sudanese borders is also not recommended. U.S. citizens in Egypt should maintain a high level of vigilance throughout the country due to the threat of terrorism.

Between December 2018 and May 2019, terrorist incidents in tourist areas in greater Cairo killed four tourists and wounded at least 18 others. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, resorts, and local government facilities. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. In August 2019, a car bomb explosion outside of a hospital in Cairo killed at least 20. Additionally, terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

The Egyptian government has attempted to address security concerns and has visibly augmented its security presence at tourist locations, but challenges persist, and the threat of terrorism remains. Police and military are also engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and the Nile Valley.

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.

The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air).

• The Western Desert due to terrorism.
• Egyptian border areas other than official ports of entry.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Egypt’s borders are under military control; movement of non-military persons and vehicles is substantially restricted, and in some cases prohibited, within these areas. U.S. citizens should not travel in these border zones.

It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings.

U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments, avoid demonstrations, and be vigilant regarding their personal security at all times throughout the country. U.S. citizens should also carry identification and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt, and it is advisable to pre-program the U.S. Embassy’s telephone number (+20 2 2797-3300) and email address ( [email protected] ) into the device.

Travelers must obtain permission and a travel route from the Egyptian Military Intelligence and the Tourist Police Headquarters via a local or overseas travel agency to access Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and parts of the Sinai Peninsula off paved roads.

High concentrations of World War II-era unexploded landmines are located in the World War II battlefields along the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria, the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal, and much of the Sinai Peninsula. Travelers are urged to be especially cautious in these areas.

Crime:  Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate.

The vast majority of criminal acts against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. 

Harassment of women, including foreigners, remains a serious problem. Incidents of harassment range from lewd comments and gestures to indecent exposure and inappropriate physical contact.

Tourists should be alert to being overcharged for various services and for being victimized in scams common to tourist destinations worldwide. Tourists should expect to encounter aggressive vendors at Egypt’s shops in urban areas, as well as at the many temples and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts to tourists which, once accepted, lead to demands for money. Most sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Egypt. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers

The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of online financial scams, often involving a fraudulent romantic partner requesting money for hospital bills or legal expenses to depart Egypt. Be skeptical about sending money to anyone known only through online contact.

Victims of Crime:

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(20) 2-2797-3300. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. The Embassy cannot intervene in legal disputes.

Failure to report crimes before leaving Egypt will make it impossible to seek prosecution at a later date. U.S. citizen tourists can forward their complaints for investigation to the Tourist Police Headquarters. For crimes involving children, you may call Egypt’s Child Emergency Help line by dialing 16000 . Egypt’s National Council for Women provides some assistance to women who are victims of domestic violence, or other complaints, at phone number 15115 or website: http://www.oo-ncw.org .  

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call the State Department in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department's travel website .
•  Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and adventure facilities may not frequently occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are not always able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: Travelers are subject to local laws. The Egyptian legal system is different from the legal system in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence, due process, and rule of law. Travelers should be conscious of their behavior and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. If one  violate local laws, even unknowingly, one may be denied entry, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause in order to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning.
• Suspects may be detained without charges or access to immediate legal counsel for months during the investigative stage of a criminal case.
• U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or more in non-criminal cases, including immigration violations.
• Local laws prohibit protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Even being in the vicinity of anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police or security forces, including demands to search personal electronic devices. U.S. citizens have been detained for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.
• Punishments often can be harsher in Egypt for comparable crimes than they are in the United States. Penalties for drug offenses can be particularly severe, including life in prison or the death penalty.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Dual U.S.-Egyptian Citizens : Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens and thus the Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy when a dual national is detained, or provide information about their alleged crime. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify the ACS Unit at U.S. Embassy Cairo if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so. U.S. citizenship does not provide protection from detention or arrest by Egyptian authorities and individuals detained may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention.  U.S. citizens arrested for any reason in Egypt may be deported, even if they are not convicted of a crime.  Detained U.S.-Egyptian citizens have been asked by the Government of Egypt to renounce their Egyptian citizenship as a condition of their deportation to the United States.

Consular officers must obtain authorization from Egyptian authorities to visit American detainees.

• Entering or exiting Egypt with more than $10,000 is prohibited. Attempting to enter or depart Egypt with any instruments of currency in the sum of more than $10,000 could result in the confiscation of the money over $10,000 and other penalties.

Importation of all types of drones, including small civilian drones used for personal or touristic purposes is strictly prohibited. Potential penalties for violating are harsh, and a recently passed law authorizes the death penalty for using a drone in support of terrorist activity.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Cultural Property:  Travelers should note that Egyptian law prohibits the unauthorized removal of antiquities (including historic coins, ceramics, and architectural elements) both from archaeological sites and other sources in Egypt. Egyptian law also forbids the intentional damaging of antiquities, such as inscribing or painting on them or attaching advertisements. The trade, sale, or export in antiquities is also heavily restricted and regulated. Travelers may be prosecuted if found to be looting or damaging archaeological sites, buying antiquities, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt. Egyptian law does not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, but LGBTI persons and advocacy groups have reported harassment, intimidation, arrests, and other forms of abuse, including by police. There are also reports that authorities have used social media, dating websites, and cell phone apps to entrap persons suspected of being gay or transgender in an act of “debauchery,” which is a criminal offense that carries sentences of up to 10 years. Police have confiscated rainbow flags and sometimes detained their owners. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and sections 1c and 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

ACCESSIBILITY:  While in Egypt, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Businesses and institutions in Egypt generally do not make special accommodations for persons with disabilities, and Egyptian authorities do not enforce laws mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings by persons with disabilities. Pedestrian sidewalks and walkways are limited, uneven, high, and sometimes used by cars and motorcycles.

