is travel to egypt open

Update January 10, 2024

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Egypt Travel Advisory

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 .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Egypt Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Egypt

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Egypt entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to egypt, find stays in egypt, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Egypt from the United States?

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

Can I travel to Egypt if I am vaccinated?

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

Can I travel to Egypt without being vaccinated?

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

Do I need a COVID test to enter Egypt?

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

Can I travel to Egypt without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States 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 .

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What to Do If You Have Upcoming Travel to Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon

By Jessica Puckett

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.

In recent weeks, the war between Israel and Hamas has seeped further into surrounding areas of the Middle East. Violence has reached the southern stretch of the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have attacked cargo ships off the coast of Yemen, and the US has responded with its own airstrikes. On Israel’s border , clashes between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon continue to intensify.

While it's a no-brainer to reconfigure plans located in the immediate conflict zone, many travelers with upcoming trips to the surrounding region are wondering what to do. Is it safe, or responsible, to embark on a Nile cruise in Egypt at the moment? Or to continue on with a visit to Petra, in Jordan? The questions have become only murkier as the conflict expands.

Following a regional security alert issued by the State Department in October that advises US citizens throughout the Middle East to “take caution,” some travelers have responded by canceling trips, while others have pressed on with plans under the guidance of travel providers.

One luxury tour group, Red Savannah says that all travel they have arranged for clients in Egypt and Jordan is continuing as normal. “While we are holding off selling Lebanon, we believe that Egypt and Jordan continue to be safe destinations to visit,” says George Morgan-Grenville, CEO of Red Savannah. “Feedback from clients who traveled over Christmas was incredibly positive.”

According to data from the travel booking company Hopper, Jordan is currently seeing increased demand from US travelers compared to January of last year. US travel demand to Lebanon has dropped relative to other countries in the region, while bookings for Egypt have remained flat, Hopper tells Condé Nast Traveler.

For many, there's an emotional calculation to make when planning travel to countries in close proximity to conflict zones. “Every person has their own unique risk threshold,” says Dave Dennis, executive director of Cornerstone Safety Group, a risk management organization that supports travel companies. “An acceptable risk for one person can be very different from another.”

We asked safety and industry experts to share advice for travelers considering trips to Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and the Red Sea in the near future. Here's what travelers should know—from what's happening on the ground, to government advisories, to which choices other travelers are making.

Jump ahead:

Should you travel to Jordan right now?

Should you travel to egypt right now, should you travel to lebanon right now.

• Should you take a Red Sea cruise right now?
• Additional tips

The US State Department has kept Jordan under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel alert that it first issued on July 13. The only regions that travelers are instructed to avoid are the country’s borders with Syria and Iraq, its refugee camps, and Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to ongoing safety concerns, according to the department’s guidance.

“Jordan, being further from regional unrest, remains at a Level 2 advisory, which is a common category for many regions globally,” says Dennis. As such, most tours throughout Jordan continue to operate as scheduled, and visitors can visit highlights like the Dead Sea , the Wadi Rum desert, Petra, and the capital city of Amman.

The Jordanian Tourism Board told the Times of London in January that the country remains safe for international travel: “In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasize that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world,” the agency said in the statement. “Our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors remains unwavering and we want to reassure everyone that Jordan’s borders are open to tourists.”

Egypt's alert level from the State Department hasn’t changed since July 13, and remains at a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” Tourists should continue to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula, the land bordering Israel and Gaza and to the east of Cairo, as it is a “particularly dangerous area,” according to the department.

In a December 20 security reminder , the US Embassy in Cairo advised US travelers in Egypt to maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance, exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, and to keep a low profile.

Many group tours, like Red Savannah's, which visit sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Valley of the Kings , and Karnak Temple in Luxor, are continuing as normal. But even as many trips forge ahead, some operators are seeing significant cancellations. One firm in Egypt, Amisol Travel, has seen just 40 to 50% of its typical bookings from February and September 2024, according to the New York Times .

Nile River cruises are also continuing to operate as planned. The only changes at this time are cancellations of post-cruise land packages through Israel—most lines have removed these add-on tours for the near future.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Gaza and have canceled a select number of Jerusalem extensions for our Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary,” says a January 11 statement on Viking’s website. “All of our departures in Egypt are operating as scheduled. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and partners on the ground."

In recent months, AmaWaterways has been making similar cancellations ​​of extended land tours through Israel. “Guests with the post-cruise Israel package scheduled to depart on Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary starting in Cairo up to and including June 21, 2024 will be refunded for the Israel land portion as well as the Cairo to Tel Aviv airfare,” the line said in an emailed statement. “There are no other changes to any other Egypt river cruise or associated land packages.”

Despite most Nile itineraries continuing as planned, lines are seeing an uptick in cancellations from passengers. "The impact has been pretty severe, quite honestly, for the first quarter of 2024," Pamela Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, told Travel Weekly in early December. "Close to half of our guests canceled for the first quarter of 2024. The rest of the year has not seen as much impact."

As of October 17, the US State Department has had a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning for Lebanon. The advisory was last updated on December 19 and recommends US citizens do not travel to the country “due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens."

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Jamie Spain

The advisory "speaks to inherent dangers of the region and the lack of immediate emergency services if a traveler was in need of assistance from government agencies,” says Dennis.

Clashes between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have continued at the countries’ borders for months. Now, it's appearing more likely that serious conflict could spread even farther into Lebanon. The head of Israel’s military, Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, said on January 17 that the IDF is increasing readiness for “fighting in Lebanon,” CNN reported .

“The State Department recommends that US citizens in Lebanon leave now, while commercial flights remain available, due to the unpredictable security situation,” says a security alert from the US Embassy in Beirut issued on November 4. (At the time of publication, no new security alerts have been issued from the Embassy in Beirut since).

What's happening with cruises in the Red Sea?

Some cruise lines have begun canceling or changing itineraries that were set to transit through the Red Sea, due to the heightening conflicts there. According to Seatrade Cruise News , MSC has canceled three sailings that had stops through the Red Sea and Middle East: a March 30 voyage on MSC Virtuosa sailing from Dubai to Southampton, England; an April 3 sailing on MSC Splendida from Cape Town to Genoa, Italy; and an April 21 sailing on MSC Opera from Dubai to Genoa.

Silversea has also canceled an upcoming voyage aboard Silver Moon from Dubai to Mumbai that was slated to depart on January 26. “Affected guests and their travel agents have been informed of the reprotection options,” Silversea told Traveler in an emailed statement. “The voyage between Mumbai and Singapore, scheduled between Feb 11 and Feb 29, is currently scheduled to proceed as planned. Our global security team continues to closely monitor the situation in the region and will make any additional changes if required.”

Additional tips for considering travel to the region

1. consider postponing instead of canceling.

The standard guidance in the travel industry, even in harrowing situations, is that postponing a trip is usually a better option than canceling, if you can swing it. That way, local workers and/or travel businesses don't completely lose out on travelers' support, particularly at a time of need. “We highly recommend postponing, or rebooking to another region, over canceling all together,” says Matt Berna, president The Americas for Intrepid Travel. "More than ever the world needs intrepid travelers. We want travelers to do and see incredible things, and for those experiences to have positive social and economic impacts on the host communities they visit.”

One benefit for travelers post-pandemic is that the majority of operators now offer flexible changes and postponements. “Since COVID-19, we have seen a trend towards rebooking flexibility in the travel industry,” says Christina Tunnah, general manager Americas for travel insurance provider World Nomads. “Many US-based airlines retained the credit and rebooking policies from the peak of COVID-19. If you booked with a tour provider, contact customer service to understand what kind of policies may apply in this type of situation.”

Some tour companies allow cancellations within a certain window or will give a voucher toward a future trip if you’d like to postpone. “Should a client feel uncomfortable about traveling, we will always do our best to offer a postponement,” says Morgan-Greenville of Red Savannah.

Jerry Sorkin , a travel specialist with Iconic Journeys Worldwide , says his company gives customers the option to reschedule and apply 100% of their funds toward a future tour to the same destination, up until 30 days before their trip. (Travelers who want to cancel their trip within 30 days of their departure will have to rely on travel insurance for refunds.) “If they did not take out travel insurance, they did so at their own risk and signed a document when booking with us that they had declined to take out travel insurance,” Sorkin says. These types of cancellation policies are standard throughout the industry, which makes understanding travel insurance policies all the more important.

2. Purchase travel insurance

“We always recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you invest in your flights, accommodations, and other travel costs,” says Tunnah. “All policies are different, so be sure the policy you select offers the coverage you are most concerned with, such as trip cancellation or trip interruption. And always be sure to read your policy details.” For instance, trip cancellations due to war, invasion, or hostilities between nations are generally excluded from travel insurance policies, but some may offer coverage for terrorist incidents that occur in your departure or destination city, according to Tunnah. (World Nomads’ travel insurance policies for US residents offer trip cancellation coverage in the event a terrorist incident occurs within 30 days of the scheduled departure date, for instance.)

3. Reference international sources during research and consider traveling with a local tour operator

If you decide to go ahead with your trip, there are still precautions to take, too, and ways to be as informed as possible. “I always advocate for travelers to research the areas visited, purchase travel insurance, and talk to insurance providers about coverage and emergency support options should a need arise,” says Dennis, the risk management expert. “Some travel insurance policies won't cover regions listed as a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) government rating, so it's important to verify exemptions prior to travel." Dennis also suggests traveling with a reputable, locally experienced operator: "These organizations typically have deep connections with the communities they visit and are responsible for making itinerary adjustments based on local circumstances.”

In your research, try to include international media sources for the most holistic picture of what’s happening in the area. “It's important to seek out information from multiple sources to find a balanced understanding of regional safety and security,” Dennis says. “This may include reviewing US, UK, Canadian, and even Australian State Department travel warnings, local embassy updates, and if available, gaining access to information from professional security organizations. Each resource may have slight variations of information depending on the audience they serve, so it's important to gather as many perspectives as possible for a balanced approach.”

4. Have an emergency plan

As a precaution, US tourists on international trips should always sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive important safety alerts from the US embassy in the country they are visiting. Enrolling is free, only takes a few minutes, and will help the embassy contact you in the event of an emergency.

It’s also a good idea to make sure loved ones at home have key information about your travels. “Personally speaking, when I travel internationally, I always leave a copy of my itinerary, passport, and travel insurance policy with my family,” Dennis says. “I also make a check-in plan, so they know when to expect a call, text, or email.”

More than anything, making these difficult travel decisions is about building up a sense of personal intuition for what feels safe and enjoyable.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

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Is Egypt Open for Tourists? – Latest Egypt Travel Restrictions

Home | Travel | Coronavirus | Is Egypt Open for Tourists? – Latest Egypt Travel Restrictions

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Last update: 03/13/2024

Egypt has been open for tourists since July 1, 2020, and is one of the countries that are open for tourism now . Currently, travelers from any country can visit Egypt, although there are some entry requirements in place.

One of the most important Egypt entry requirements is that all unvaccinated travelers must have a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure to Egypt.  Vaccinated travelers must present a vaccination certificate with a QR code issued by an approved lab.

All travelers should also expect to have their temperatures checked, to complete a health card with personal details, and to provide evidence of a  travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage.

Museums, temples, and archaeological sites such as the Giza pyramids have been open since September 1, 2020, so it is still possible to see Egypt’s most famous sights.

Can I travel to Egypt right now?

Egypt is open to travel from any country. Below is a map of all the countries that can currently visit Egypt.

• Countries allowed to travel to Egypt

Egypt has reopened borders to tourists from these countries

Tourists from all countries are welcome to travel to Egypt.

Egypt travel ban is in place for these countries

Egypt has not currently banned travelers from any country.

Egypt COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Egypt may be open to travelers from all countries, but there are still several entry requirements that tourists need to observe.

All unvaccinated tourists must present a paper copy of a medical certificate for a  negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours before departure, although travelers from certain countries may present test results from up to 96 hours prior to arrival.

Vaccinated travelers must have received their final dose at least two weeks prior to traveling to Egypt and must present a vaccination certificate with a QR code.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam in the past 14 days must undergo an ID Now COVID-19 test on arrival in Egypt.

Tourists flying direct into  airports in the Red Sea area  will have to pay $30 for a PCR test at the airport if they cannot present valid negative PCR test results upon arrival and will need to self-isolate until test results are obtained.

Do you need a covid-19 vaccine to travel to egypt?

Vaccinated travelers who present an unmodified vaccination certificate with a QR code that was issued by an approved lab are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test result on arrival.

Travelers must have received the final dose of their vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel. Acceptable vaccines include Sputnik, Pfizer, AztraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Johnson & Johnson.

Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam in the past 14 days must undergo an ID Now COVID-19 test on arrival in Egypt, regardless of their vaccination status.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Egypt?

A PCR COVID test is mandatory for all unvaccinated travelers . Unvaccinated travelers must provide a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to their departure for Egypt.

However, unvaccinated travelers coming from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France (only Paris), Germany (only Frankfurt), Guyana, Italy (only Rome), Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, United States, United Kingdom (London Heathrow only), Uruguay, and Venezuela can present a negative PCR test result from up to 96 hours prior to departure for Egypt due to the length of travel from these destinations.

Check where to get a quick PCR test for travel near you

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in the United States

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in the United Kingdom

Where to get a quick PCR test for travel in Canada

Only paper copies of test results are accepted; digital copies are not considered valid. Children under the age of 6 from any country are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test certificate.

If you are flying directly into airports in the Red Sea area (Hurghada and Marsa Allam), the South Sinai area (Sharm El-Sheikh), and Marsa Matrouh and you do not present evidence of a valid negative PCR test result, you will be tested at the airport at your own expense and will have to self-isolate until your test results are returned.

Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Egypt?

No, there is  no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Egypt  unless you fly into Hurghada, Marsa Allam, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Marsa Matrouh and do not have a valid negative PCR test certificate. If that is the case, you will take a test at the airport at your own expense and be required to self-isolate in a hotel until the test result is ready. If your test results are positive, you must quarantine for 14 days in a specially allocated room in your hotel.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Egypt will have to quarantine for 14 days.

Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Egypt?

Yes, you need to present proof of valid travel insurance to be able to enter Egypt .

If you’re not sure which health insurance policy to get, we highly recommend Heymondo. They are one of the best travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage, since they include COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad without out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Not many insurance policies include this, so Heymondo is a great option if you want to stay safe. You can even get a 5% discount on their policies just for being our reader.

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Other travel restrictions for Egypt during COVID-19

There are a few precautions travelers must take while they are visiting Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Travelers from all countries should expect to have their temperature checked upon arrival.
• All travelers must complete a public health card and provide proof of valid travel insurance.
• Face masks are required in public areas.
• Social distancing must be observed.
• You may need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Egypt

Egypt has reopened many businesses and attractions , including some of its most famous archaeological sites. However, some places, such as beaches and public parks, remain closed.

Hotels that are open in Egypt

Many hotels in Egypt are open  at the moment. All hotels that are currently open must obtain a safety certificate from the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism.

You can check which hotels are open in Egypt  here.

OPEN HOTELS IN EGYPT

Beaches that are open in Egypt

Beaches in Egypt are currently open. If you want to enjoy the Red Sea, I recommend staying in one of these hotels with a private beach:

• Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel
• Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh
• Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh
• Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort
• The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh

Attractions and Pyramids that are open in Egypt

Many of Egypt’s museums, temples, and archaeological sites reopened on September 1 st , 2020. This includes famous landmarks such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings.

We recommend booking in advance if you want to visit the  Pyramids of Egypt that are open to tourists  or take any of the popular tours that are running during the pandemic:

• Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis
• Valley of the Kings from Hurghada
• Dendara and Abydos Temples
• Dinner Cruise on the Nile River
• Historical Alexandria
• Diving Tour in Hurghada
• Giftun Island snorkeling tour

Restaurants that are open in Egypt

Restaurants are open in Egypt at the moment.  They must close by 11 PM.  Social distancing and wearing a face mask when you enter a restaurant is mandatory.

Airports that are open in Egypt

All of Egypt’s major international airports are open and international flights have resumed .

Cairo Airport is the largest airport in Egypt and where most tourists arrive. However, if you are looking to have a beach holiday, we recommend flying to Hurghada Airport, Sharm El Sheikh Airport, or Marsa Alam Airport.

In all airports in Egypt, there are many safety measures you will be requested to follow, such as social distancing, frequent hand sanitizing, and wearing face masks. Airports have also implemented health screenings and temperature checks.

Where to get a PCR test in Egypt

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home.  If you need to get tested in Egypt , here  is a list of places you can get a PCR test.