Accommodations on public transportation are not offered for elderly individuals or persons with disabilities. Crosswalks are not in widespread use and motorists have the right of way. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.

Students:  See the  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, when it comes to health and security, women travelers are more likely to be affected by religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.

Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular care in crowds, on public transportation, in rural areas, and in isolated sections of temple and pyramid complexes. Women have been groped in taxis and while in public places.

The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. citizen women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape in Egypt.

Some Egyptian NGOs provide assistance to victimized women within the Egyptian community. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocating back to the United States.

For further information see the travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Egypt, dial 123 .

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Insurance:  Travelers should make sure their health insurance plan covers them when outside of the United States.

• The U.S Embassy cannot pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare does not pay overseas.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.
• The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation, since medical transport out of the country can be prohibitively expensive or logistically impossible. 
• See the webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Medical Care:

Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile cruise boats do not have a ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm el Sheikh are adequate, but they are inadequate at most other ports-of-call. The Egyptian ambulance service hotline is 123. Although availability of ambulances is improving, getting them through Cairo traffic can be very challenging.

Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, persons who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot in stagnant water, or drink untreated water are at risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

It is generally safe to eat freshly prepared cooked food in hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in mainstream restaurants. When selecting a restaurant, travelers should select a clean and reputable place, eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods, avoid all uncooked food including raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water in some locations is not potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe if the seal is intact.

Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public,  a list of hospitals and doctors in Egypt  can be found on the Embassy website.

Prescriptions:  Travelers should carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:  Travelers should be up-to-date on all recommended  vaccinations , per CDC’s information. 

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Laws:  Although the enforcement of traffic laws generally is lax, foreigners are subject to extra scrutiny and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment.

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous. Egypt has one of the highest occurrences of road fatalities per mile driven in the world. Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces, pedestrians, stray animals, sandstorms and fog, vehicles without lights, and disabled vehicles without reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark.

Driving Cairo’s busy maze of streets can be an extreme challenge to foreigners, especially those used to a culture of structured rules and regulations. Even residents of Cairo must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the capital’s hectic streets. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules, which police seldom enforce. Most traffic lights in Cairo do not function; instead, police officers, using finger and hand movements to direct traffic, normally staff the main intersections.

Vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern.

Visitors thinking about driving in Egypt should carefully consider other options, such as a taxi or hired driver. If visitors decide to drive, it is essential that they take the utmost precautions and drive defensively. Drivers should be prepared for unlit vehicles at night, few road markings, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, vehicles traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps, pedestrians dodging in and out of traffic, and domesticated animals on the roadways. Motorists should be especially cautious during the rare winter rains, which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding; Egyptian drivers are not familiar with driving in wet conditions, making such periods particularly hazardous.

Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution on high-volume/high-velocity streets, like Cairo’s Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the Nile River, and Alexandria’s Corniche along the Mediterranean.

Public Transportation:  Public buses and microbuses are not safe, and Embassy personnel are prohibited from using them. Embassy personnel are also prohibited from traveling on Cairo’s metro system. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling by train, which is a particularly unsafe means of transportation, with regular accidents that sometimes involve mass casualties.

Embassy personnel are generally prohibited from traveling outside the greater Cairo and Alexandria areas by motor vehicle, with the exception of travel to beach resorts on the western side of the Red Sea and near Alexandria. Furthermore, Embassy policy prohibits personal travel via privately-owned vehicle to any part of the Sinai Peninsula or the Western Desert.

Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Egypt’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Egypt should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Egypt was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Egypt . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

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TRAVEL SUPPORT

Travel requirements by destination

All destinations.

Afghanistan

Covid-19 testing requirements.

All passengers above the age of 8 years old are required to hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted maximum 96 hours prior to departure.

Travel to and from Dubai

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai. (Opens page in the same tab)

List of laboratories

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

Search and book flights

Latest updates

All restrictions lifted starting 01 November 2022

Mask requirements

Masks are required on board and at the airport in your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) .

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Angola. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Angola

Passengers are advised to ensure they meet all travel requirements of the countries of their final/transit destinations.

Travel eligibility

Travel from argentina.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID‑19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  in each of our current destinations. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 RT PCR test..

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Australia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Austria. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bahrain. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bangladesh. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms

Visa on arrival services for nationals of the following countries are now available at Shahjalal Internation Airport in Dhaka:

• United States of America
• All GCC countries
• All European countries

New Zealand

• Russian Federation
• South Korea

Read through the guideline for all arriving passengers on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Belgium. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Brazil. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Before you travel, please ensure you understand the requirements for travel to Canada (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Required documents

While travellers will no longer have to submit their quarantine and vaccination information through ArriveCAN, they can continue to use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website) to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival. 

Download the ArriveCAN app here (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Travel from Canada

If you're travelling to or transiting through Dubai, please check the travel requirements for Dubai , the requirements of your final destination, and the departure requirements below set by the Canadian government.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to China. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Cote d’Ivoire. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Passengers travelling from Abidjan must take the required pre-departure tests at designated testing centres approved by Institute Pasteur.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Cyprus. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is recommended on all flights to and from Cyprus, as well in all indoor areas while in Cyprus.

Czech Republic

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Czech Republic. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Denmark. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel rules for Dubai residents

Follow the latest travel advice for residents travelling to and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

Travel rules for tourists

Follow the latest travel advice for tourists travelling to, through and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Egypt. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Masks are optional on board but must be worn at the airport in your destination

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Ethiopia.

Visa on arrival services are available for eligible passengers provided they apply for OK to board approval before travelling to Ethiopia.

Exemptions:

• Transfer passengers
• Passengers with sticker visas
• E-visas with a confirmation page showing the passenger details along with a photo of the passenger will be accepted
• Visa on arrival will only be granted to passengers who were born in Ethiopia, whose passport states Ethiopia as their place of birth
• Children of Ethiopian nationals or Residence Card holders who are travelling with their parents, who will be allowed to enter the country with a visa on arrival eligibility or if they have a pre issued sticker or e-visa
• Passengers with Africa Union IDs or Diplomatic IDs issued by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, given the ID is valid
• Passengers with Ethiopian Origin ID

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to France. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Germany. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Ghana

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Greece. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

From 25 June 2022, arriving and departing passengers will no longer be required to complete a health declaration form.

From 13 March 2022, all nationalities are allowed entry into Guinea provided they complete the following requirements on arrival.

Passengers who are fully vaccinated must present proof that they have complete the required doses of the any of the following vaccines:

• Astra Zeneca
• Sinopharm and Sinovac
• Johnson & Johnson

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Passengers unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 72 hours before travel.

Travellers who present a COVID-19 recovery certificate dated less than six months are not required to present a vaccination certificate on arrival.

Passengers between the ages of 5 and 18 years are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must take a PCR test not more than 72 hours before entry into Conakry.

Any passenger who presents symptoms of COVID 19 (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sneezing, poor general condition, etc.) on arrival will undergo a standard diagnostic test (PCR) and be isolated while waiting for the test results. If found positive for COVID 19, the traveller will be treated at a dedicated processing centre.

Hong Kong, China

From 1 March 2023, travellers are no longer required to wear masks on board flights to Hong Kong and at Hong Kong International Airport.

Please visit the official website (Opens an external website in a new tab)  for more details. 

Please check the government website  for eligibility and mandatory quarantine requirements before you travel to Hong Kong.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Hungary. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

From 13 February 2023 (11:00am IST), travellers may be subject to random COVID-19 PCR testing on arrival in India.

From 13 February 2023 (IST 11:00am), pre-departure COVID-19 testing and registration on the Air Suvidha portal are no longer required for passengers travelling from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

However, all travellers arriving in India are subject to random COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport.

Vaccination and Satu Sehat Apps are no longer mandatory requirements.

Masks are optional on board and at the airport in your destination.

The following categories of passengers are exempt from the entry restriction:

• Indonesian nationals
• Non Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic visa and official visa
• Non Indonesian nationals holding limited stay permit (ITAS) and permanent stay permit (ITAP)
• Non Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic stay permit and official stay permit
• Non Indonesian nationals holding visit visas
• Non Indonesian nationals holding limited stay visas
• Non Indonesian nationals holding Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business travel card
• Foreign nationals from 92 territories who are eligible for visa on arrival services and who are visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes

International to international transit/transfer through Jakarta (CGK) airport is now allowed for a maximum of 6 hours. International to domestic transfer is allowed and travellers must present all entry requirements at the first port of entry. 

International to international transit or transfer through Denpasar (DPS) airport is now allowed for a maximum of 8 hours. Between 02.00-07.00LT, the airport closure period, international to international transit or transfer passengers must clear CIQ and must fulfil DPS entry requirements.

Visa free entry or visa on arrival is only allowed through CGK, DPS, KNO, SUB, UPG, MDC, YIA, BTH, LOP, PDG, BPN, PKU, KJT, DJJ and BTJ.

Visa free entry for tourists only applies to citizens of South East Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Visa on arrival for tourists only applies to nationals of 92 territories : Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland Republic, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau(SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (British citizens only), United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Vietnam.

Passengers who have the following types of British passports are not eligible for visa on arrival services:

• British Overseas Territories Citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Subject
• British Protected Person

All eligible foreign nationals can apply for an e-visa on arrival (E-VOA) and pay the visa fees online before travelling to Indonesia at https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

Passengers who are eligible for visa free entry or visa on arrival can stay for 30 days and must comply with the following requirements:

• Minimum 6 months passport validity
• Return or onward ticket
• Visa on arrival fee at IDR 500,000
• Sufficient funds
• Tourists can stay a maximum of 30 days and request a one-time extension for another 30 days at the nearest immigration office.
• Exit Indonesia from any immigration checkpoint
• Visa free and/or visa on arrival cannot be exchanged for a resident visa

Foreign nationals who have an emergency passport, temporary passport, travel document or laissez passer are not eligible for visa on arrival services.