Egypt reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to  Egypt reopening for tourists  and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Yes, you can travel to Egypt no matter which country you’re from.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are currently 38,000+ active cases and 16,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Egypt as of today. The CDC  classifies travel to Egypt as “Level 3 – High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Egypt. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider traveling to Egypt.

Is there a travel ban in Egypt?

No, there is currently no travel ban on any travel to Egypt.

Is quarantine required to visit Egypt?

No, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival in Egypt. You only need to self-isolate if you have been tested at an airport and are awaiting your results. If your results are positive, then you will need to quarantine for 14 days.

Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Egypt?

Yes, every unvaccinated traveler, unless they are under the age of 6, must present a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test result to enter Egypt. Check the specific requirements for your country to see if the PCR test must be taken up to 72 or 96 hours before departure.

Is a curfew in place?

No, there is currently no curfew in place in Egypt.

Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?

No, there are currently no restrictions on intercity or interregional travel in Egypt.

Are hotels open in Egypt?

Yes, hotels in Egypt are open at the moment.

Are airports open in Egypt?

Yes, Egypt’s airports are currently open. Commercial flights are available from many parts of the world.

Are restaurants and cafes open in Egypt?

Yes, restaurants and cafes are open in Egypt.

Are museums, temples, and archaeological sites open in Egypt?

Yes, museums, temples, and archaeological sites in Egypt were reopened on September 1, 2020.

Are beaches open in Egypt?

Yes, beaches in Egypt are open.

Is the Great Pyramid of Giza open?

Yes, the Great Pyramid of Giza is open and you can book tours to see it . It is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at the moment.

Is the Great Sphinx of Giza open?

Yes, the Great Sphinx of Giza is open from 8 AM to 4 PM at the moment.

Is the Valley of the Kings open?

Yes, the Valley of the Kings in Egypt is currently open.

Is Egypt open to American tourists?

Yes, Egypt is currently open to American tourists.

Is Egypt open to Canadian tourists?

Yes, Egypt is currently open to Canadian tourists.

We will update this guide on Egypt reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Egypt, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Egypt
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Egypt
• General Egypt Travel Advisory
• Egyptian Government’s Ministry of Health and Population Facebook page in Arabic
• EgyptAir Entry Requirements for Egypt
• Current Restrictions in Egypt

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Egypt travel: Is it safe to visit and what are your rights if you have a trip booked?

Tourists with imminent trips booked to Egypt may be wondering whether it is safe to travel to the country’s popular cities and resorts amid ongoing conflict in neighbouring Israel and Gaza.

Egypt has so far avoided being drawn into the conflict, despite Israeli airstrikes hitting the area near the border with Gaza and forcing it to close on 10 October.

In a separate event on 8 October, two Israeli tourists were killed by a local police officer after he reportedly “discharged his personal firearm at the tourist group” at a site in the coastal city of Alexandria.

Nevertheless, Egypt’s other borders remain open, and airlines and holiday companies are continuing to operate in the country.

But is it safe to go, and what are your rights if you have an upcoming trip booked? Here are the key questions and answers.

How far is Israel from Egypt?

Though Israel directly borders Egypt, most of the country’s major cities and tourists sites are a substantial distance away.

Sharm el Sheikh is the closest, though it is still over two-and-a-half hours’ drive away from the nearest border town and over five hours away by road from the area around the Gaza border. Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada and Luxor are even further away.

Are flights to Egypt operating as normal?

Flights from the UK to Egypt are still operating as planned, though may be subject to delays from non-related events.

The usual flight path from the UK to Egypt goes down through Italy and across the Mediterranean, and does not enter Israeli airspace.

What if I have booked a package holiday to Egypt?

Package holidays are operating as usual. If you have an upcoming trip booked and want to postpone, get in touch with your tour operator or holiday provider; they may offer some flexibility. However, if not, there is currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance, as the Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued a blanket “avoid all non-essential travel” advisory for Egypt as it has done for Israel.

If FCDO advice changes to advising against all travel, you can cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.

What is the Foreign Office travel advice for Egypt?

The FCDO has not changed its advice since the beginning of the conflict in Israel, but there are still warnings against all but essential travel to several parts of the country.

Anyone travelling to Egypt should carefully check the most up-to-date advice before travelling.

The FCDO does not warn against travel to any of the main tourist destinations in Egypt, including Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria.

The website references the recent attack in Alexandria, saying that “On 8 October 2023, an Egyptian police officer is reported to have shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in Alexandria. A third tourist was injured”.

It advises travellers to “remain vigilant and exercise caution at tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings”.

The FCDO advises against all travel to destinations anywhere within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border (except for the town of El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel) and the Governorate of North Sinai.

It advises against all but essential travel to:

The northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula

The Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal

The Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid

The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings

The 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 (but they advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)

Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert

It adds that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt”, and there is a particular risk in North Sinai. It lists five recent attacks between 2022 and 2018 that have taken place in Cairo, the Minya province and near the Suez Canal.

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This year or next might be the perfect time to visit Egypt: A reopening guide

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Egypt has been a mythical destination for millennia. Prominently featured in some of history's earliest stories, this mighty nation lives on today in modern culture as one of the most exciting countries to explore worldwide

Related: It could be time to add Egypt back to the bucket list

TPG former staffer Carissa Rawson once spent an entire semester abroad living in a Hilton hotel in Cairo , and TPG founder Brian Kelly has fond memories of exploring Egypt and Jordan together with his dad, the original Points Guy.

Unfortunately, most U.S. travelers haven't been able to replicate Brian's epic father/son trip or Carissa's amazing hotel redemption for most of this year, since the country closed its borders to international tourists in March. The situation has hurt the country too: Tourism accounts for five to 15 percent of the country's GDP between indirect and direct business.

Sign up for TPG's daily newsletter

Fortunately, Egypt reopened on July 1, including to U.S. travelers. Here's what you should know before you visit.

Related: Dreaming of visiting Egypt

Before Departure

First things first: Egypt is currently under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, and a Level 3 Travel Health Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Sept. 8, there have been just over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 throughout Egypt, with 5,500 deaths. (For context, the U.S. has had 6.3 million cases and more than 191,000 deaths .)

Related: Guide to world landmarks reopening

That being said, the country of 98 million people has been very cautious about arrival protocols for incoming tourists. Before you arrive, you'll need to take note of the following requirements.

U.S. travelers need tourist visas to enter Egypt . Single-entry tourist visas for 30 days can be obtained upon arrival at Egyptian airports for $25, unless you are arriving from the Taba point on the Israel border. A multiple-entry visa is available for $60. E-visas are available online through this link .

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival, but all arriving international travelers, including Egyptian citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test dated within 72 hours of arrival time. (Another website states that the tests must be dated within 48 hours of arrival time , which pretty much requires an overnight test result.) PCR test certificates must be presented in physical form; digital copies will not be accepted. Results must be either in English or Arabic.

If you can't get a PCR test in time before departure, tests are available upon arrival for $30 at the Hurghada (HRG), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), Marsa Alam (RMF) and Taba (TCP) airports.

Related: Reader hall of fame: Qsuites and Cairo

Travelers also need to show proof of travel insurance covering COVID, as well as proof of health insurance.

Once you arrive

All tourist sites and locations, such as the Nile Valley, Cairo, the Red Sea and South Sinai are open. The government has also halved entrance fees for all museums and archeological sites.

The U.S. Embassy website for Egypt states that restaurants, cafes, sports clubs and movie theaters currently operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and cafes must close by midnight, while other businesses, including grocery stores, are required to close by 10 p.m.

Public parks and beaches remain closed, although resorts with private beaches are allowed to open them to visitors at their own discretion. Face masks are required in all public settings, including on public transportation.

Flights and hotels

Flights into Cairo are reasonably plentiful on multiple airlines.

You can fly from Los Angeles to Cairo this fall for around $700 round trip on all three major airline alliances : $669 on Turkish Airlines, $753 on Delta/Alitalia in October, or $727 on Royal Air Maroc in November.

For award flights, economy routes are 94,000 miles and $89 on United, 75,000 miles and $153 on Delta or 80,000 miles and $137 on American Airlines.

Hotels are equally accessible, with more than 450 properties available in October on Hotels.com.

Cairo offers some of the world's best values for cash rates and award redemptions alike, with king bedrooms at the newly-open St. Regis in Cairo available for just 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or just $215 per night in February. (Just in case one St. Regis isn't enough for you, you'll be able to pick between two come January 2021 when the St. Regis Almasa Hotel opens .)

Rates are similarly competitive at Hilton properties ranging from 20,000 at a number of properties, up to the Conrad Hilton , which goes for 24,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Is this a good deal, you ask? For context, a Hilton property in small-town College Station, Texas , costs 19,000 points on a weeknight.

Hyatt fans will be sad to see that the Hyatt Regency Cairo West is closed until January 2021. But rates are great in February when the property reopens, with prices beginning at $94 per night.

Bottom line

2020 and its accompanying disruption may not be how you anticipated seeing the Great Pyramids or exploring the ancient historical sites of Egypt. But current price points and the country's eagerness to attract new tourists may be just the nudge you need to take the plunge this year. After all, the visa requirements will always be a factor to contend with — but you might never get to visit with so few fellow tourists again.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Egypt-Libya border

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

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

Northern part of South Sinai

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

The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

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

Western Desert

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

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the 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 (but we advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

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

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in neighbouring Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. As a result, the land border into Israel from Egypt at Taba could close with little notice. Check with local authorities and consult the travel advice for  Israel  and the  Occupied Palestinian Territories  before trying to cross the border.

In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Egypt and protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers. Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests. See  Safety and security

Entering Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing partially opened on 1 November. This is primarily to facilitate the evacuation of seriously wounded Palestinians and some foreign nationals. We understand that the crossing will continue to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the  Israel and The Occupied Palestinian Territories travel advice.

The Egyptian authorities have said all aid going into Gaza from Egypt must be channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent:

• telephone: + 20 226 703 979, + 20 226 703 983
• fax: + 20 226 703 967

They are unlikely to consider requests for humanitarian access made in Egypt at short notice.

Concern for friends and family

If you are concerned about friends or family, or need consular assistance call:

• British Embassy Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000
• +44 1767 667 600  (UK number) if you experience technical difficulties with the above number

Incidents in South Sinai  

On 27 October, an Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson confirmed that an unidentified drone fell near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Taba next to the Israeli border, injuring six people. An additional unidentified drone also struck outside the town of Nuweiba, though no casualties have been confirmed. The authorities are conducting ongoing investigations.

Incident in Alexandria

On 8 October 2023, an Egyptian police officer is reported to have shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in Alexandria. A third tourist was injured. Remain vigilant and exercise caution at tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings. Find out more information on current risks on the  Safety and security .

Border crossings from Sudan

There are still people trying to cross the border into Egypt at Argeen and Qustul. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.

If you are a British national and have crossed the border without valid documentation, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for consular assistance on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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

Egypt is building a buffer zone on the border with gaza. however, travel advice for the region has not changed — here’s what you need to know.

T he main tourist resorts of Egypt — 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 advises against travelling to. This includes the border with Gaza at Rafah, where Egypt is currently building 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. 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).

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

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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.”

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.

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. In general, the same 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 in January 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?

Egypt no longer has Covid-related travel restrictions.

For entry into Egypt, though, 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 LGBTQ travellers?

It can be problematic. 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 LGBTQ 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 Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Egypt. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio January 05, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Egypt.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Egypt. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Egypt.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Egypt, poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Egypt are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus if: 1) they work in health care settings involving direct patient contact, 2) assist in refugee camps or other humanitarian aid settings, OR 3) have limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation .

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Egypt who received a complete polio vaccination series as children, and are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Egypt. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Egypt, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Egypt. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Egypt, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Egypt. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Egypt include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Egypt. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Egypt’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Egypt may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Egypt, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Egypt for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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14 things to know to help you plan the perfect trip to Egypt

Aug 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Plan the perfect trip to Egypt with these essential tips on etiquette, health and safety © Grant Faint / Getty Images

Egypt’s  rich history reverberates through its modern-day culture. There’s plenty to do that will engage all your senses, from majestic ancient sights to lively streets rife with aromatic foods, and the vibrant and eclectic nightlife.

To fully indulge in all the excitement, there are some things you should consider, including the country’s cultural traditions. But worry not: this guide to planning and packing along with tips on health, safety and etiquette will have you ready for the a fantastic experience in Egypt.

1. Consider getting your visa in advance

Bags in one hand and paperwork in the other is all many travelers need to get on a plane and fly to Egypt. If you’re eligible , you can get a renewable single-entry tourist visa on arrival for USD$25, valid for 30 days. However, if you’re missing any documents or if there’s a problem processing your visa on arrival, you may be denied entry.

If you prefer a multiple-entry visa or want to avoid lines at the airport, you can apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal before travel to avoid any entry issues or delays.

2. Prepare a rough itinerary

There’s so much more to Egypt than the pyramids, and planning ahead will help you avoid a logistical nightmare. Plan your days by area (especially in major cities where traffic is both intense and unpredictable) so it’s easier to move around between locations.

If you’re a beach lover , there are plenty of destinations on the North Coast or Naama Bay for diving or snorkeling trips. If you’re an avid explorer and prefer something off the beaten track , Egypt’s lesser-known gems – like the stunning Siwa Oasis  – are absolutely worth the adventure.

Egypt truly caters to every kind of traveler, and the best way to create a personalized experience is to focus on what’s important to you and plan accordingly.

3. Learn some basic Arabic phrases

Whipping out Google Translate for quick questions about directions can be helpful, but organic responses to basic niceties will prove useful. 

Most Egyptians are eager to help when asked, but you might need to tie up a few odds and ends in Arabic with unilingual locals. They also come in handy if you need to fend off hustlers or persistent merchants. Learning a few words and phrases like “ al salam alaykom ” (hello), “ shukran ” (thank you), “ aywa ” (yes), “ la’a ” (no), and “ ma’ al-salama ” (goodbye) will go a long way.

4. Don’t underestimate Egypt’s weather – both hot and cold 

Sunscreen is key if you don’t want to spend the better half of your vacation huddled up with ice packs. This is especially true if you’re visiting during the summer, but holds up throughout the year.

July is the hottest month, with temperatures ranging anywhere from 34.7°C (94.5°F) to a scorching 43.3°C (109.9°F). Yet, despite its year-round sunny skies, Egypt’s overall desert climate makes winters especially cold – the kind of cold that creeps beneath your clothes and gives you chills right down to your bones.

It doesn’t help that the poorly insulated buildings barely keep the freezing weather at bay, so you have to talk yourself into going outside because it’s warmer outdoors than it is indoors. Temperatures drop as low as 10°C (50°F) at times, so if you’re visiting between October and March , make sure to pack some warm clothes along with your sunscreen. 

5. Pack for the heat, but keep it conservative

Egypt is known for its cotton, and what better place to wear cotton than here. Pack airy breathable clothes, and break out all the pastels and bright colors in your closet. Most people in major cities dress casually and embrace comfort over fashion. But remember that Egypt is a country with primarily conservative locals.

You can’t go wrong with loose clothing, and exposing too much skin is generally frowned upon. Men can sport tank tops if they’re comfortable with a few extra stares, but short shorts are not advisable, and women should avoid low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts or revealing dresses.

Beach destinations bend these unspoken rules, however, and locals are accommodating to visitors, so if you're heading for the beach, you don't need to leave all your shorts and sundresses behind.

6. Keep transportation in mind when booking accommodation

While booking your lodgings, look into modes of transportation in the surrounding area. If you’re planning a short time in your destination, opt for lodgings central to the sights on your itinerary or close to a metro station so you don’t waste too much time stuck in traffic. If you’ve got more time, you can opt for something a little less central, but remember that you could spend a chunk of your time traveling. 

Cairo and Giza are mostly accessible using the metro system, and if you’re a female traveler we recommend you seek out the carriages reserved for women.

Some destinations will require further planning, and white taxis and Uber rides are your best bet. If you opt for a white taxi, always make sure the meter’s running before you hop in, and hail it a few meters away from your hotel for a cheaper ride. Avoid taxis that don’t use meters and aren’t very tourist-friendly. Long-distance buses and domestic flights are an option too, depending on your budget.

7. Be mindful of your etiquette at religious and historic sites

It’s important to not just dress appropriately but to also be mindful of local etiquette especially at certain sights.

Visiting a mosque? Take off your shoes before entering and, if you’re female, cover your head. 

At a historic site? Don’t touch the antiquities and always use cameras without the flash.

On the beach? Yes you can sport your best swimsuit and relax, but like every place in the world, there’s always a code of conduct. Be observant and if in doubt, do what the locals do.