Foreign nationals from countries not specified can visit Indonesia by applying for a visit visa or limited stay visa before arrival.

Visit visa and limited stay visa can apply to the following purposes:

A. Visit Visa

• Tourism purposes
• Emergency work activity
• Business discussion
• Purchase of items
• Film activity
• Food, medical and humanitarian support
• Governmental duty including G20 activity or international meetings 144th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)
• Joining ship in Indonesia territory
• Marine industry development
• Foreign worker candidate trial on the ability to work

B. Limited Stay Visa

• As an expert staff
• Gather together to work on ships, float equipment or installation operated in Indonesian territory and Economic Exclusive Zone Indonesia
• Quality control of items or production
• Inspection or audit of branch office in Indonesia
• After sales activity
• Installing or repairing a machine
• Non permanent construction work
• Undertaking a film production for commercial purposes and has been approved by the appropriate authorities
• Foreign workers on a skills trial
• Visa index C313 (non work purpose): foreign investment for period of 1 year
• Visa index C314 (non work purpose): foreign investment for period of 2 years
• Visa index C316 (non work purpose): study / education
• Visa index C317 (non work purpose): family reunion

Guarantors must apply for visit visas and limited stay visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  to the Directorate General of Immigration based on the visit purposes.

Visit visas and limited stay visas are granted by the Director General of Immigration in the form of an electronic visa (eVisa). Visit visas with an eVisa Number ending in DN cannot be used for entry, as this code is for a visa extension for foreign nationals who have entered Indonesia and are currently staying in Indonesia (On Shore Visa). Visit visa numbers to enter Indonesia should end with LN (Off Shore Visa).

Diplomatic visa and official visa are regulated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Holders of diplomatic and service passports from 91 countries (Opens an external website in a new tab)  can enter Indonesia with the free visa facility if the visit purpose of the visit is related to diplomatic or official visits with supporting documents:

• Carrying a diplomatic duty note or visit statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia and or foreign state ministry
• Invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia for those attending meetings and or conferences in Indonesia

All passengers arriving Indonesia must also complete the electronic Customs Declaration form https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ 

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iran. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Entry to Iran is allowed only for Iranian nationals and foreign nationals who have any of the following:

• Residence permit
• Entry visa (merchants)
• Work permit visa;
• Medical visa
• Investment visa
• Exit and return stamp from Iran Immigration

Eligible passengers must apply for the Entry Visa online and receive approval before travelling to Iran.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iraq. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Passengers holding a paper visa and one-way or return tickets require OK to board approval. To get OK to board approval, they must submit copies of their passport, flight booking reference and visa 48 hours before their date of travel. The required documents must be submitted to:

• Baghdad: [email protected]
• Basra: [email protected]

The following passengers can travel to Iraq without OK to Board approval:

• Passengers holding a valid sticker visa

All passengers who have recently travelled to or through Bangladesh will not be allowed entry to Basra.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Ireland. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate, COVID‑19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Travel from Ireland

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities.

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities. Find the testing facility closest to you and present your Emirates ticket or booking confirmation. You should receive your test results within 96 hours after the sample is taken. Emirates is not liable for the samples, their transfer and analysis as carried out under the full responsibility of these laboratories, nor for any delay in the release of test results.

• RDT Care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Randox Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Travel Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Vida care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Liffey Medical (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Better2know (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Tropical Medical Bureau (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Israel. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Italy. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Japan. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements.

All passengers must register on the Visit Jordan portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to departure and complete the required form to get a QR code. The QR code must be presented at check-in and to authorities on arrival in Jordan.

Exceptions:

• Jordanian passengers and their families, spouses and children regardless of their nationalities
• Transit passengers
• Diplomats and employees of regional and international organisations as well as their dependents and family members with a special and/or normal passport who are residing in Jordan and who have a permanent QR code with an indefinite validity that can be used to return to Jordan on several trips

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) i  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

All passengers who require visas should apply for and obtain an e visa before travelling to Kenya. The e-visa can be obtained through this website (Opens page in a new tab)  . Minors below 16 years old are exempted from the visa requirement.

Passengers holding Refugee or Alien travel documents must have a visa at all times.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

Korea, Republic of

From 1 March 2023, all passengers are requested to upload their health questionnaire information on the  Q-Code location (Opens an external website in a new tab)   or complete the Health Questionnaire (yellow form) before arrival for quarantine inspection.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Kuwait. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Lebanon. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Malaysia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are changes to the required documents for travel to the Maldives.

Passengers travelling to Maldives must complete the online Traveller Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives, obtain a QR code and present it at the time of check-in at the airport.

Passengers travelling to the Maldives as tourists must have a confirmed hotel reservation for their stay at registered tourist facilities.

Travel from Maldives

Passengers travelling from Maldives must confirm the COVID-19 PCR test requirements of their destination country and present the test result certificate at check in. Please contact your resort’s guest relations department for assistance with COVID-19 PCR testing, if required.