Local tip: Photography is encouraged at tourist sites, but don’t photograph people without their consent, and don't take photos where it is explicitly prohibited.

8. Avoid public displays of affection

We’ve established that Egypt leans toward conservative, and this extends to public displays of affection. While holding hands with your partner won’t garner much attention, limit your public physical interactions to what would be considered mild and proper. 

Platonic kisses on the cheek are a common greeting between friends in Egypt but, depending on your surroundings, should be limited to members of the same sex.

9. Bring small bills and be prepared to tip

Tipping in Egypt is still standard practice, especially in the service industry. Tips, or baksheesh , can range from 5 EGP (<$0.50) to 100 EGP ($5.50), depending on who you are paying and where.

Egypt is largely cash-oriented, so pick up both large and small bills when you’re exchanging currency to make payments and tipping easier.

Restaurants and cafes are easier to figure out, with 10-15% of the bill being customary, and loose change is the norm for food purchases from street vendors. Higher tips are usually reserved for people who provide you with long-term services, such as drivers and tour guides. While you’re not required to tip delivery services, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, you can round up the bill if you’ve had a satisfying experience. 

10. Haggling for souvenirs is part of the experience

From papyrus papers and traditional souvenirs to carefully crafted silverware and hand-painted ceramics, markets in Egypt are a treasure trove. But if you feel like something is overpriced, don’t shy away from haggling.

While vendors aren’t particularly fond of the back-and-forth, it’s all part of the experience and no matter what you pay in the end you can convince yourself it was a great deal.

Don’t attempt to haggle in bigger shops in or outside tourist attractions, and if there’s an official price posted on the product, it’s usually non-negotiable.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes and ears open and gauge the price range of similar items in nearby stores so you can tell if you’re being overcharged. Haggling is mainly confined to souvenir spots, souks (markets) and less formal selling areas. 

11. Don't drink the tap water and beware of food carts

To dodge any stomach bugs that might ruin your Egyptian adventure, avoid drinking tap water unless it’s filtered, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Pack a good water-filtering system or do like the locals and use bottled water. 

While Egyptian cuisine is one of the country’s best assets, and the temptation to sample it every chance you get is understandable, some carts improperly store their food. It can be difficult to tell as a visitor, so it may be wise to opt for local shops instead. They often offer similar food but are generally safer to indulge to your heart’s content.

12. Flood season is June to September

Flooding is an issue in Egypt in June to September, but it’s usually mild and mostly limited to some coastal areas. It’s always a good idea to activate news alerts on your phone anyway and keep an eye on the local news.

The floods are usually easy to manage, but roads can be impacted, especially in some areas in South Sinai.

13. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention

If you’re a woman traveling on your own , keep an eye out for harassers, scammers and hustlers who may be pushy and persistent. Confident interactions are often key to driving them away, but calling out for assistance or announcing you’ll involve the police can be a good deterrent as well. 

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid interactions with individuals in suspicious settings, like quiet alleyways, dark street corners, and empty spots, and look for crowds with women and children if you feel unsafe. Never get into a taxi or Uber with anyone but the driver. Ride in the carriages reserved for women on the metro in Cairo. And, as is sadly the case in most of the world, avoid walking alone late at night.

14. Tourist police can assist you in an emergency 

Egypt is generally considered safe to visit, but if you face any issues that you believe require law enforcement interference, look for police officers with a tourism police badge on their shoulders – it’s a navy blue half sleeve with a gold eagle in the middle, and “Tourism and Antiquities Police” written at the bottom. They are stationed at every tourist destination in Egypt and can also be reached by dialing 126 from any Egyptian mobile number.

If you’d rather file a complaint later, you can dial 19654 and communicate directly with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It's also a good idea to keep the number of your home embassy or consulate handy.

Pro tip: Invest in an Egyptian SIM card upon arrival. They’re cheap and will make local interactions much easier for you. Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange and WE are Egypt’s top mobile service providers; you can find their booths in the final hall on your way out of Cairo International Airport. 

This article was first published July 2022 and updated August 2023

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Egypt Travel: What's New and What Travelers Need to Know

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders and incredible culture, and it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers of all kinds — check out new developments, quick figures and some important information on traveling to Egypt this year. 

Fast Facts About Egypt’s Growing Travel & Tourism Industry

The Egyptian Tourism Authority reported it welcomed 15 million travelers in 2023, a large increase from the 4.9 million it welcomed just two years prior. It predicts its tourism arrivals to double by 2028 , and the nearby conflict in Gaza and Israel has not stopped this growth at the beginning of 2024. 

As American travelers continue looking to Egypt as a bucket-list destination, Europeans are seeking out the country more than ever. The majority of the travelers came from Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Italy and the United Kingdom. 

When it comes to tourism development, Egypt has an economic plan in place to double the country’s hotel room capacity to 60,000 within the next five years to accompany and encourage the predicted growth. 

What’s New In Egypt? 

If you’ve been wondering about whether or not you should travel to Egypt in recent years, chances are you’ve learned about the rise in popularity of Nile river cruises —river cruise lines such as AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises have launched several ships to encourage more cruisers in Egypt, and they often visit some of the most iconic destinations along the Nile, making it a unique and comfortable way to visit Egypt. 

Yet the country has been growing its travel offerings in other ways, too. 

It’s been investing in restoring its ancient and cultural offerings. Each year, more historical artifacts are found, while recently, the Citadel of Saladin in Cairo, built in 1173, has been restored to its former glory. Old Cairo is also undergoing restorations that ensure the historic area will continue to enchant travelers for years. 

Cairo has launched a new program to attract weekend travelers, called Cairo City Break, as the majority of travelers to the city generally spend three to four days in the city. 

Travelers heading to the Pyramids of Giza will enjoy new shaded areas, a visitor center, new hotels and restaurants and hop-on style electric transportation. New photography spots ensure travelers will be able to get those iconic shots of the ancient wonders. 

Perhaps the best new offering in Egypt is the opening of the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization: The Grand Egyptian Museum. Some areas of the museum are already open, though the grand opening is expected later this year. 

Additionally, the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria will be reopening this year following eighteen years of restoration, offering 6,000 artifacts from Alexander the Great to the time of Cleopatra, offering a unique glimpse into Egypt’s past. 

Celebrations, Holidays and New Openings

New hotels opening this year and the next include the Hyatt Centric Cairo West , which will open near the Grand Egyptian Museum early this year; the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, formerly the historic Shepheard Hotel, will open this year; and the Four Seasons Hotel Luxor will open in 2025 with views of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. 

March 12 through April 12 is this year’s Ramadan period, culminating in the festival of Eid al-Fitr. Additionally, on May 6 is when Sham al-Nessim is held, which is a spring festival that includes picnics and gifts of painted eggs. The 5-day Sphinx Festival will be held in El Gouna this June. October 22 and April 22 are the two dates when the sun touches the monoliths inside Abu Simbel this year, celebrated as sun festivals. 

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Egypt travel advice

Latest updates: Health - editorial update

Last updated: March 13, 2024 16:18 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, egypt - exercise a high degree of caution.

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

Northern Sinai - Avoid all travel

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

The Western desert and Libyan border area - Avoid all travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Security incidents in the South Sinai Governorate

Since October 27, 2023, projectiles and suspected drones have fallen at various locations along the Gulf of Aqaba coast in the South Sinai Governorate, including near Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba. The incidents have caused injuries.

If you are in or near the affected areas:

• exercise caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders

If you encounter debris or fragments:

• don’t get close to or touch them
• move away from them immediately
• contact local authorities

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, tensions could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

The security situation in Egypt is unpredictable and certain regions of the country (for instance, North Sinai, Western Desert, etc.) are particularly volatile and should be avoided. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Attacks can be indiscriminate and occur with no warning, including in Cairo. While attacks in the North Sinai are frequent and mainly target security forces, terrorists have also targeted popular tourist destinations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners throughout Egypt.

Terrorists have targeted Coptic Christians and their places of worship, in both urban and isolated areas. Terrorists also attacked a mosque in the North Sinai on November 24, 2017, killing over 300 people. Avoid all religious institutions in Egypt.

There is a significant presence of armed security forces and police in most governorates throughout the country. Curfews may be imposed on very short notice.

On May 19, 2019 and December 28, 2018, attacks on buses carrying tourists took place near the pyramids of Giza. The explosions resulted in multiple casualties.

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

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

Exercise increased caution during these periods.

Be particularly cautious in commercial establishments, government facilities, public areas, tourist sites, the vicinity of churches and mosques at the time of religious services and any other areas frequented by foreigners. Avoid police stations, security installations and government buildings, as well as all crowds and demonstrations.

Western Desert

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

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

If you are travelling to Siwa:

• carefully plan all road travel in advance • fill up in Marsa Matruh and make sure to have enough fuel to reach your destination • be sure to have sufficient water and cash with you • travel during daylight hours only • consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel-drive • expect military checkpoints along the way • do not travel off-road outside of the Oasis

North Sinai Governorate

The security situation in North Sinai Governorate, particularly the areas bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip, is extremely unpredictable. Terrorist groups regularly carry out attacks against Egyptian security forces. A curfew is in effect from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., due to ongoing Egyptian military operations against terrorist groups in the region. Road blockades by unsanctioned groups, kidnappings, robberies and carjackings by armed groups and terrorists occur.

South Sinai Governorate

While attacks are significantly less frequent than in North Sinai, terrorists have carried out attacks in South Sinai Governorate, targeting both security forces and tourists. Terrorist groups may expand targeted areas to include coastal resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh. While enhanced security measures are in place to protect the tourism infrastructure in Sharm el-Sheikh, the area may be seen as a high-value target by terrorists.

Coastal resorts in Sinai, including Dahab, Nuweiba and Sharm el-Sheikh, have seen incidents of petty theft.

Tensions between security authorities and local Bedouin tribes may rise unexpectedly, affecting tourism.

There are several police checkpoints along the highways in South Sinai.

You need a permit from the Ministry of the Interior to travel in a 4x4 vehicle from mainland Egypt to South Sinai through the Suez crossing.

Local authorities may ask for identification and search your vehicle. 

When travelling in the area:

• always use main highways
• avoid uncontrolled and poorly maintained roads
• stop at designated checkpoints and comply with authorities’ requests
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• follow the advice of local authorities

Red Sea resorts and Upper Egypt

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Red Sea coastal resorts (such as Ain el-Sokhna, el-Gouna Bay, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga and Soma Bay) and to the Upper Egypt cities of Aswan and Luxor.  While the beach resort areas are generally considered safe, sporadic terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists in recent years. Pay particular attention to local conditions if you are visiting Upper Egypt and the historic sites of the Nile Valley. Sectarian, economic and family-related disputes have occurred and can quickly become violent. Travel in large groups and by organized transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities, hotels and tour guides if you are travelling to rural areas.

Demonstrations and Civil unrest

While the size and frequency of demonstrations has decreased significantly in recent years, they can still occur anywhere at any time without warning, but are most likely to occur on Fridays following noon prayers.

Be extremely vigilant. Avoid all demonstrations or large public gatherings. Keep well informed of developing situations by monitoring local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Women should take particular care, as there is a serious risk of sexual assault during demonstrations; once surrounded by a group, it can be difficult to escape.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Rates of violent and petty crime have historically been low in Egypt, although there are reports that such crime has been on the rise given the economic downturn since 2011. Crimes such as pickpocketing, bag and purse snatching and home invasion, while rare, have become more common. Purse snatching and pickpocketing occur most often in tourist locations and on the metro. Be aware of your surroundings and vigilant for thieves using different strategies to distract and rob you.

Reports of carjackings are extremely rare, however they do occur. They generally target sports utility or other high-value vehicles. Although isolated areas and night driving present the greatest threat, there have been reported incidents in daylight hours and in busy areas of Cairo. Assailants are usually armed, and a variety of tactics may be used to get vehicles to stop, including throwing objects at the windshield, feigning a traffic accident or minor collision with the target vehicle, or “sandwiching” the target vehicle to force it off the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, do not resist as carjackers are typically after the vehicle and, if the carjacking is successful, will leave the driver unharmed.

If you are a victim of crime, report it to the Tourist Police or at a nearby police station as soon as possible. Request a copy of the police report at the time the report is made. Failure to report the crime while in Egypt makes it much more difficult to seek prosecution.

Women’s safety

Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls and touching. The risks increase around public holidays, when more men are in the streets.

Advice for women travellers

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

Road safety

Road conditions are often poor and the rate of vehicular accidents is one of the highest in the world. Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way.

In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, unless you are in immediate danger, such as from a crowd and need to move to safety. Exercise caution when using taxis and the metro. There have been robberies and accidents involving both. Many taxis do not have working metres, and back seats are rarely equipped with seat belts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver. The metro can be overcrowded and is not climate controlled but does have cars for women only on most lines.

Use vehicles and hire drivers from reputable travel agencies.

Public transportation

Safety standards for rail travel vary throughout Egypt. There have been major accidents in recent years, attributed to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance and human error. Exercise a high degree of caution.

Avoid microbuses because of hazardous driving habits.

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

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Scuba diving / aquatic activities

Sharks and other potentially dangerous aquatic animals are present in the waters off Egypt. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities, and ensure to dive with reputable and licensed operators.

Water safety abroad

Israeli Border

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the land borders could close with little notice.

Crossing at the Taba land border between Egypt and Israel is possible at this time. Cross-border movement regulations and restrictions are subject to change at any time and are the prerogative of the responsible authorities.

The Rafah border crossing point to the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by border authorities in both Egypt and Gaza, opens and closes intermittently due to the ongoing armed conflict in Israel. Global Affairs Canada continues to advise against all travel in this area due to ongoing military operations against terrorists. Consult local authorities and refer to the  travel advice for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip  for further information.

Beyond the provision of a travel document (the passport), the Canadian government does not facilitate the crossing of borders by private citizens. It is the citizen’s responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country where they wish to travel, in most cases either through application for a visa or simply by going to a point of entry. Authorities at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza have sometimes requested a letter or witnessed declaration from the Embassy of Canada to Egypt as a requirement to cross the border. The Canadian embassy is unable to provide such a letter or declaration. You should avoid all travel to Gaza. Furthermore, the Canadian government has very limited ability to provide consular services to Canadians in the Gaza Strip and once there, it may be difficult to leave.

General safety information

Although most tourist sites are open, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe than it was before January 2011. There is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled

Egypt has a special police force to assist tourists. Officers wearing a distinctive arm band saying “Tourism Police,” can be found in hotels and at tourist sites.

Carry identification at all times. Photocopy your passport and other identification in case of loss or seizure.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Egyptian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Egypt.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Diplomatic and Special passport holders are required to have visas before arrival in Egypt.

Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be required to remain, at their own expense, in the airport transit area until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged. The Embassy of Canada in Egypt cannot intervene in such matters.

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate near you before your departure.  Electronic visas issued  before October 1, 2023, remain valid until their expiry date.

If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt, contact the Immigration Authority of Egypt. You may be fined upon departure if you overstay your 30-day visa period without proper authorization.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry and exit stamps

You must show proof of an entry stamp in your passport when you leave Egypt. If you cannot provide proof of entry, you cannot obtain an exit stamp and will be denied exit.

If you have entered the country with a Canadian passport and have obtained a new one while in Egypt, you must have the entry stamp transferred to the new passport by the Egyptian Immigration Authority.This requirement also applies to newborns and dual citizens.

If a child is born in Egypt to a Canadian parent, a data stamp proving that the child was born in Egypt must be added to the child’s Canadian passport before the child can exit the country. Since there will be no entry stamp in the child’s passport, you must submit both the child’s birth certificate and Canadian passport to the Egyptian Immigration Authority to obtain what Egyptian authorities term the “data stamp.” Parents are advised to contact the Embassy of Canada as soon as possible to apply for citizenship and a passport for their child, so as not to further delay what can be a lengthy process.

Regional travel

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

Medication and cosmetics

Egyptian authorities consider some prescription and over-the-counter medicines medications controlled substances. They will seize all narcotic and psychotropic medications, even if you have the original prescription. For all other prescription and over-the-counter medications:

• Carry the original prescription
• Ensure the medication is in its original packaging
• Don’t attempt to enter with more than 3 months’ supply.

Authorities also regulate the import of cosmetics and veterinary products.

Health entry requirements

All foreigners planning to study, work or train in Egypt for longer than one month may be required to undergo testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Egyptian immigration authorities in Cairo’s Mogamma building provide information on this procedure upon application.

When entering from another country you may be required to provide proof of immunizations. Please verify with the Egyptian Embassy nearest to you before travelling.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 4 January, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak . Polio can be prevented by vaccination.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are below Canadian standards.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The use of drugs and open consumption of alcohol (other than in licensed facilities such as hotels and restaurants) are prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Capital punishment is a sentencing option for certain drug-related crimes.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Demonstrations

Local law prohibits protests without a permit.

Being near anti-government protests may subject you to scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces.

Drones are strictly prohibited in Egypt; anyone convicted of unauthorized import or use of drone technology could be subject to lengthy jail terms and deportation. Unauthorized possession and usage of drones in Egypt may carry similar charges to espionage.

Electronic devices

Egyptian officials will likely confiscate electronic devices upon entry if you did not obtain prior approval to import them. This includes:

• large video cameras
• filming equipment
• satellite phones
• certain equipment like binoculars

You may face interrogation on the intended use of your devices due to their potential use for military and surveillance purposes.

Contact the nearest Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt for further information on regulations and requirements on electronic devices.

Photography

Photography of bridges, canals (including the Suez Canal), government, police and embassy buildings and vehicles, as well as military personnel and establishments is prohibited.

Social media

Publishing or posting social media or other content that could be perceived as critical of Egyptian society, government, security forces or the President may be considered illegal under Egyptian law. Convictions can carry heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. There is a high risk of arrest in connection to social media posts considered critical of Egypt.

Due to the current security context and political sensitivities, be conscious of your behaviour and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. Visitors including researchers, journalists, activists and development workers could encounter problems with authorities, if their activities are perceived as suspicious. Meeting with members of or expressing support for organizations banned in Egypt could be perceived as criminal behaviour.

Suspects may be detained without charges or access to immediate legal counsel during investigative stages of a criminal case.

Strict duties apply on the importation of expensive electronics, including video and photographic equipment, laptops, and computer software and hardware. Such equipment should be for personal use and you should list it (model and serial number) and check it upon arrival and departure, in which case no duty will be collected. Appropriate permits and authorizations are required for the commercial importation of any type of electronics.

It is prohibited to export any antiquity or any item older than 100 years without a licence. Contact the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Ottawa for further information regarding customs requirements.

The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, E£).

A maximum of E£5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt. You must declare any amount of currency equivalent to US$10,000 or more.

Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency are easily exchanged in hotels and banks. U.S. dollars are preferred, particularly at tourist sites. Some travel agents and tour operators request payment in U.S. cash only.

Major credit cards are accepted in larger stores and for larger purchases, but many merchants will only accept cash or may charge a fee for payment by credit card.

Forced marriages

There are reports of Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent.

Marriage Overseas

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Egypt.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Egypt, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Egyptian government considers Canadians who also hold Egyptian citizenship to be Egyptian while in Egypt, therefore our ability to offer consular services may be limited. You may be considered an Egyptian citizen if you were born to an Egyptian father, regardless of birth place.

Egyptian-Canadian men may be subject to military service when in Egypt. In order to be exempted, dual citizens are required to present many documents before leaving Egypt, including a document of discharge due to dual citizenship. This document does not necessarily provide an exemption, and obtaining it may be a lengthy process that could affect your departure date. The Government of Canada has no jurisdiction in the process, as the decision on military service rests solely with the Egyptian government. You should contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in Canada before travelling.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Egypt.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Egypt by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Egypt to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The work week is Sunday through Thursday. Egypt’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour.

Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Egyptian laws doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

You could be arrested for indecent exposure, public nuisance or scandalous acts.

The Egyptian police target apps and websites popular within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. They have used fake and legitimate accounts from community members who had their phones confiscated. Assaults and arrests by the police have occurred as a result of encounters set up through dating apps.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Egypt.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Egypt, particularly Cairo and Eastern Sinai, is located in an active seismic zone. The country is also subject to sand and dust storms.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 113
• firefighters: 110
• COVID-19 inquiries: 105

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Cairo and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Reconsider your need to travel to Egypt overall due to the threat of terrorism.

Other levels apply in some areas.

Egypt (PDF 261.26 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

Call 180 or 123.

Medical emergencies

Call 122, 123 or contact the local police.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to Egypt overall.

Do not travel to within 50km of Egypt's border with Libya, the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Taba-Suez Road.

Do not travel to:

• within 50km of Egypt's border with Libya due to the high risk of terrorist attack
• the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Taba-Suez Road due to the high risk of terrorist attack and violent crime.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sharm El Sheikh.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sharm El Sheikh due to the risk of terrorist attack.

• The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions, and the security situation could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Peaceful protests and rallies can turn violent at short notice. Be aware, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.

There's a high threat of terrorist attacks and violent crime in the Governorate of North Sinai.

• The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current conflict.
• Terrorists have attacked popular tourist locations, resulting in deaths and injuries. More attacks are likely. Be alert to possible threats.
• Terrorist groups in Egypt have targeted Christians in recent years. Take care, particularly during major religious periods and at religious sites.
• You're at risk of kidnapping in Egypt. Take extra precautions. 
• Violent crime can happen. Take extra care if you're a woman and alone. Don't leave valuables unsecured in your hotel room or unattended in a public place. 
• Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unwelcome male attention.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Infectious diseases are common. These include hepatitis, filariasis and rabies. Only drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid contact with dogs and cats.
• Don't swim in fresh water, including the Nile River, to avoid waterborne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
• Dengue and malaria are present. Use insect repellent and make sure your accommodation is insect-proof.
• Cairo can have very high levels of pollution and dust. If you suffer from breathing difficulties or a lung condition, seek medical advice before travel.

Full travel advice: Health

• Making public comments that criticise the Egyptian government, security forces, or Islam can be illegal. Police have arrested foreign visitors who posted critical social media.
• There are severe consequences for carrying illegal drugs, including the death penalty, long prison sentences or deportation.
• You need approval to bring satellite phones and radio communications equipment into Egypt. Apply to the  Ministry of Communications and Information Technology  before you leave. The use of drones is illegal.
• Egyptian family law differs significantly from Australian law. Before you become involved in a local legal matter, get legal advice, including on family and business legal matters.
• Although same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, the charge of 'debauchery' has been used to prosecute LGBTI people. There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in Egypt. Avoid public displays of affection. 
• Sex outside of marriage is illegal. Dress standards are very conservative, particularly for women. Wear modest clothes that cover your legs and upper arms.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Egypt for the latest details.
• Foreign journalists need accreditation from the Egyptian Press Centre before arrival. There are severe punishments for journalists working without accreditation.
• There are landmines in some areas. Get advice from local authorities before you travel.
• Australian-Egyptian dual nationals are treated as Egyptian. This will limit your access to consular assistance. Always travel on your  Australian passport  if possible. This doesn't mean you will receive special treatment in terms of local law.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Cairo . 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Although the greatest terrorist threat is in North Sinai, terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt. Potential targets include:

• religious sites 
• tourist locations

Terrorist groups have targeted Christians and their places of worship in recent years. 

Take particular care:

• during major religious periods
• at holiday festivals
• at religious observances
• at religious sites

In the past, terrorists have attacked several popular tourist locations. People have been killed or injured.

Most tourist sites and places of worship have a strong security presence.

On 30 December 2022, there was an attack targeting security forces in the city of Ismailia, west of the Suez Canal.

On 4 August 2019, at least 20 people were killed by a car bomb in central Cairo.

In May 2019 and December 2018, bomb attacks on tour buses near the Giza pyramids killed and injured foreign tourists and a local tour guide.

More attacks are likely.

Previously, terrorists have set off small explosions in Cairo and throughout Egypt. People have been killed and injured, including bystanders. The attacks usually target security forces at:

• government buildings
• police facilities and checkpoints
• metro stations and trains
• universities

Possible targets for future attacks include:

• embassies and polling places
• hotels, holiday resorts, clubs, restaurants and bars
• banks, markets, shopping centres, supermarkets, cinemas and theatres
• schools and places of worship
• public transport, shipping ports and other infrastructure
• outdoor recreation events, commercial, public and tourist areas

The greatest terrorist threat is in the Northern Sinai, where militant groups operate more freely. However, terrorists are active in other parts of Sinai and mainland Egypt, including Cairo.

Cooperate fully with security officials at airports and observe any additional security measures.

Sinai Province of the Islamic State and other extremist groups have made threats using social media and online statements. Their threats target Western nationals, institutions, and businesses in Egypt.

To reduce your risk of being a victim of terrorism, be alert to possible threats, especially:

• at tourist locations, religious sites, and crowded public places
• near police checkpoints and government buildings

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• consider the level of security at places you plan to visit
• have a clear exit plan in case of a security incident
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe. Continue to avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.

South Sinai

Attacks in South Sinai have included suicide bombings. Terrorists have also kidnapped foreign nationals.

Many bombings directly targeted tourists and their transport.

If you travel to South Sinai:

• avoid road travel outside of Sharm El Sheikh
• allow extra time to clear airport security
• contact your airline or travel agent for concerns about the security or safety of aircraft servicing Sharm El Sheikh
• have contingency plans and personal security measures in place

Governorate of North Sinai

There's a high threat of terrorist attacks and violent crime in the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Taba-Suez Road. Do not travel to North Sinai.

Terrorists or criminals could target you, or you might be included in violence directed at others.

North Sinai is under a long-term state of emergency.

In North Sinai:

• terrorist attacks occur frequently
• many personnel from Egyptian security forces have died
• a dusk-to-dawn curfew is in place from 7pm to 6am

The border crossing to Gaza at Rafah is closed most of the time. It's only open for short periods on an irregular basis. See  Travel

There's a high risk of  kidnapping  in North Sinai.

If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to North Sinai:

• seek professional security advice
• arrange contingency plans and personal security measures
• note that our ability to provide consular assistance may be extremely limited

More information:

Security Situation

The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions and the security situation could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Peaceful protests and rallies can turn violent at short notice. Be aware, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current conflict.    

In October, drone impacts were reported in Taba , close to Egypt's border with Israel's Red Sea port of Eilat, and in the Red Sea resort town of Nuweiba, north of Dahab. Be alert to possible strikes. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Civil unrest and political tension

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Be alert and monitor local media for updates.

Demonstrations and protests

Protests can occur across Egypt. 

Clashes between rival protesters or security forces have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Foreigners, including journalists, have been among the victims. Serious  sexual assaults  on women, including foreigners, have occurred during demonstrations.

Security forces have targeted foreign journalists. Egyptian authorities have arrested, detained or questioned journalists.

Protest hotspots

Protests can happen anywhere and at any time, although strict security clampdowns have been preventing protests in recent years. However, the following places and times are common focal points for demonstrations:

• Tahrir Square and surrounding streets, including the nearby British and US Embassies and Garden City area, in Cairo
• the al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace in Heliopolis, Giza
• the area of the Raba Al-Adawiya Square in Nasr City
• Fridays following midday prayers
• the anniversary of the 2011 revolution on 25 January and the days leading up to this public holiday

Under Egyptian law, it's illegal for:

• more than 10 people to gather without notice
• foreigners to participate in protests and demonstrations

Authorities may arrest foreigners who participate in protests.

Egyptian authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on movement at short notice.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, rallies and large crowds
• monitor the media for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• obey any curfews and respect local laws
• be prepared to change your travel plans

Protests may disrupt transport. Contact your airline or travel agent to check.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Violent crime is rare but can occur, including  armed robbery ,  sexual assault , incidents involving minors, carjacking and burglary.

Petty crime remains low in Cairo, although the declining economy and ensuing financial hardship have seen reports of increased crime.

Take extra care if you're a woman and alone. Women may be physically and verbally harassed or  assaulted , including when using public transport and walking in public areas.

Ensure children and young people are always accompanied by known or trusted people and not left alone with hotel or entertainment/excursion staff. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the area and seek help from the hotel or local authorities. The Tourist Police can be contacted on 126 or 122 if you're a resident of Egypt.  

Taxi and rideshare drivers have assaulted passengers, including foreigners. See  Travel

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• don't leave valuables outside a safe in your hotel room or unattended in a public place
• be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers in tourist areas, particularly after dark
• read  reducing the risk of sexual assault  before you go

If you're the victim of a crime, report the incident to the tourist police immediately.

If you don't report a crime before you leave, you may not be able to seek prosecution later.

• Advice for women

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping is a risk for travellers.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check tours are well equipped with food, medical supplies and emergency communications
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Safaris and camping

Authorities have banned safaris and camping in the area near Bahariya Oasis until further notice. This includes the western and southern parts of Oases–Siwa and Oases Road.

It doesn't include the White Desert in Farafra. However, restrictions applying to Bahriya Oasis may disrupt access.

Climate and natural disasters

Egypt, particularly Cairo, experiences earthquakes . Find out about local safety procedures in case one strikes.

Sand and dust storms occur between March and May.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Find out about emerging natural disasters from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Egypt. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

• Infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• don't swim in fresh water, including the Nile River, to avoid waterborne diseases, such as  bilharzia (schistosomiasis)  (World Health Organization)
• avoid contact with dogs and cats

Get urgent medical attention if bitten by an animal.

Insect-borne diseases

There's a risk of  malaria  (World Health Organization) in El Faiyum Governorate from June through to October.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Air pollution

Cairo regularly experiences very high levels of air pollution and dust.

Get medical advice if you suffer from breathing difficulties or a lung condition.

• Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency Air Quality Forecast

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in Cairo is enough for routine illnesses. Elsewhere, facilities can be very basic. Treatment can also be costly. Many require up-front payment.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and hard to organise. Ensure you have sufficient travel insurance to cover the costs.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Criticising authority

Authorities may treat public comments that criticise the Egyptian Government, security forces or Islam as illegal. Police have arrested foreigners who published critical social media posts, including 'liking' pages.

Possessing illegal drugs can lead to the death penalty, long prison sentences or deportation.

• Carrying or using drugs

Egyptian family law differs significantly from Australian law, particularly in relation to divorce, child custody and support.

Before you become involved in a local legal matter, get legal advice, including for family and business legal matters.

It's important to know your rights and responsibilities under Egyptian law. See  Travel

Marriage laws

If you want to get married in Egypt, check the legal requirements before you travel. You can do this either through the  Australian Embassy in Cairo  or the  Egyptian Embassy in Canberra .

In Egypt, it's illegal to:

• have sexual relations outside marriage
• take photos of bridges and canals, including the Suez Canal
• take photos of military personnel, buildings or equipment

The Egyptian Government doesn't interfere with the practice of Christianity, but preaching is illegal. If you're considering preaching in Egypt, seek local legal advice beforehand. Follow the advice of local authorities. 

LGBTI individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt. Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalise same-sex relationships, however, people have been charged with 'committing an indecent act in public and breaching public morality' and penalised with imprisonment. 

LGBTI people 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 mobile phone apps to entrap people suspected of being gay or transgender in the act of 'debauchery,' which is a criminal offence that carries severe sentences. 

There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in Egypt.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

If you're an Australian-Egyptian dual national, local authorities will treat you as an Egyptian, even if you travel on an Australian passport.

This limits our consular services if you're arrested or detained.

If possible, always travel on your  Australian passport .

Dual nationals living in Egypt for long periods need proof of Egyptian citizenship, such as a national identification card.

Male dual nationals who haven't completed military service usually don't need to enlist. However, they must get an exemption certificate before they can leave Egypt. Get one from the nearest  Egyptian embassy, consulate , or Ministry of Defence Draft Office.

If you're arrested, request local authorities inform the Australian Embassy.

Dual nationals

Local customs

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Egypt. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time.

Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.

Orthodox Easter is observed by the Christian community, as is Christmas Day, which is celebrated on 7 January in Egypt.

The work week is Sunday to Thursday. Egypt's customs, laws, and regulations follow Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour.

Dress conservatively. Knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable for women, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate  of Egypt for the latest details.

Check with your travel provider for the latest information and monitor the travel advice of the country you are planning to transit. There are no direct flights to Australia, but there are flights via a transit hub to Australia.

• Egypt Electronic Visa Portal

Children of Egyptian fathers must have their father's approval to leave Egypt. Authorities may ask for proof of this approval before allowing the children to leave.

Other formalities

Journalist accreditation.

Foreign journalists must get accreditation from the Egyptian Press Centre  before arrival. You need this if your visit is for work purposes. The Press Centre is part of the Egyptian State Information Service.

Punishments are severe for journalists working without accreditation.

You need approval to bring satellite phones and radio communications equipment into Egypt.

Apply to Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology well in advance of your trip. Authorities are likely to confiscate equipment brought in without clearance.

The use of drones, for any purpose, is illegal. Authorities will confiscate drones on arrival.