Passengers travelling from Maldives must complete the online  Traveller Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before their flight’s departure. Obtain a QR code and present it to the officials at the entrance to check in, and to Immigration officers on departure.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Malta. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test. 

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Mauritius. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination and quarantine.

To facilitate arrival process, passengers are encouraged to complete arrival form on www.safemauritius.govmu.org (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Masks are not required onboard and while at the airport.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Mexico. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is optional on board flights and inside airport terminals. However, travellers are advised to wear them in confined spaces.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Morocco. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate, COVID‑19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Netherlands

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the Netherlands. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travellers arriving into New Zealand international airports now have the option to complete a digital declaration instead of a paper Passenger Arrival Card, before travelling to New Zealand. Find out more 

Home/ New Zealand Travel Declaration 

There are no longer any COVID 19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for travel to Nigeria. There are changes to the required documents.

Masks are optional on board and at the destination airport.

Passengers are required to complete the Health Questionnaire Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)  before departure or upon arrival.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Norway. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Oman. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Pakistan.

Philippines

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Poland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Portugal. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for entry to Russia. Foreign nationals must complete the entry form provided on board.

Other information

Passengers may be subject to selective COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Travel from Russia

Foreign passengers must complete arrival forms which are distributed on board.

Saudi Arabia

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Saudi Arabia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Only passengers who meet the following conditions will be allowed on flights to Senegal.

• Residents of countries that are not affected by the temporary restriction of non-essential movement to Senegal or have not imposed restrictions on the movement of Senegal nationals
• Nationals of members states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and from Economic Community of West (CEDEAO)
• EU citizens
• Third-country nationals regularly established in Senegal and holding a residence permit issued by the competent services of the Republic of Senegal

Passengers holding a Seychelles passport must be allowed to board without any additional checks or requirements. They are exempt from obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is crucial to uphold their constitutional right of return, ensuring their unrestricted travel to Seychelles.

Passengers who hold dual citizenship with Seychelles and are traveling with a passport issued by a country other than Seychelles are exempt from the eTA requirement. However, they must provide documentation confirming their Seychelles nationality for verification purposes. Once the necessary documentation is provided, they should receive an "Ok to Board" message.

All other foreign passport holders must complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) process before departure. They can obtain the eTA at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ 

This is a  recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)   where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified  designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

From 13 February 2023, there are no longer any COVID-19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for travel to Singapore.

All passengers travelling to Singapore must comply with the current public health and entry requirements. 

Passengers who have no travel history to any country or region classified by the Singapore Ministry of Health as a Restricted Category country or region in the last 7 days before travel to Singapore will not be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon entering Singapore, regardless of the passenger’s vaccination status. Such passengers will also no longer be subject to any COVID-19 testing, whether pre-departure or in Singapore. Similarly, every flight into Singapore may carry unvaccinated passengers.

As of 9 February 2023, there are no countries/regions in the Restricted Category.

All travellers must submit their  Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  within 3 days before arrival in Singapore. If passengers have not submitted their SGAC before departure, air operators should advise them to do so to facilitate a smooth arrival process in Singapore. 

Please note that there are no fees for completing the SGAC online.

To avoid tests and quarantine, travellers must fulfil the public health requirements. Travellers who cannot meet the public health requirements and refuse any test(s) and/or quarantine may be turned away from Singapore.

Yellow fever vaccination:

If you have visited any country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission (Opens an external website in a new tab)  in the past six days before arrival in Singapore, you must present an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 

Travellers who can’t present a yellow fever vaccination certificate must quarantine for up to six days on arrival. Quarantine also applies to those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination e.g., children aged one year and below and individuals with contraindications.

South Africa

Travel from south africa.

Check in will close promptly 60 minutes before departure to ensure on time departures.

The use of masks is not mandatory.

COVID-19 testing and vaccination are no longer required for travel to Sri Lanka.

Wearing of face masks is optional.

Sri Lankan nationals / dual citizens who are travelling on Sri Lankan passports / Sri Lanka emergency travel document holders are allowed entry into Sri Lanka.

Foreign nationals are allowed entry to Sir Lanka if they have any of the following documents:

• Approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Landing endorsement
• Residence visa

Visa on arrival is also available except for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan and Syria, who must have an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in advance to be accepted for travel to Sri Lanka.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Sudan. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Sweden. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Switzerland

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Switzerland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Taiwan, China

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Tanzania. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Thailand. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Nationalities who are eligible for travel to Tunisia can now be accepted for travel, including nationalities who are eligible for visa on arrival services.

Passengers will be accepted based on meeting all requirements.

All non-resident passengers are required to have a return ticket. All non Tunisian residents (holding valid residence cards) are not required to have a return ticket.

Visa on arrival must be pre approved with an application submitted by the sponsor to Immigration HQ in Tunisia.

Travel from Tunisia

All passengers except Libyan nationals who are transiting through Tunisia to Libya should have an OK TO BOARD to be accepted on Emirates flights.

All passengers are advised to arrive at check in 4 hours before departure with all the correct documents required for their destination of travel.

Documents must be printed and soft copies will not be accepted.

Check in counters will close 90 minutes prior to departure.

The boarding gate will open 60 minutes prior to departure.

Passengers are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing before travelling to Uganda.

Visa on arrival services in Uganda are suspended for majority of countries.