Pest control

If you arrive in Egypt by road, officials may check your car for pests. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Egypt if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is widespread.

Countries where yellow fever is a risk

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the  nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

You can take up to EGP 5000 in cash when travelling to or from Egypt.

You must declare all foreign currency amounts over $US 10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you're visiting as a tourist, you may need to pay $US or euros for your accommodation. Most well-established hotels and resorts accept card payments. ATMs are available in most established areas.

Consult your financial institution prior to your travel.

Embassy or Consulate of Egypt

Local travel

Consider the security situation and risks to your safety in different locations. See  Safety

There are landmines in some areas, notably:

• the desert areas around El Alamein
• stretches of coastline near Mersa Matruh
• the western shore of the Gulf of Suez
• the Sinai Peninsula

Before you go, tell local authorities of your planned travel. Ask them about current risks and precautions for your route and destination.

Travel restrictions and disruptions

If you travel around Egypt, you may be stopped at military and civilian checkpoints. Officials at checkpoints have detained and harassed foreigners.

Rules apply to people entering the Sinai, including via the Ahmed Hamdi tunnel. When you enter, you must present one of the following:

• a valid form of ID with a Sinai address
• proof of ownership or rental contracts of property in the Sinai
• hard copy evidence of hotel reservations

Travel to the Sinai in a 4WD vehicle may be restricted if you don't hold a valid permit. Check the advice of local authorities before travel. 

Land borders

Egypt's borders are under military control.

The military restricts and, in some cases, bans the movement of civilians and vehicles.

You need permission to cross borders off the main sealed roads, including at the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel and parts of the Sinai. Get permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior.

If, despite our advice, you plan to cross from Egypt into the Gaza strip:

• read our advice on  Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank
• check border crossing requirements with your nearest  Egyptian embassy  or the Ministry of the Interior in Cairo

You must get permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing.

If you enter the Gaza Strip through this border, you must leave the same way.

You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for a long time, possibly weeks while waiting for approval to return.

The Australian Government can't influence the granting of approval or when the crossing will open. Our ability to provide consular help in Gaza is extremely limited.

Other borders

Road travel to Abu Simbel, 40km north of the Sudanese border, can be dangerous. If you do, go on an organised tour guarded by police escorts.

There's a high threat of terrorist attacks within 50km of Egypt's border with Libya. Deadly attacks have recently occurred in the area.

Driving permit

You can't drive in Egypt on your Australian driver's licence.

Before arriving in Egypt, get an international driver's permit and get an  embassy or consulate of Egypt  to certify it.

Road travel

Road travel can be dangerous. 

Road conditions are very poor. Cars, buses and trucks frequently drive at high speed and without headlights at night.

Road accidents occur often.

Where possible, avoid travelling by road. Visit regional places, including Luxor, by other means.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Take extra care if you plan to ride a motorbike. Be alert to the different road conditions.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis and Rideshare

Cairo and Alexandria have a lot of taxis. Rideshare services are available in Cairo and Alexandria.

In Cairo, taxis are white. In Alexandria, taxis are black and yellow.

All taxis should have a meter. The law requires drivers to use their meters. However, many taxi drivers will claim that the meter is broken and try to negotiate a fare.

Taxis rarely have seatbelts, especially in the back seats. 

Sexual harassment of women by taxi drivers is common.

Avoid taxis, especially if you're a woman and on your own. Ride share apps may be safer as you can track your driver's details and share the trip details with others.

If you use a taxi, travel with people you know or advise others of your planned travel and destination.

Public transport

The Cairo Metro subway system is generally reliable.

Maintenance and safety standards of other public road and rail transport are very poor.

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

Train travel is generally safe, but accidents do occur.

In March and April 2021, two train accidents occurred in North and South Egypt. The accidents caused many deaths and injuries.

There have been a number of train derailments on the Cairo-Aswan line. Several people were injured when a train derailed between Aswan and Luxor in 2016.

Piracy  and  armed robbery  are risks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates. This includes commercial vessels, pleasure craft and luxury cruise liners.

The  International Maritime Bureau  issues piracy reports.

If you plan to  travel by boat , be highly alert and cautious in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Scuba diving / aquatic activities

Sharks and other potentially dangerous aquatic animals are in the waters off Egypt. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities. Ensure you dive with reputable and licensed operators.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Egypt's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact:

Australian Embassy, Cairo

11th floor, World Trade Centre 1191 Corniche el Nil Boulac, Cairo, Egypt

Phone: +20 2 2770 6600 Fax: +20 2 2770 6650 Website: egypt.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australia in Egypt Twitter: @AusAmbEGY

The Australian Embassy in Cairo operates on Sunday – Thursday.

The security situation may affect Embassy opening hours. 

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Is Egypt Safe for Travel? (How is it in 2024 with Safety Guide and Tips)

Last Updated January 8, 2024 William Tang

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Egypt is one of those places that you’ve always wanted to go to since you learned about the Great Pyramids in primary school or watched Brandon Fraser’s, The Mummy.  As ancient wonders go, Egypt is arguably at the top.  Thing is, over this past decade, word on the street is that it’s not a good time to go.  Ignoring those warnings, I’ve been to Egypt twice and have a pretty good idea of whether Egypt is safe for travel.

If you’re thinking about travelling to Egypt, it’s smart that you’re doing your due diligence to find out whether you should go or not.  Keep reading below to find out what it’s really like and to answer the “ is Egypt safe ” question once and for all.

Read more about Egypt

• Things you need to know before going to Egypt
• 3 days in Cairo – pyramids, markets, and local food
• How to plan a 10 day Egypt itinerary
• Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan – cruise ship or dahabiya?
• What to pack for a trip to Egypt

What tour operator did we use in Egypt?

• As you’ll find out below, one of my biggest tips is to travel Egypt with a local tour company.  On my latest trip to Egypt, I used Djed Egypt Tour a second time and they were perfect in terms of planning an itinerary that we wanted and more importantly, they had amazing people on the ground (Egyptologists and drivers).

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Why do people think Egypt is unsafe?

So how safe is egypt, what i actually experienced, what the locals are saying, why is right now one of the best times to go to egypt, common scams and annoyances, how is egypt for solo travellers, travel insurance in egypt, health concerns in egypt, general safety tips for egypt, keep your essentials safe, recommended tour operators in egypt, final thoughts, is egypt safe to travel to right now.

Tell anyone that you’re going to Egypt and the first thing they’ll ask you is “is Egypt safe to travel to right now?”  it’s truly a sign of the times because 15 years ago, they’d be asking if you’re going to see the Pyramids, Tutankhamun, and the Nile.

Egypt is a place that’s high on many people’s bucket lists as a cultural gem, a cradle of civilization, and home to some of the most remarkable ancient wonders.  When you go, you’re even more impressed by the fact that what’s been discovered so far isn’t even close to being complete yet.

To answer the very simple question of “is Egypt safe?” , you’ll have to entertain me a bit as I try to explain it and what I’ve personally observed on two separate trips to the country.

But wait!  So far I haven’t even touched on the big elephant in the room – COVID-19.  Let’s do that first.

So why is Egypt deemed “too dangerous” and why are people scared to travel to Egypt?

The danger that we associate to Egypt stems from decades of history but without this turning into a giant history lesson, let’s rewind the clock back to 2011.

Egyptian Revolution of 2011

Arab Spring of 2011 is what it’s known and the spark was Tunisia with their local uprising and this gave other nations in North Africa inspiration to do the same.

It truly spread like wildfire as most people remember early 2011 as a time when the news was filled with chaos and revolution after another.  This came to a head for Egypt on January 25, 2011 when widespread demonstrations, marches, occupations of plazas,  civil resistance, and strikes took over.

At the core of it was the public’s anger towards President Mubarak primarily because of increased police brutality but also corruption, civil liberty, political freedom, unemployment, inflation and wages.

Millions of protestors came and what started off as friendly protests quickly escalated into a violent clash where places like Cairo were turned into a war-zone.

The primary demand was for Mubarak to step down and that eventually happened on February 11, 2011.  Things didn’t settle down there as there was a period of rule by the military before the Muslim Brotherhood party took power with Mohamed Morsi elected into presidency in June 2012.  The government continued to be engulfed in controversy as a coup d’état deposed Morsi because of several unpopular decrees and lack of military support.  This lead to an early election and El-Sisi was elected president in 2014.

That’s a lot of presidents in the span of 3 years.  A lot of civil conflict.  A lot of back dealings.  A lot of instability.  A lot of work not getting done.

It’s no surprise that with CNN airing all of the violence , tourism took a nose dive, the Egyptian Pound dropped, and infrastructure and archeological projects were put by the wayside.

More events that didn’t help

Following the revolution, there were a few other incidents that made the spotlight that didn’t help.

• May 2, 2014 – a bomb on a tour bus in Sharm El Sheikh detonated, killing one and injuring four others.
• October 31, 2015 – a Russian plane bombed leaving Sharm El Sheikh.  As a result, Russia stopped all flights to Sharm El Sheikh and had a ripple effect on tourism as a whole.
• January 8, 2016 – tourists were attacked in Hurghada and again in 2017 when a radicalized German stabbed several tourists.
• December 29, 2018 – 3 Vietnamese tourists and local guide killed by roadside bomb that hit a bus near the Giza pyramids.
• May 19, 2019 – South African tourists on a tour bus injured by a roadside bomb next to the pyramids in Giza.

If you look at the Russian plane incident alone, tourism income dropped from $12 Billion in 2010 to almost half in 2016 .

As a result, Egypt is on many nations’ travel advisory list.

• Government of Canada – Egypt travel advisory
• US Department of State – Egypt Safety Warning
• New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
• Australia DFAT Smart Traveller – Egypt Travel Advice
• UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice for Egypt

What a way to start off an article about safety right?  I have to admit that all of these are scary.

I went to Egypt in 2017 and was in Hurghada not long after those stabbings and the Russian plane was still a hot topic.  I went to Egypt again in October 2019 only 5 months after the latest incident in Giza.

There’s no hiding it.  There’s clearly been uncertainty and instability in the government and Islamic terrorists have targeted tourists but here’s why I wasn’t too worried before deciding to go to Egypt on both occasions:

• Complicated politics rarely involves tourists and usually only means frustrating government shutdowns.  Being a foreign citizen actually affords you protection because they don’t want to piss off other countries.
• Terrorist attacks are sadly the kind of world we live in today and it can happen anywhere you go ( Nice truck attack , New York Times Square car crash , or Christmas Market stabbing in Strasbourg, France ).  Is that going to stop you from travelling?
• If you look closely at the travel advisories, it’s primarily for regions that you’ll unlikely visit – the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm el Sheikh), and the Western Desert bordering on Libya.

Back to the top

Now that’s the million or shall I say billion dollar question.

With everything you’ve read above, there’s no denying that the past decade for Egypt has not been a good one.  There are some regions like the Libyan border and the Sinai Peninsula that you just shouldn’t go to and there’s a threat of terrorism that you could say is slightly elevated because of the region Egypt is in.

The honest truth is that Egypt isn’t 100% safe but it’s still a country that can be safely travelled through because there’s still a large part of the country that welcome tourists with open arms.  Egypt is very safe to travel as long as you stick to certain destinations, work with a reputable local tour operator, and be a smart traveller.

The only no-go’s in the country are what you see in the travel advisories which is to avoid the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm El Sheikh is safe) and in general do not go into the western desert.  In both instances, if you must, make sure you do so with an (armed) escort.

I know the above sounds a bit vague but here’s the deal. There’s will from the government and the people to make tourism a priority.  Sure the people still have squabbles with their government and corruption is still abound but everyone agrees that drastic action like 2011 is in nobody’s interest.  Now is the time for the country to rebuild and make sure it’s a prosperous time for all.

If we take a more analytic approach, tourism tumbled to 9 million visitors from 14 million.  This continued to drop to 5.4 million in 2016 but has since rebounded to nearly 9 million in 2018.  It is now one of the fastest growing destinations in North Africa . If my latest trip to Egypt is an indication, tons of people are still going and you should go .

I remember on my first trip thinking about how unfortunate it is that the locals have to pay for the effects the country’s problems.  Selfishly, I also remember thinking how lucky I was to go at a time when tourism is down because I get to reap the benefits of heightened security, “lightening doesn’t strike twice” if you believe that theory, reduced crowds, and cheap prices.

What I tell everyone that asks the “is Egypt safe to travel to” question, is that I didn’t notice anything on the trip that made me feel unsafe.  This isn’t even an exaggeration.  You know you go to certain places in the world where you feel like you really need to put up your guard because there’s extreme shadiness or legitimately feel like you’re putting yourself in danger by being in an area for too long.  Ethiopia was one of those places when I was close to the South Sudan border,  and more recently I swear that there was a pick pocketer in every corner.

I rationalized my feelings into a few of these thoughts:

• Egyptians are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience.  They’re passionate about their country and want visitors to see how beautiful Egypt is.
• The country needs tourism and recently they’re finally starting to recognize this.  It’s a symbiotic relationship – we want to see Egypt and it’s in Egypt’s best interest to keep things safe for tourists.
• A majority of our time was spent outside of Cairo.  Once you’re out in smaller cities like Luxor and Aswan, the small villages, towns, and on the Nile, you’re completely disconnected from any perceived chaos.  These are just people trying to make an honest living and getting on by.  Most locals would tell you that they barely noticed that a revolution was happening because they’re so removed from those issues.
• We walked the streets of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan at night, through smaller streets and big ones and besides the “Jackie Chan” cat calls and the stares, it felt perfectly normal.
• Tour operators like Djed Egypt Travel really do an amazing job at making you feel safe and then also showing you why Egypt is safe.  Granted, yes, we were escorted by a local guide, but that perception of Egypt as this “war zone” is so far from reality.
• While on the dahabiya Nile cruise is when I felt 100% safe and why I say it’s the best experience you’ll have in Egypt.
• There was an excessive amount of security everywhere we went.  I can’t say how much of it is for show but with the roadside check points, police stationed all around, the registering of our itinerary be shared with the police (since we were with a tour operator), and x-ray scanners.  I guess you can take it both ways but the sense I got was that the government really doesn’t want more incidents with tourists and are doing what they can to mitigate those risks.

When you landed on this page, a video should’ve started to play.  Turn on the sound because in the video I interview our guides to get their thoughts on safety.  If the player didn’t work, head to the YouTube video .

I admit it’s a little biased because they work in the industry, but like them, I think it’s as good a time as ever to go to Egypt.

Perfect segue.  It’s a great time to go to Egypt.

• It’ll still feel busy at places like the Giza Plateau but almost every other place was never over-packed with tourists which is how things were before.
• Companies are desperate for your business and as a result prices are incredibly cheap.
• During my visit to Hilton Hurghada (now closed), the resort was at less than half capacity and I loved it. Now, only the Hilton Hurghada Plaza is left in the region.
• With so much scrutiny on safety and Egypt wanting to turn that image around, security is at an all-time high which can discourage further attacks.

Every country is different and every has a different way of doing business that is culturally influenced.  As a seasoned traveller, you learn to understand it, respect it, and deal with it.  You are after all in their country and those behaviours and customs are part of the package.

As I talk about in the things to know before going to Egypt guide , while I never felt in danger, I was extremely annoyed about a couple of things.  You can read about it in more detail there but here’s are the ones that you need to know about:

• Security guards – All archeological sites will have guards at entrances or roaming around.  Their actual responsibility is to enforce camera rules and protecting the ruins but their side-hustle is to take photos for people, sneak people into restricted areas, and provide loose guiding after which they’ll shamelessly ask you for tips.  The hook is that they’ll ask you for where you’er from or they’ll literally try to provide you their service (i.e. tell you to look at something in a tomb) without you actually accepting.
• Hassling at souvenir shops – There are always shops that line the entrances to ancient sites.  They all use the same strategy of calling for you and asking your name or where you’re from.  They also use the $1 USD hook for something they’re selling which is not real.  Once you engage, they’re relentless in making a deal and may even follow you as you walk away.
• Camel scam – There’s a common scam out there where camel owners will advertise a dirt cheap price but what they actually mean is that it’s the price to get on which means the price to get off the camel is to be revealed later.  Surprise:  it’s a ludicrous amount!
• Ticket checker scam – We didn’t see this in action but our Cairo guide warned us to not show our tickets when in Giza unless he specifically told us that we needed to show it.  Apparently there are a bunch of people pretending to be official staff asking to check tickets and they’ll say you have the wrong one and fine you.
• Confiscation scam – Not really a scam per-say but if you take a look at the Egypt travel guide , I talk about how I almost got my shotgun microphone confiscated by security as we entered the Giza Plateau by the Great Pyramid.  I didn’t know they were that sensitive about video gear and they were about to take it and put it away for me to retrieve on the way out but our guide immediately stepped in and essentially had to pay them off to allow me to keep it.  He said that if I had left it there, I would never see it again.
• 1 dollar scam – Somehow everything is “only a dollar” when you pass by souvenir stores.  This is simply a ploy to get you to come inside and start talking to them.  This is when they hook you in and you realize that nothing is actually a dollar.
• The present scam –  Another common one.  A souvenir shop owner standing outside will aggressively try to offer you a small trinket and say “Take it.  Is present!”.  If you accept, they’ll be some sort of tip you’ll need to give or they’ll be offended  because of the great present they’ve just given to you.
• The let-me-show-you-a-shortcut scam – You’re probably getting the idea now.  Same end-result, different method.
• Asking locals to take a photo for you – This is sadly frequent by the Giza pyramids.  If you hand your camera over for a photo, they may run away with it.
• USD pricing – You’ll notice that many tourist souvenir stores will list prices in USD.  It is almost always not favourable to pay in USD unless you find out what the EGP price is and do the conversion yourself.

How to make sure you don’t get scammed or annoyed

Here are a couple of easy tips to follow to make sure you don’t run into issues with the above:

• Have a local guide – It was so critical that we had a Djed Egypt Travel guide with us the whole time because 1) Scammers stayed away, 2) our guide could tell people off (or pay them off) if they were trying something on us, and 3) we got a heads up on all the scams to expect.
• Reject all offers – There are definitely good samaritans in Egypt but when it comes to tourist destinations, anyone offering to take your photo, show you something, or do anything to help you is going to ask for a tip ( baksheesh ).  Learn to say “no” or “ la shukran “.  Alternatively, you can also ignore them and walk away.
• Pre-book camels – Camel scammers are the worst.  To avoid this, get your guide to organize this one in advance so that the cost is known in advance and there’s no funny business.  To give you an idea, our 20 minute experience cost $30 USD for two people.  I’ve read around that people have been able to get better prices but honestly this isn’t the kind of thing you’ll have time to shop around.
• Just say no – For many of the scams that you read above, a simple “no” is enough to deflect their attempts.

I think this all depends on what kind of solo traveller you are.  On one end of the spectrum you can be a solo traveller that books a large group tour with say Intrepid or G Adventures and on the other end, you completely rely on local taxis, buses, trains, and backpack from hostel to hostel.

I’ve done neither so take this for a grain of salt.

I know many people and have met many people along the way that have travelled solo in Egypt.  It’s been done and can be an amazing experience if that’s your style of travel.

What you need to be mindful of are the standard smart solo travelling rules but also political and terrorism complexities.  All it means is that you need to be careful .

• Do your research ahead of time – As experienced as you might be, it’ll be much easier if you know where you’re going and how to get there.  You’ll attract much less attention this way but in the case you do get stuck somewhere, know that Egyptians are super helpful and if you ask, they’ll help.  Just be wary of whether they’re looking for payment or not.
• Travel with a buddy – This is what hostels are great for.  If you’re putting together something last minute, it might make sense to join up with another group that have something similar planned to what you want to do.  Strength in numbers is always helpful.
• Don’t be afraid to get a cab – When in doubt, know that you can always get a taxi which is better than being lost and walking in neighbourhoods you really shouldn’t be in.
• Join a tour – As a solo traveller, it’s totally cool to join an organized tour.  It takes the stress away from knowing all the small details and you get the bonus of meeting amazing people on your journey.
• Dress and act conservative – Women especially will need to keep this in mind.  As a Muslim country, staying covered is what’ll help you from drawing too much unwanted attention.
• Get ready for some hassling – This applies more for women but you have to go into Egypt with the mindset that people will try to talk to you or might get a little aggressive.  Learn to politely say “no” and walk away.  Ignore cat calls completely.  A tool that might be helpful is Harass Map where travellers have marked down areas where they’ve experienced some form of harassment.
• Wear sunglasses – Eye contact is often the start and one way you can mitigate that is to wear sunglasses so nobody knows where you’re looking.  Hey, it’s also super sunny outside so there’s that too.

I always travel with travel insurance but if you consider everything around political instability and threat of terrorism, this is a must-have for anyone travelling to Egypt.

When it comes to travel insurance, World Nomads provide great coverage for anyone around the world and in all destinations.  If you’ve never heard of them, make sure to read our full review of World Nomads .

I go into detail on this topic in the Egypt travel guide .  Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

• No malaria or yellow fever
• Only eat cooked foods (unless it’s fruit or vegetables that have a shell or skin)
• Water is safe to brush your teeth but not for drinking
• Avoid ice because it’s usually made from tap water
• Traveller’s diarrhea is common in Egypt so try to be careful.  Dukoral is something you should consider.

It feels like there’s a lot to worry about when travelling to Egypt but really I’m just summarizing everything that I learned from being there and spending 10 days on my latest trip .  Most of it is common sense but the remaining part is from things we observed and thankfully what our guides told us.

Here’s a compilation of everything I haven’t covered so far and things to add to your trip planning notes as you prepare for Egypt.

• Booking a private tour has many benefits – Not knocking the big tour buses but if you think about the terrorist attacks, they’ve always targeted the big busses.  A private tour like the one we did with Djed is in my mind the smartest way to do it if you’re travelling as a couple, a larger group, or even solo.  Yes, the price is slightly more but the benefits outweigh this.  With a private tour you also get your own Egyptologist and while it’s not security related, it’ll make your trip 100x better.  It’s this guide that’ll also give you all the heads up you need to know about what to be careful about.
• Don’t rent or drive a car – This is not the kind of country you can just pick up a car and go.  The traffic and driving styles are simply scary here which is more the reason why having your own guide and driver is the way to go.
• Caution taking photos/videos of people in markets – Our guide stressed this quite a lot when we were walking through Cairo’s local souk and Khan el-Khalili.  Only take photos/videos of people if you’ve asked for permission.  This where a guide comes in handy too because they can ask for you.
• Don’t do anything stupid in secure areas – At security check points, military areas, or anywhere a round police, stay cool and don’t do anything dumb.  This includes taking photos of military installations and government buildings.  Playing the tourist card isn’t going to work.
• No you can’t climb the pyramids – This is a newer rule because of a couple of idiots but this is definitely a no-no now.
• Discrete and respectful – Conservative is the key word in Egypt.  Dress and act appropriately.
• Keep copies of your identification with you  – you’ll probably have to show these, and losing your passport isn’t fun.
• Special religious celebrations or any large gatherings – These tend to be targets for terrorists so try to stay away.
• LGBTQ travellers should be careful – Try to be discrete here as Egypt is simply not very open when it comes to this.
• Even ANY type of public display of affection is frowned upon  – get a room – literally. Probably don’t even hold hands.
• Don’t get burnt – By that I mean the sun.  It is strong in Egypt and in most places you visit there will rarely be cover so make sure you have lots of water and be generous with your sunscreen.
• Bring mosquito repellent – Depending on the time of the year you go, they’ll be out in full force at dawn and dusk.  There’s luckily no malaria or yellow fever to worry about but bring protection.
• Don’t bring a drone – It’s outright banned without extremely special permission so even if you’re passing through Egypt to somewhere else on your journey, you’ll need a way for it to bypass Egypt altogether.
• Watch your bags and phones – This might not be as rampant as some parts of Europe but it’s still smart to be vigilent here.
• No alcohol on the street – This is a Muslim country and alcohol isn’t allowed unless it’s in a licensed area.

Gear that can help you stay safe

You don’t need to wear an uncomfortable money belt to stay safe.  These infinity scarves with zippered pockets are great to keep your passport, keys, and phone safe and do it in a stylish, unobtrusive, and classy way.  It is perfect for travel in Egypt.

If you’ve learned anything from the above, it’s the fact that I highly recommend travelling with an operator while in Egypt. This is a sure-fire way to eliminate almost all of the risks when it comes to safety.

• Guides help you navigate away from common scams.
• You’re less likely to run into an issue if you’re travelling with a local guide.
• Eliminates the need to navigate local transit or driving yourself (including military check points).
• Takes the stress away from even having to think about safety so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.

So who do we recommend?

Well, I’ve travelled with Djed Egypt Travel twice in Egypt so they’re hands down one of my favourites if you don’t mind working with a local company. The tradeoff is that their communication via e-mail/Skype can be a bit spotty at times (read that as slow) but rest assured they’re legit and their staff is top notch.

Travelling with Djed Egypt Travel

Egyptian run and locally owned, I’ve travelled in Egypt with them twice and I can safely say that they’re one of the best in the businesses.  They have dedicated teams of people at each major city (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) and they own their own dahabiyas as well which means they have full control of the experience.

CHECK OUT DJED

For those that want to work with a reputable brand, there’s no better company than G Adventures and their portfolio of Egypt tours . They are known to run incredible experiences there where there is always a focus on sustainable travel, giving back to local communities, and finding unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else with their special partnerships on the ground.

The closest tour package they have that’s similar to our 10 day Egypt itinerary is their 12 day Egypt Upgraded – Plus .

Let’s circle back on the original question: “is Egypt safe for travel?”.  My opinion?  Yes, it is but if it were me I’d only do it in a specific way: work with a local tour company, travel as a group (family, significant other, or friends), book a private tour,

Thinking through everything that we saw  in Egypt when it came to safety, the reason why we were able to have such a positive experience was because we had good guides that acted as our shields in many ways of the crap that can happen out there.  Secondly, having the right mindset and expectations makes sure that you can shrug off whatever comes your way.

Ultimately, you can’t travel to Egypt expecting it to be like a United Kingdom, Singapore, or New Zealand.

Hopefully this guide has been helpful.  Now that you know what to expect, you’ll be sure to have an incredible time in Egypt.  It’s truly a special place that’ll be one of the top trips you’ve ever done.

Lastly, whatever you do, don’t forget to pick up travel insurance !

Get a quote now

What you should read next

• Things to Know Before Going to Egypt – The Travel Guide
• Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!
• 10 Day Egypt Itinerary – Best of Egypt with Djed and Dahabiya Nile Cruise
• Egypt – From the Nile to the Red Sea
• The Best Way To See The Nile – Dahabiya Nile Cruise

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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• Requirements for travel to Egypt
• Plan your trip to Egypt

Egypt remains a tourist destination that captivates millions of people for its history , archaeological wealth and landscapes. If you are planning a trip to the country, in this article we tell you what is needed to travel to Egypt, so that you can organize your vacation in the best possible way.

Documentation for travel to Egypt

For residents of the european union.

To enter Egypt traveling from any of the EU member countries, the documentation you will need is a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and, in addition, you will need to apply for a visa.

How to obtain a visa to Egypt?

It can be obtained directly upon arrival at the airport in the easiest way, or online from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

For citizens from non-European Union countries

The best option is to inquire at the relevant Egyptian embassy or consulate. In both cases, especially if you have contracted a trip through an agency, it is advisable to ask the same company that organizes the trip to also arrange visas for tourists.

With the exception of some Arab countries, all persons wishing to visit Egypt must apply for a tourist visa, which costs US$25 and is valid for 30 days. For longer stays, a special visa can be requested in advance or extended within the country. How to pay for a visa to Egypt? Payment can be made in dollars and also in euros or pounds sterling.

Vaccinations and health insurance

In these times of COVID-19 pandemic, to enter Egypt it is mandatory to present the complete vaccination schedule.

Visit the Egypt travel recommendations page of your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Other diseases

No other vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Egypt , although it is recommended to check the status of standard vaccinations in case a booster against mumps, rubella, measles, diphtheria, typhoid or tetanus is necessary.

It should be noted that, for a Western traveler, the level of hygiene in Egypt may be low or insufficient, so it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly before and after eating in each restaurant. And avoid drinking tap water, always opt for bottled water. In the capital, Cairo , it is the only place where there is no risk from drinking tap water, as it is treated with a lot of chlorine. In the rest of the country, tap water should be avoided at all costs. The good news is that bottled water is very cheap in Egypt.

Take out travel medical insurance

Regarding medical insurance for travelers, it is essential to contract one before traveling to Egypt because it is usually a requirement to enter the country and to be treated within the private health system. The recommended travel insurance for travel to Egypt is any insurance that covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss, to travel with more peace of mind.

If you go to Alexandria or to the shores of the Red Sea If you go scuba diving, or travel to Egypt for hiking or motorcycle riding, all of these are classified as “dangerous activities” and many health insurances do not cover them, so you should pay close attention and if you are going to do any of these activities, try to take out an insurance policy that covers them. You should also check or ask if the policy covers medications or ambulance transfers.

Internet connection in Egypt

It is becoming easier and easier to find free WiFi connection in hotels, cruise ships and restaurants in Egypt, especially since it is the second country in the world with the largest number of undersea fiber optic cables. This is due to its strategic geographical position as the main route connecting Asia, the Middle East and East Africa with Europe. However, there is still a long way to go before all historical sites, monuments and archaeological sites have a good free public WiFi connection. So, if you need constant internet during your trip to Egypt, the best options for mobile data are SIM cards or eSIM cards.

There is also the option of activating the international roaming service or carrying Pocket WiFi (small portable routers that you carry in your pocket and provide internet connection) but both services are usually much more expensive than the cards.

The average price of a SIM card for Egypt with 3G or 4G for 15 days ranges between 35€ and 47€, a price range similar to that of an eSIM card for 8 days. Vodafone’s roaming service costs 105€ for 14GB for 7 days, while Orange’s 700 MB for one week costs 49€. The rental of Pocket WiFi for 7 days costs between 60€ and 70€, excluding shipping costs which can be between 20€ and 25€.

How to manage money in Egypt

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The average daily expenditure per tourist per day is estimated at around 600 EGP , including lodging, food, internal transportation and excursions, although this may vary slightly depending on the type of services contracted.

It is recommended to always have enough change on hand to pay for cabs and tipping. There are a good number of ATMs in almost all Egyptian cities, with the exception of areas in the interior of Middle Egypt and in the oases. Mid- and high-priced hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, with a sales rate ranging from 3% to 10%.

If you need to change currency in Egypt, you can do it officially at Amex and Travel Choice Egypt offices, and also in commercial banks, exchange offices (Forex) and even in some hotels. Rates are generally similar in all establishments, although some places may charge commissions.

We have more information about the Egyptian pound and various indicative prices of the most typical products and purchases that you will make on your trip.

What is required to enter and exit Egypt

Entry to egypt via airport.

To enter Egypt as a tourist, two basic requirements are necessary: a valid passport and a visa.

Passengers are also usually checked to see if they have any supporting documentation from the lodging establishment, as well as confirmation of an organized tour reservation with the corresponding itinerary and return ticket date.

Airport round trip

To leave Egypt and return to your country of origin, the airport control is similar to the entry control, with the addition of the customs check of products purchased by the tourist as souvenirs The products must not violate any international standard of suspected smuggling or infringe bromatology laws, in the case of edible products.

Covid-19 Pandemic Specific Measures and Restrictions

During the Covid-19 pandemic, some specific rules for entry and exit were added. And although prevention measures in Egypt were carried out with considerable discipline, the various waves of contagion could not be avoided. Therefore, we recommend you to travel with an FPP2 mask during your trip to Egypt, at least in situations of higher risk (if you decide to move by yourself and travel by metro or cab, for example), although it is not mandatory to do so. Current medical insurances usually include expenses derived from complications, tests or any other incident involving Covid-19.

Previously, upon arrival in the country, the temperature of each tourist was checked and a certificate of vaccination against Covid-19 was requested, and a negative PCR test was not mandatory for entry. However, as of June 17, 2022, Egypt lifted all restrictions for any international traveler, no vaccination certificate or PCR or antigen test is required .

As always, we recommend that you check a few days before your trip in case conditions change.

Other articles that may interest you...

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), called guinay in Arabic, which in turn is divided into 100

What to eat in Egypt

Egyptian cuisine is famous for its spicy dishes and strong flavors, part of a tradition of Arabic cuisine that is

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• International

March 20, 2024 Israel-Hamas war

By Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war in Gaza has moved here .

US and coalition forces destroy drone and unmanned surface vessel launched by Houthis, CENTCOM says

From CNN's Mary Kay Mallonee

US and coalition forces destroyed one drone and one unmanned surface vessel launched by Houthis in Yemen on Wednesday, according to US Central Command.

A coalition aircraft destroyed the drone and US forces destroyed the unmanned surface vessel, CENTCOM said in a statement.

"It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels," CENTCOM said.

There were no injuries or damage to US or coalition ships, CENTCOM said.