All travellers holding ordinary passports from countries whose citizens are required to have visas to enter Uganda will be required to apply for visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to travel, and will receive an approved notification that they must print and carry with them as travel authorisation.

Exempted countries are:

• Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Travel from Uganda

Before you travel from Uganda, check the rules for travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for travel from Uganda, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when travelling.

United Kingdom

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the UK. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms. 

Visit the official website  for more information. 

Please also read the latest guidance  for people with COVID 19 and their contacts.

Travel from the United Kingdom

Before you travel from the UK, check the rules for travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) from your point of origin.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for travelling abroad from the UK, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when travelling.

Emirates has partnered with the following providers in the UK to offer you special COVID-19 testing rates:

Concepto Clinic, Randox

Find out more about our partners, the tests and special rates available (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Before planning your trip to the UK, you must check the rules for transiting via Dubai from the countries you have visited.

If you are travelling between countries with different rules, you need to follow the most restrictive requirements.

This means that rules that are not otherwise mandated by the UK government for entry may therefore apply to your trip. This can include the following:

• Passengers who have been in or transited through certain countries may not be permitted to enter or transit via Dubai.
• Passengers transiting via Dubai from certain countries may be required to provide a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test conducted at an approved facility within a defined number of hours before departure from their origin, regardless of vaccinated status. This can also include a second PCR test performed at the airport of origin only a few hours before departure.

United States

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to VIetnam. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Masks are optional on board but must be worn at the airport in your destination.

Travellers must fill out a traveller’s health declaration form and present it on arrival in Zambia.

There are changes to travel eligibility and the COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements.

Passengers will be accepted for travel if they have a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe.

Passengers who do not present a valid vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will not be accepted for travel.

Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken not more than 48 hours from the time of departure for Zimbabwe. Children below 12 years old are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement.

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate or a vaccination certificate will be required tested for COVID-19 on arrival at their own cost.

Vaccination requirements

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test.

All vaccines will be accepted as long as you have received all the required doses before travel.

Passengers must complete the health declaration form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  and the data entry form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be required to quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.

Tourists who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be denied entry.

Travel from Zimbabwe

All passengers travelling from Zimbabwe except children below 12 years old must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued not more than 48 hours before departure or must be fully vaccinated and have a vaccination certificate.

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Travel Advice

Egypt travel advice.

Entry requirements differ by country. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issues country specific travel advice including Health, Visa and Vaccination requirements.

You can access the FCDO advice for Egypt at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Entry requirements

• Familiarise yourself with entry rules for Egypt before travel.
• Check the specifics for COVID-19 entry requirements with your airline before travel.

Passport validity:

• Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive in Egypt.

Visa requirements:

• British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa.
• e-Visa requirements: You can obtain an e-visa through the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. Tourist visas through the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months.
• Visa on arrival: You can get a visa on arrival at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in US dollars. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days.
• If you're traveling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you'll receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival.

Additional information:

Medication : Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Egypt and can't be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypt's Ministry of Health .

Customs regulations:

• There's a limit of 5,000 Egyptian pounds that you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt.
• Certain valuables like electrical equipment, video cameras etc. must be declared on arrival.
• Satellite phones and radio communications equipment brought into Egypt without prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications are likely to be confiscated.

Irish Passport Holders

Please note that this information is for British Passport holders only. If you hold an Irish passport then please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs for travel advice

Help Centre Topics

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Before You Travel

We want to make preparing for your holiday as easy as possible. Find answers to your pre-departure questions here.

If you are currently on holiday or have any questions about what to expect you will find the answers here.

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Just returned from your holiday? Then this is where you’ll find answers to any questions you may have.

Airports & Flights

You’ll find information on any questions you may have about your airline and airports here.

General advice on travel abroad including COVID-19, country specific information and other useful tips.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt 2024? Latest Foreign Office advice to UK holidaymakers as 'do not travel' warning issued for several regions

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Egypt amid Israel-Hamas conflict as it warns its guidance could “change at short notice”.

The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for UK holidaymakers visiting Egypt amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The main tourist resorts including Cairo, Nile cruise stops, and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are all still considered safe to travel to by the UK government however there are several regions along its borders where the Foreign Office currently advises against travelling to. 

This includes the border with Gaza at Rafah, where Egypt has built a buffer zone in anticipation of Israel’s ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah. The Foreign Office currently 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).

It 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 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 Governorate of Faiyum, 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 government adds that travel advice could “change at short notice” and holidaymakers should “continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.” Due to the Israeli government declaring a state of emergency across the whole country, international borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. 

The Foreign Office warns that “as a result, the land border into Israel from Egypt at Taba could close with little notice”. It adds that there have also been a “number of demonstrations” in Egypt and “protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers.” The government says: “Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests.”

Holidaymakers should also be aware of specific rules when visiting the country, for example public drinking can lead to arrest — alcohol is only permitted in a licensed restaurant or bar. Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences or even the death penalty, and holidaymakers must also be aware of what they are photographing.

Taking pictures of military installations (strictly prohibited), embassies, government buildings, churches and even infrastructure such as train stations can lead to arrest. If you want to photograph any Egyptian citizens, you must have written permission from them, and photographing children is not permitted.