Saudi Crown Prince tells Blinken that need for ceasefire in Gaza is urgent, state media says

From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah on Wednesday and discussed the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

According to Saudi state-run SPA news, MBS and Blinken discussed "developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings in addition to efforts to stop military operations." 

They also discussed the security and humanitarian situation in the region, SPA said.

Diplomatic tour: Blinken, who is on a trip in the Middle East , said negotiations to secure  a ceasefire in the war in Gaza tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas are “getting closer” to a deal.

“I think the gaps are narrowing, and I think an agreement is very much possible,” Blinken said in an interview in Jeddah, according to a transcript released by the State Department.

Blinken will travel to Egypt to meet with Arab leaders on Thursday and head to Israel  on Friday.

Hamas says Israel gave a negative response to its counterproposal. Catch up on the latest

From CNN staff

Israel's response to Hamas' latest counterproposal on a ceasefire and hostage release deal " was negative in general " and did not meet the demands of Hamas, according to Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan.

"In fact, they backed away from agreements previously made to the mediators," Hamdan said.

Here are some other key developments:

• US says gaps are narrowing in negotiations: Negotiations to secure an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas are “ getting closer ” to a deal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday. On March 14, Hamas delivered a counterproposal that included the release of Israeli hostages for 700 to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has  called the Hamas proposal  “unrealistic.”
• Israeli Supreme Court halts government plan: The high court temporarily  halted a government plan  to send a group of Palestinian hospital patients and babies back to Gaza following  a CNN report . The decision follows a petition by the Israeli non-profit organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel, which decided to take action following the CNN report on the Palestinian hospital patients.
• Netanyahu addresses Senate Republicans: The Israeli prime minister addressed  the Senate Republican policy lunch  on Wednesday for 15 minutes via video, and then took about 45 minutes of questions, according to Sen. John Kennedy. Netanyahu was sharply critical of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's comments  calling for elections  to form a new government in Israel, Kennedy said.
• Canada indefinitely suspends arms exports to Israel: The Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs said Canada has “ not approved new arms export permits to Israel ” since January 8, "and this will continue until we can ensure full compliance with our export regime.” Export permits that were approved before January 8 are still in effect, according to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. CNN  previously reported  that Canada had paused exports of non-lethal military goods and technology to Israel in January given the risk that goods could be used in connection with human rights violations. 

Blinken says gaps are narrowing in negotiations on Gaza ceasefire and hostage release

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

Negotiations to secure an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas are “getting closer” to a deal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

“I think the gaps are narrowing, and I think an agreement is very much possible,” Blinken said in an interview with Al Hadath in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a transcript released by the State Department. “We worked very hard with Qatar, with Egypt, and with Israel to put a strong proposal on the table. We did that; Hamas wouldn’t accept it. They came back with other requests, other demands. The negotiators are working on that right now,” Blinken explained. 

Blinken did not give details about what gaps were narrowing or what undergirded his confidence that an agreement is possible. He again reiterated that the onus is on Hamas to accept the proposal that is on the table.

“We have to see if Hamas can say yes to the proposal. If it does — if it does — that’s the most immediate way to alleviate the misery of people in Gaza, which is very much what we want,” he said.

Blinken, who will travel to Egypt to meet with Arab leaders Thursday, said that it is important to be ready “for what happens with the governance of Gaza” after the war ends.

Israeli Supreme Court halts plan to return Palestinian hospital patients to Gaza after doctors appeal

From CNN’s Jeremy Diamond, Kareem Khadder, Mick Krever, and Abeer Salman in Jerusalem

Israel’s Supreme Court has temporarily halted a government plan to send a group of Palestinian patients being treated in East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv hospitals back to Gaza.

The decision follows a petition by the Israeli non-profit organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel, which decided to take action following  a CNN report  on the Palestinian hospital patients.

“Returning residents to Gaza during a military conflict and a humanitarian crisis is against international law and poses a deliberate risk to innocent lives,” the organization’s spokesperson Ran Yaron said Wednesday. “All the more so when it concerns patients who may face a death sentence due to insanitary conditions and  hunger , along with the unlikely availability of medical care.”

Following the group’s appeal, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction to prevent the Israeli government from sending around two dozen Palestinian patients and their companions back to Gaza.

 The Palestinians were set to be bussed to Gaza early Thursday morning.   However, after the temporary court injunction, the Israeli government delayed that until at least Monday, hospital officials told CNN.

This post has been updated with information from Israeli officials.

Israeli military subjected Palestinians to "humiliating investigation" during raid, Al-Shifa official says

From CNN's Abeer Salman, Khader Al Za’anoun, Ibrahim Dahman, Sana Noor Haq, Kareem Khadder, Lauren Izso and Tim Lister

Israeli forces detained Palestinian journalists and health workers, blindfolded them and stripped them down to their underwear in  Al-Shifa Hospital , in northern Gaza, according to eyewitness accounts shared  with CNN .

The Israeli military raided Al-Shifa after it claimed “senior Hamas terrorists” were using the facility to “conduct and promote terrorist activity.” It claims to have detained a senior Hamas operative during the operation.

CNN cannot independently verify the IDF’s statements.

Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, head of surgery at Al-Shifa, was not at the hospital when the Israeli raid began on Monday. He said on Tuesday that colleagues who had been permitted to leave the hospital reported Israeli troops breaking into most of the hospital buildings.

He said male medical staff were forced to strip and left “for hours in the cold,” an assertion made by other men who have been released from the area.

“They scanned their faces with a camera and took them one by one for humiliating investigation,” he said in the account, shared with CNN by a colleague. “Many were arrested and were taken to an unknown place, some were forced to leave the hospital and displaced to the south half naked, and others were ordered to go back to the hospital,” added Abu Saada. “Soldiers assaulted and violated our medical staff and workers in Al-Shifa Hospital, left them without food or water for two days, taking into consideration that this is the month of Ramadan and they are fasting.”

CNN has asked the IDF for its response to the allegations levied by Saada. The IDF has not so far responded.

Read more accounts from Al-Shifa Hospital.

Regional relationships are needed for sustained peace in Gaza, US and Saudi officials say

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized the importance of continuing regional partnerships in getting humanitarian aid to Gaza and eventually resolving the conflict.

The two leaders “discussed the urgent need to protect all civilians in Gaza" and immediately increase the flow of aid, according to a readout from their Jeddah meeting by State Department spokesperson Matt Miller.

“The Secretary emphasized the United States’ commitment to achieving sustained peace through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel,” the readout said.

US officials have been working to lay the groundwork for such a “sustained peace” for months, with the idea that this facilitates a Saudi-Israel normalization agreement. 

On his recent trips to the region, Blinken has stressed that the Israeli government must make “difficult” decisions and move toward a two-state solution if it wants to achieve that normalization with Saudi Arabia and if it wants the support of its Arab neighbors for security and reconstruction in Gaza. 

The top US diplomat will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on Wednesday. 

Netanyahu was critical of Schumer in address to Senate Republicans

From CNN's Ted Barrett and Kristin Wilson

During his address to the Senate Republican policy lunch Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sharply critical of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's comments calling for elections to form a new government in Israel.

"Clearly, the prime minister was not happy with Sen. Schumer's speech. Nor was he happy with President (Joe) Biden's praise of Sen. Schumer's speech. But I think the prime minster understands the politics of all of it," Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy said afterward. 

"We made it clear to the prime minister that in our judgment, the American people overwhelmingly support Israel's war," Kennedy said. "And he made clear he intends to prosecute the war against Hamas to the full extent of his power" 

Kennedy said Netanyahu spoke for about 15 minutes via video link to the GOP meeting in the Capitol, and then took about 45 minutes of questions. 

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said Netanyahu was not critical of Biden.

"He said he was grateful of the support he's gotten from President Biden and he hopes that support continues," Cruz said.  

Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, said Netanyahu was "candid" and "thorough" and said the Israeli leader gave a "pretty detailed update" of the war, answering questions about the prosecution of the war and explaining what Israel's needs are from the US.   

Hawley said Netanyahu was "very mindful" of concerns over civilian deaths and "talked about it at some length" and was "alert to the sensitives" over that issue, even talking about the estimated death toll of Palestinians.  

"He wanted to project that the end is in sight," Hawley said. "By far the greatest portion of this war is over."  

Netanyahu told the senators he does not envision US troops getting directly involved in combat. 

More on Schumer's speech: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed back on Republican criticism of his Israel speech, in which he called for the US ally to hold new elections. 

“I gave this speech, out of a real love for Israel. And if you read the speech, we called only for there to be an election after the hostilities, declined after Hamas was defeated,” he told CNN’s Manu Raju, when asked about GOP critics saying that his remarks amounted to foreign election interference, and that there shouldn’t be any daylight between the US and an ally when they are at war.

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Middle East Crisis Netanyahu Rebuffs Biden and Vows to Press Ahead With Rafah Invasion

• Share full article
• Aid trucks guarded by armed men entering Gaza City in the early hours of Tuesday. Reuters
• A Palestinian family in a damaged building breaking the fast during Ramadan in Rafah, Gaza. Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Palestinians searching for missing people under the rubble of a destroyed home in Nuseirat, central Gaza, on Tuesday. Mohammed Saber/EPA, via Shutterstock
• A Palestinian family breaking the fast in Rafah, Gaza. Associated Press
• A woman praying near a memorial in Tel Aviv for those killed or taken hostage on Oct. 7. Oded Balilty/Associated Press
• Palestinians fleeing strikes on Gaza City. Associated Press
• Police officers in Jerusalem remove ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters from a demonstration against their conscription into the armed forces. Ahmad Gharabli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Children waiting for food aid at the Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza. Mahmoud Essa/Associated Press
• Palestinians fleeing Gaza City during strikes. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Netanyahu acknowledges a dispute with the U.S., but says Israel will press on into Rafah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel brushed aside disagreement with the Biden administration over a planned ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, saying Tuesday that his government would press ahead despite pleas for restraint from the United States and key allies.

Mr. Netanyahu made the remarks to Israeli lawmakers a day after speaking by phone with Mr. Biden, who the White House said had reiterated concerns that invading Rafah would be “a mistake.” Mr. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said that Israel’s objectives in Rafah “can be done by other means,” and that Mr. Netanyahu had agreed to send a team of Israeli officials to Washington to hear U.S. concerns and to discuss alternatives.

But on Tuesday, Mr. Netanyahu insisted that sending troops into Rafah was necessary to eliminate what he said were Hamas battalions in the city.

“I made it as clear as possible to the president that we are determined to complete the elimination of these battalions in Rafah, and there is no way to do this without a ground incursion,” Mr. Netanyahu said.

Given the forum where the Israeli leader was speaking — a committee of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset — it was unclear whether the intended audience for his comments was primarily domestic, and whether the divisions might be smoothed at the meetings planned in Washington.

But Mr. Netanyahu acknowledged the dispute with the Biden administration over invading Rafah, saying “we all know this.” The United States has expressed increasing concern over civilian deaths in Gaza, but Mr. Netanyahu emphasized on Tuesday that he and Mr. Biden remained on the same page about the main objectives of the war.

“We have a debate with the Americans over the need to enter Rafah, not over the need to eliminate Hamas, but the need to enter Rafah,” he told the lawmakers.

He said that “out of respect for the president,” he had agreed to send a team to Washington so that the U.S. officials could “present us with their ideas, especially on the humanitarian side.”

Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman, told reporters at a news briefing on Tuesday that the U.S. and Israel were “just squarely in a different place” on the expected invasion of Rafah.

“We have a different strategic viewpoint on what we believe is necessary to help target the key elements of Hamas,” he added.

The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel against sending ground troops into Rafah without a plan to get the more than one million Palestinians sheltering there out of harm’s way.

On Monday, Mr. Sullivan said that no such plan had been presented.

Many Palestinians who have fled from fighting in other parts of the Gaza Strip have sought safety in Rafah, obeying Israeli directives to move south. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are crammed into temporary shelters.

“They went from Gaza City to Khan Younis and then to Rafah,” Mr. Sullivan told reporters. “They have nowhere else to go.”

And Rafah’s limited resources have been exhausted as the population has multiplied. Many people in the city spend their days trying to secure basic needs: finding clean water for drinking and bathing, getting enough food and calming their children when Israeli strikes hit nearby.

— Cassandra Vinograd

The White House says a meeting with Israeli officials on Rafah is expected early next week.

The White House is expected to meet with an Israeli delegation early next week to discuss Israel’s plans for an invasion of Rafah, a point of tension between President Biden and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One on Tuesday that the Biden administration expected the Israeli officials to arrive in Washington “likely” early next week.

The leaders are at odds over how to proceed in Rafah. The White House said that Mr. Biden told Mr. Netanyahu on Monday that sending Israeli forces into Rafah, which has become the last refuge for more than half of Gaza’s population, would be disastrous when there are other ways to defeat Hamas.

But Mr. Netanyahu has not moved from his position that he must send troops into Rafah to defeat Hamas, the Palestinian faction that led the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, even though about 1.5 million civilians are currently seeking shelter in the southern city.

“Our view is that there are ways for Israel to prevail in this conflict, to secure its long-term future, to end the terror threat from Gaza, and not smash into Rafah,” Mr. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said on Monday. “That’s what we’re going to present in this integrated way when this team comes.”

He also said the face-to-face meetings would be necessary to make progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a deal to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire to the fighting in Gaza.

“We’ve arrived at a point where each side has been making clear to the other its perspective, its view,” Mr. Sullivan said. “And now we really need to get down to brass tacks and have the chance for a delegation from each side on an integrated basis — everyone sitting around the same table, talking through the way forward.”

— Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Maps: Tracking the Attacks in Israel and Gaza

See where Israel has bulldozed vast areas of Gaza, as its invasion continues to advance south.

How Gazans have fared after Israel has asked them to flee.

For many civilians in Gaza, fleeing from Israeli attacks has become a grim cycle. Israeli evacuation orders have prompted more than a million people to move from one destination to another since October, each time packing belongings and seeking transport — by vehicle, cart or foot — to escape airstrikes and ground fighting between Israel and Hamas.

The latest example is Rafah, in southern Gaza, a city swollen to more than 1.4 million people by forced displacement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said on Tuesday that his military would invade the city to root out Hamas but that it would provide humanitarian aid and “facilitate an orderly exit of the population.”

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, has said that a major ground invasion in Rafah would be a mistake, not least because it would further imperil humanitarian access. Displacement has contributed to a hunger crisis sweeping the territory, and the United Nations has said that an invasion could mean that an already catastrophic situation slides “deeper into the abyss.”

Some civilians say they have fled time and again . As many people face the prospect of being displaced again, here is a look at what happened on a few occasions when Israel has told civilians to evacuate.

Northern Gaza

Israel began telling more than one million civilians to evacuate northern Gaza about two weeks ahead of its ground invasion on Oct. 27, though the area was pummeled by Israeli airstrikes soon after the Hamas-led attack in Israel on Oct. 7.

“Hamas is using you as a human shield,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said on Oct. 22, calling on civilians still in northern Gaza to move south.

The Israeli military also dropped Arabic-language leaflets over the area, warning that anyone who did not move south “may be considered as a partner in a terrorist organization.”

The United Nations said that the evacuation order was impractical, and the U.S. asked Israel to delay its invasion to give civilians more time. Even so, hundreds of thousands of people obeyed the order and moved to southern Gaza, carrying a few possessions away from an area that had already been shattered by airstrikes before the full-scale invasion began.

The south proved to be no escape from peril. An investigation by The New York Times in December found that Israel had used some of the largest and most destructive bombs in its arsenal in southern Gaza, posing a pervasive threat to civilians.

Mr. Netanyahu says that Israel intends to minimize civilian casualties while fighting Hamas, and Israeli officials said that Hamas fighters had set up checkpoints to prevent people from complying with the orders to move.

Khan Younis

In early December, after a one-week cease-fire, Israel launched a major military operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza’s largest city. Many civilians there had fled to the city from northern Gaza.

The Israeli military again warned civilians to leave parts of Khan Younis for Rafah and other places farther south, though residents said that they sometimes had mere hours of notice. Israel also dropped leaflets over Khan Younis and broadcast information about which parts of the city were safe at any given moment.

Several Palestinians said, however, that the orders to leave Khan Younis, or to move within it, were confusing, not least because they appeared to shift over time and left little opportunity to gather possessions. In addition, obeying the orders meant carting relatives — many of whom had been displaced several times previously — to a new place where the prospects for shelter and basic essentials were uncertain.

Civilians also said that when they fled as instructed, they sometimes found themselves at locations engulfed in fighting or subject to airstrikes.