Taking or sharing photographs that are perceived to be damaging to the country’s image is also forbidden. Similarly, making strongly negative comments about Egypt or its politics, including on social media, can lead to you being detained.

For entry into Egypt, holidaymakers need at least six months of validity on their passport. You’ll also need to apply for a tourist visa to visit most of the country. These can be obtained online before you travel or on arrival at dedicated desks inside the airport. If you’re travelling to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free entry permission stamp upon arrival for stays of up to 15 days. If you want to stay longer or visit other places you’ll have to get a visa.

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Egypt

Egypt’s 3,000 year history is rich and complex, filled with more than just mummies and pyramids. This land has ties to people and places that existed milleniums ago.

There are many sights to see in Egypt. The pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the original seven wonders of the world, remain still largely intact. The life-giving Nile River. The legendary tomb of King Tut.

But, as many sights as there are in Egypt, recent conflict in and around the country has increased the risks of travel there.

Do I Need Vaccines for Egypt?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Egypt. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Egypt: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , polio , rabies and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Decisions should be made based on travel plans and whether there is an increased personal risk for contracting certain diseases.

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Egypt?

Egypt requires visas for all types of travel. eVisas are available for obtaining your visa before a trip. On arrival visas are also available. Passports must be valid for at least six months upon entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Sources: Embassy of Egypt and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Egypt?

Egypt only has two seasons – a hot summer and a moderate winter. In general, Egyptian days are warm or hot and nights are cool or even cold. While the majority of Egypt is desert, there are four peculiar physical regions with different climates.

The Nile Region

• Nile Delta – The ancient city Alexandria is located in the Nile Delta. This area was created by the world’s longest river and is the most expansive oasis in the world. The delta comes on to north of Cairo and extends farther north to the Mediterranean Sea. This region has a hot desert climate. But, the most northern part closest to the sea is the wettest region in the country. It has higher humidity and more moderate temperatures, reaching no higher than 32 degrees.
• Nile Valley – This region includes the two major Egyptian cities Luxor and Aswan. The Nile Valley is hot and dry, with very little precipitation. The summer months get especially hot, with daytime temperatures reaching highs of up to 41 degrees at the peak of the summer. Nighttime temperatures dip down to around 21 degrees at the lowest points. The winter months are much more moderate with less fluctuation from night to day.

Western Desert

The Pyramids of Giza are located in the northeast corner of this region.

This region is one of the driest areas in the Sahara Desert. It spans from the Mediterranean Sea south to the Sudanese Border, and from the Libyan border east to the Nile River Valley. The area rarely sees any rain. Hot, dry sandstorms, called khamsins, are common in the spring months and can be dangerous.

Temperatures vary greatly. In summer months, temperatures can get up to 44 degrees during the day and 7 degrees at night. In winter months, temperatures fluctuate less, but the desert can get to 50 degrees during the day and as low as 30 degrees at night.

Eastern Desert

The Eastern Desert is mountainous. The topography increases east of the Nile to become dry, rocky downs, the Red Sea Mountains, at elevations around 1,900 meters or higher. This is a dry, desolate area that is isolated from the rest of the country. There is not much in this part of the country because it is not suitable for agriculture or other sustained settlements.

Sinai Peninsula

This is a triangular peninsula that connects Asia with Africa. It is also known as the Sinai Desert because of its arid climate. The rest of Egypt is to the West, Israel and the Gaza Strip to the east. The Mediterranean Sea is to the north and the Red Sea is to the south.

The peninsula has two distinctly different climates. The northern part of the peninsula, closer to the Mediterranean, is dry and intensely hot during the summer and sees more rain during the winter. The southern part, closer to the Red Sea, is at higher elevation and is more prone to clouds, especially near the tops of the downs. The temperatures fluctuate a little more, getting cooler at night. Humidity is higher near the coasts on the peninsula.

Is Egypt Safe?

Non-essential travel to Egypt is not recommended. The government of the UK has issued travel warnings to Egypt.

Travellers should avoid going to the Western Desert toward the Libyan border and the Sinai Peninsula due to an unpredictable security situation.

When travelling to coastal resorts, exercise a high degree of caution.

Travellers should use reputable Egyptian travel agencies if they still decide to make the trip. Those agencies are informed about the security issues and will know how to best advise.

Egyptian Rules, Customs and Laws

Public Behaviour

• Intimate behaviour and any sort of public displays of affection including cuddling, kissing and even hand-holding are seen as inappropriate.
• When visiting a home, it is customary to bring a small gift and remove shoes before entering.
• Egyptians have peculiar functions for the two hands. The left hand is to be used for “unclean” functions, like putting on shoes or wiping in the rest room. It’s is seen as unhygienic to put food into the mouth or into a communal food bowl with that hand. The right hand should be used for greetings and eating.

Conversation

• Egyptians are passionate about certain subjects and conversations about those subjects, including Israel, Islam and Palestine, should be treated carefully. There is potential for serious offence if careful consideration is not taken, especially when expressing opinions about religion.
• Dress should be modest. Shorts are considered acceptable only near the coastal resorts, and shirts for both men and women should cover the shoulders. Immodest clothing encourages disapproval from the Egyptians as well as gropers.
• Be conscious of dress when visiting mosques or other sacred places. Travellers should be especially modest, with women covered from wrist to ankle and men covered from below the shoulder to below the knee. Travellers should also remove their shoes or wear overshoes.

Suggestions for Women travelling in Egypt:

• Wear loose, opaque clothes that cover all immodest areas (chest, thighs, upper arms)
• When travelling alone on public transportation, sit with other women or, when offered, sit in carriages reserved for women
• When travelling with a man, wear a wedding ring. It is more respectable to appear to be married than “just friends”
• Appear confident and travel with purpose
• Avoid eye-contact with Egyptian men and appear standoffish rather than overly friendly
• When swimming in pools or open-air springs, wear a t-shirt and leggings
• If hassling or groping does occur, call out and make a scene

What Should I take to Egypt?

• Travel Documents – Ensure to have copies of all important travel documents, including your passport, visa, travel assurance, etc.
• Protection from the Sun – Be ready to prevent sunburns. Don’t forget sun cream of SPF 30 or higher, a hat and sunnies.
• Light, Breathable Cotton Clothing – Bring clothing that is easy to wash. Whether in Egypt’s coastal regions or arid desert areas, light clothing will help with comfort in the heat, even in winter months.
• Jacket – This will help protect against potential summer windstorms and also provide backup for when indoors get chilly from heavy air conditioning.
• Comfortable Shoes – Many of Egypt’s most exciting sites require at least some walking and sightseeing. In general, it is best to go with comfortable shoes.
• Health and Hygiene – Pack a basic medical kit filled with items that may not be readily available in parts of Egypt. Kits should include things like: bandages, antibacterial hand gel, pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea drugs and re-hydration salts.
• Egyptian Travel Adapter – To charge your phone, you will need a travel adapter made for Egypt.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Egypt

If you are in Egypt and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Cairo 7 Ahmed Ragheb Street Garden City Cairo Egypt Telephone: + 2 (02) 2791 6000 Emergency Phone: + 2 (02) 2791 6000 Fax: +2 (02) 2791 6133 Contact Form: Click Here

If you have any questions about travelling to Egypt or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now !

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Egypt? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Egypt? What Is the Climate Like in Egypt? Is Egypt Safe? Egyptian Rules, Customs and Laws Suggestions for Women travelling in Egypt: What Should I Take To Egypt? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Egypt

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Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Rwanda .

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 abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Rwanda

Terrorist attacks in Rwanda cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are relatively low in Rwanda, but there are cases of burglary, theft, bag-snatching and mugging (violent theft) in Kigali.

To reduce your personal risk:

• take care when walking at night
• arrange transport in advance
• lock car doors when driving
• do not leave valuables in parked cars
• avoid carrying large amounts of money or other valuables

Personal safety in military zones

Some off-limits military zones in Kigali may not be well lit or signposted. You could be arrested and detained if you enter these areas. Take extra care when walking around less populated zones, particularly at night.    

Laws and cultural differences

Using cameras in secure areas.

It is illegal to photograph some government buildings. If you use a drone to take photographs of a prohibited area without a permit, you risk being imprisoned or receiving a severe fine.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Rwanda, but is frowned on by locals. LGBT+ travellers can experience discrimination and abuse, including from local authorities.

There are no specific anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBT+ individuals in Rwanda. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Plastic bag ban

There is a ban on plastic bags in Rwanda for environmental reasons. If you have plastic bags when you arrive in the country, they will be confiscated.  

Genocide Memorial Day

The week following Genocide Memorial Day on 7 April is an official week of mourning. 2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi.

National day of community service (Umuganda)

The last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national day of community service. Most normal services close from 7am to 11am. Kigali also has a car-free morning from 7am to 10am on the first and third Sunday of the month to promote exercise and reduce car emissions. Other cities in the country may also hold car-free mornings. You should check with the local authorities as these might happen at different times. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Gorilla trekking.

If you plan to travel close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo border on a gorilla trek, be aware of the risks that short-notice border closures could have on any travel plans in the region and be cautious. Keep up to date with developments through your tour operator and check the local media.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Rwanda, see information on driving abroad .

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

After one year of driving, you must have a Rwandan licence. You should:

• write a letter of application to the Commissioner Traffic and Road Safety
• attach your existing licence
• attach a copy of your visa or foreign resident ID card

Driving standards

Roads from Kigali to all major towns are in good condition but can be damaged by landslides during the rainy season. After dark, many roads outside of larger urban centres are unlit and driving standards are poor.   

Shared taxis (mini vans) and motorbike taxis are the most common form of public transport, but are very vulnerable to accidents.

Building health and safety

Levels of building health and safety in Rwanda are lower than in the UK. Buildings and construction sites have collapsed, causing deaths and serious injuries.

Fire safety standards vary and fires in residential and public places are a continuing risk. Poor wiring and sub-standard electrical cables have caused building fires. Take extra care when using electronic equipment.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

The rainy season runs from February to May and from September to December. April is the height of the rainy season. Heavy storms can cause disruption and damage, including landslides and floods. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in Rwanda. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake . The US Geological Survey has a real-time earthquake map that captures information following significant seismic activity . If there is an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.

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