The most recent designated large scale safe zone is Rafah, which lies against the closed Egyptian border and has been immensely swollen by displacement. Without sufficient accommodations, many of its new residents have pitched makeshift tents.

Rafah has been subject to airstrikes and fighting in recent weeks. In one example, the health authorities in Gaza said on Feb. 12 that at least 67 people had been killed overnight in airstrikes in the city. Israel’s military had launched an operation to rescue two people held hostage in Gaza since the Oct. 7 attack.

The Israeli authorities have asked people at least twice to head to Al-Mawasi, a coastal village in southern Gaza that could be a destination for people asked to leave Rafah. Aid officials have said that the village lacks shelter, humanitarian aid and basic infrastructure.

— Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Israel’s military says its forces are still operating at Al-Shifa Hospital.

The Israeli military said its forces were pressing on with a raid of Al-Shifa Hospital and had detained scores of people there, in an operation that has drawn condemnation from Gazan health officials and raised questions about how much control Israeli forces have over northern Gaza.

The latest raid of Al-Shifa began on Monday in what Israeli officials said was an operation targeting senior Hamas officials who had regrouped there, setting off a battle that both sides said had resulted in casualties.

On Tuesday, Israel’s military said its troops were “continuing precise operations” in the sprawling complex of the hospital, which is Gaza’s largest. It said it had killed dozens of militants, though its account of the fighting could not be independently verified.

The Al Jazeera news network said that one of its journalists had been detained for 12 hours. It said the journalist, Ismail al-Ghoul, had been severely beaten . Israel’s military has not responded to the allegations, which drew outrage from the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The Gazan Health Ministry condemned the raid as a “crime against health institutions,” and humanitarian organizations expressed alarm over the situation at the complex. The hospital, along with the surrounding area, had been sheltering 30,000 patients, medical workers and displaced civilians.

“Hospitals should never be battlegrounds,” the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a post on social media warning that the situation was “endangering health workers, patients and civilians.

Doctors Without Borders said it was “extremely concerned” for the safety of patients and medical staff in the hospital compound. In a statement on Monday, the organization urged “all warring parties to respect the grounds and perimeter of the hospital and ensure the safety of medical personnel, patients and civilians.”

Israel has said that the hospital complex doubled as a secret Hamas military command center, calling it one of many examples of civilian facilities that Hamas uses to shield its activities.

Four months ago, Israeli forces stormed the complex and found a tunnel shaft that they said supported their contention that the armed group had used it to conceal military operations.

Since then, Israel has withdrawn many troops from northern Gaza and has shifted the focus of its invasion to the south. As a result, lawlessness has increasingly taken hold in the north, prompting international aid organizations to suspend operations despite a dire humanitarian crisis.

The Biden administration has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct of the war and its toll on civilians. On Monday, President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said that “more innocent civilians have died in this conflict, in this military operation, than in all the wars in Gaza combined, including thousands of children.”

“A humanitarian crisis has descended across Gaza, and anarchy reigns in areas that Israel’s military has cleared but not stabilized,” he said.

Gabby Sobelman and Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting.

The U.N. human rights chief says Israel may be using starvation as a war weapon.

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, blamed Israel on Tuesday for what he said was the entirely preventable catastrophe of starvation and famine unfolding in Gaza, urging international pressure on the country to allow for the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid.

International alarm has been growing over the hunger crisis in Gaza, with food experts predicting an imminent famine in the north of the enclave and foreign leaders and diplomats becoming increasingly blunt in pointing the finger at Israel.

“The situation of hunger, starvation and famine is a result of Israel’s extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods, displacement of most of the population, as well as the destruction of crucial civilian infrastructure,” Mr. Türk said in a statement.

Mr. Türk said Israel’s restrictions on aid, together with its conduct in its campaign to destroy Hamas, including the displacement of people and the destruction of infrastructure, may amount to the use of starvation as a weapon of war, which is a war crime.

Israel has pushed back on criticism that it is restricting aid from entering Gaza, pointing to its support for several recent initiatives , including efforts to provide supplies by air and sea that aid groups say are far less efficient than road.

It has accused Hamas of diverting aid and of using Palestinian civilians as human shields. The country’s mission in Geneva said on Tuesday that Mr. Türk “seeks once again to blame Israel for the situation and completely absolve the responsibility of the U.N. and Hamas.”

A report released Monday by the U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said that 1.1 million people, half the population of Gaza, would most likely face catastrophic food insecurity and predicted an imminent rise in hunger-related deaths.

“The coping mechanisms we have seen the past weeks, even months, are people eating bird seeds, animal fodder, wild grass and weeds,” Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the U.N. aid agency in Geneva, told reporters on Tuesday while discussing the report. “We are beyond that. There’s literally nothing left.”

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it had set up a center to try to stabilize malnutrition levels in the south of Gaza and was looking to set up another in the north, but it said that to bring in supplies at the scale needed would require a cease-fire. Talks in Qatar are continuing amid another intensive diplomatic push to secure a pause in the fighting.

— Nick Cumming-Bruce reporting from Geneva

Israel’s spy chief returns home as cease-fire talks continue in Qatar.

The head of Israel’s delegation has returned home from cease-fire talks in Qatar, an Israeli official said on Tuesday, but talks there are continuing amid another intensive diplomatic push to secure a pause in the fighting in Gaza as famine looms.

Warnings from the United Nations that a “famine is imminent” have added urgency to efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and get more humanitarian aid into Gaza. In addition to the discussions in Qatar, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt this week to discuss postwar plans for Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Israeli negotiators arrived in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Monday for a new round of in-person talks about a potential cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups. Their delegation was led by David Barnea, the head of Mossad, Israel’s foreign spy agency.

Mr. Barnea returned to Israel on Tuesday morning, according to an Israeli official who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. Further details were not immediately available, but the Israeli news media reported that other members of Israel’s negotiating team remained in Qatar.

Officials from Qatar and Egypt have acted as intermediaries in the cease-fire discussions, in part because negotiators for Israel and Hamas do not talk directly with each other.

A spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry, Majed al-Ansari, confirmed that Mr. Barnea had departed but said on Tuesday that “technical teams” seeking to hash out finer details of a potential agreement were continuing to meet in Doha.

He said that while there had not yet been a breakthrough in talks, Qatar remained “cautiously optimistic.”

Two senior Israeli officials said the government had initially given its negotiating team an amorphous mandate for the latest round of talks. The team had now been authorized to go deeper into details during the talks, they said, but wasn’t given the full latitude it had requested. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to communicate with the news media.

The Israeli officials said on Monday that a proposal being discussed included a 42-day pause in the fighting in exchange for the release of 40 of the more than 100 hostages taken from Israel and still held in Gaza by Hamas or its allies. But they emphasized that they expected it would take a long time to reach an agreement.

Last week, Hamas presented a new proposal that omitted a previous demand that Israel immediately agree to a permanent cease-fire in return for beginning an exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, according to people familiar with the negotiations.

The Israeli officials said Hamas’s new proposal included details that were unacceptable to Israel.

For months, Hamas leaders have been publicly calling for a comprehensive cease-fire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli officials repeatedly rejected the demands and indicated that they would be open to only a temporary pause.

Cassandra Vinograd contributed reporting.

— Aaron Boxerman

The top U.S. diplomat will make his sixth wartime trip to the Middle East.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt this week, a trip that comes as the Biden administration tries to broker a hostage deal that would pause Israel’s offensive in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.

Speaking to reporters during a stop in Manila on Tuesday, Mr. Blinken said his discussions would include postwar plans for Gaza and the wider Middle East, including a potential agreement that would normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and lay the groundwork for the eventual creation of a Palestinian state.

Mr. Blinken will be traveling to the region as mediators from Egypt and Qatar hold meetings in Qatar about a possible cease-fire. Israel sent a team of negotiators to Qatar on Monday.

The trip will be Mr. Blinken’s sixth to the region since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which set off the war in Gaza. In the announcement of his travel, the State Department said that he would meet with the Saudi and Egyptian “leadership,” without naming specific officials. There was no mention of a visit to Israel.

Mr. Blinken said that during stops in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, and Cairo, the Egyptian capital, he would be discussing “the imperative of having a plan for Gaza, for when the conflict ends,” and that the hope was such a conclusion would come “as soon as possible, consistent with Israel’s needs to defend itself and make sure that Oct. 7 can never happen again.”

Any postwar plan for Gaza will involve the question of how to provide governance and security in Gaza, a subject on which the United States and Israel disagree .

Mr. Blinken also said he would address “what is the right architecture for lasting regional peace,” an apparent reference to diplomacy between the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia to broker a joint agreement.

Such a pact would likely require Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians in return for its first-ever formal diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. In turn, the Saudis want the United States and Israel to support the creation of a civil nuclear program on Saudi soil , as well as greater military support from Washington.

Mr. Blinken stressed the urgency of providing humanitarian relief to Gaza, whose inhabitants, he said, “continue to face a horrific humanitarian situation.” He said that Hamas bore blame for the crisis but that it was also “incumbent on Israel” to protect civilians during its military campaign.

He is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and to Egypt on Thursday.

— Michael Crowley Reporting from Manila

Who was Marwan Issa, the Hamas commander killed by Israel?

Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza and a presumed mastermind of the Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, was confirmed dead on Monday by a senior U.S. official after an Israeli airstrike more than a week ago.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, told reporters that Mr. Issa, one if the highest-ranking officials in Hamas, had been killed. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said on March 11 that Israeli military warplanes had targeted Mr. Issa and another senior Hamas official in an underground compound in central Gaza.

With his death, Mr. Issa, who had been among Israel’s most wanted men, became the senior-most Hamas leader to be killed in Gaza since the start of the war. Israeli officials have characterized the strike as a breakthrough in their campaign to wipe out the Hamas leadership in Gaza.

But experts cautioned that his death would not have a devastating effect on Hamas’s leadership structure. Israel has killed Hamas’s political and military leaders in the past, only to see them quickly replaced.

Here is a closer look at Mr. Issa and what his death means for Hamas and its leadership.

What was Mr. Issa’s role in Hamas?

Mr. Issa, who was 58 or 59 at the time of his death, had served since 2012 as a deputy to Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. Mr. Issa assumed the role after the assassination of another top commander, Ahmed al-Jabari.

Mr. Issa served both on Hamas’s military council and in its Gaza political office, overseen by Yahya Sinwar, the group’s highest-ranking official in the enclave. Mr. Issa was described by Palestinian analysts and former Israeli security officials as an important strategist who played a key role as a liaison between Hamas’s military and political leaders.

Salah al-Din al-Awawdeh, a Palestinian analyst close to Hamas, described Mr. Issa’s position in the group as “part of the front rank of the military wing’s leadership.”

Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, the former Israeli military intelligence chief, said Mr. Issa was simultaneously Hamas’s “defense minister,” its deputy military commander and its “strategic mind.”

What does his death mean for the group?

Experts described Mr. Issa as an important associate of Mr. Deif and Mr. Sinwar, though they said his death did not represent a threat to the group’s survival.

“There’s always a replacement,” Mr. Awawdeh said. “I don’t think the assassination of any member of the military wing will have an effect on its activities.”

Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer and an expert on Palestinian affairs, said Mr. Issa’s death was a significant blow to the Qassam Brigades, though he conceded it wasn’t “the end of the world” for Hamas.

“He had a lot of experience,” Mr. Milshtein said. “His death is a big loss for Hamas, but it isn’t a loss that will lead to its collapse and it won’t affect it for a long time. In a week or two, they’ll overcome it.”

Mr. Milshtein added that even though Mr. Issa’s opinion was valued at the highest levels of Hamas, the fact he did not directly command fighters meant his death did not leave a gaping hole in Hamas’s operations.

How has he been described?

Mr. Issa was a lesser-known member of Hamas’s top brass, maintaining a low profile and rarely appearing in public.

Gerhard Conrad, a former German intelligence officer who met Mr. Issa more than a decade ago, described him as a “decisive and quiet” person lacking charisma. “He was not very eloquent, but he knew what to say, and he was straight to the point,” Mr. Conrad said in an interview.

Mr. Conrad said he met Mr. Issa, Mr. al-Jabari and Mahmoud al-Zahar, another senior Hamas official, about ten times between 2009 and 2011 in Gaza City. The men met as part of an effort to broker a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas.

“He was the master of the data on the prisoners,” Mr. Conrad said of Mr. Issa. “He had all the names to be negotiated on.”

Mr. Conrad, however, said it was apparent at the time that Mr. Issa was a subordinate to Mr. al-Jabari. “He was a kind of chief of staff,” he said.

It was only after Mr. al-Jabari’s assassination that Mr. Issa’s prominence grew, but he still was keen to stay out of view. Few images of Mr. Issa are in the public domain.

Mr. Awawdeh, the analyst, called Mr. Issa a man who liked to “remain in the shadows” and who seldom granted interviews to the media.

In one of those rare interviews , Mr. Issa spoke in 2021 about his role in the indirect talks that resulted in Israel exchanging more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for a single Israeli soldier, Sgt. First Class Gilad Shalit, and his hopes for a future conflict with Israel.

“Even if the resistance in Palestine is monitored by the enemy at all hours, it will surprise the enemy,” he told Al Jazeera at the time.

In a separate interview with a Hamas publication in 2005, Mr. Issa lauded militants who raided Israeli settlements and military bases, calling the actions “heroic” and an “advanced activity.”

What is known about his early life?

Mr. Issa was born in the Bureij area of central Gaza in 1965, but his family hails from what is now the Ashkelon area in Israel.

A Hamas member for decades, he was involved with the militant group involved pursuing Palestinians who were believed to have collaborated with Israel, according to Mr. Awawdeh.

Mr. Issa spent time in prisons operated by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Admiral Hagari has said that Mr. Issa helped plan the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack. Mr. Issa is also thought to have planned operations aimed at infiltrating Israeli settlements during the second intifada in the 2000s, Mr. Milshtein said.

An earlier version of this article misstated the surname of a former Israeli military intelligence chief. He is Tamir Hayman, not Heyman.

How we handle corrections

— Adam Rasgon reporting from Jerusalem

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This is officially the cheapest destination in the world in 2024

By Connor Sturges

Despite economic uncertainty and the cost of living causing most of us to tighten our pursestrings recently, there’s one thing few of us are unwilling to give up – travel. A recent study by American Express found that almost half of Brits are more interested in taking a major trip this year than previously, while more than half of those surveyed said they are saving up for a bucket list adventure.

While our wanderlust hasn’t dampened, the way we travel post-pandemic has changed in many ways, and many travellers are more savvy than ever when securing a jet-set deal.

Have no fear; the 18th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money is here, highlighting the global destination where our money goes further.

The Post Office’s report looks at various factors likely to influence holiday decision-making in 2024, from exchange rates to the cost of eating out and visiting each destination's most popular tourist attractions.

According to the study, Vietnam tops the leaderboard for the first time. The former port city of Hội An leads the way for travellers on a budget, thanks to lower restaurant and bar charges and a considerable drop in the value of the Vietnamese dong.

The Post Office’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer combines the average local price of eight popular tourist items. The coastal hotspot of Hội An leads the way on three of these – beer (£1.16), Coca-Cola (£0.72), and suncream (£3.70). Lower costs mean the city has leapfrogged from sixth place in 2023.

Hội An is one of Vietnam ’s most charming and atmospheric cities. The commercial hustle and bustle of the bucket list destination’s larger, more metropolitan cities is almost entirely absent. Travellers spend mornings on the pristine beaches, afternoons touring fascinating historical sites, and evenings seeking out the tastiest corners of the Hội An Night Market. Best of all, it’s one of the best places in the world to catch up on quality shuteye , according to the Skyscanner 2024 UK Travel Trends Report, which analysed cities with hotels with the best sleep quality scores.

The 2024 report places Cape Town , last year’s winner, in second place. Local costs have risen, but it’s still the cheapest place for a three-course meal (£34.64) – in contrast, a multi-course feast in Costa Rica’s Tamarindo will set you back an average of £107.38.

Mombasa in Kenya has taken the third spot, Tokyo in Japan fourth, and Portugal’s Algarve fifth. The Algarve is the highest placed of the 15 European destinations surveyed, overtaking Turkey and Bulgaria.

Other major takeaways from the Holiday Money Report include the popularity of the Euro; it’s by far the bestselling currency for Post Office Travel Money, and sales are up eight per cent in 2024 to date. Otherwise, despite Marmaris in Turkey losing its top-five spot on the barometer, the report states that British travellers heading to Turkey will get the best deal due to the collapse of the Turkish Lira, which has continued to fall in the past year. Brits can expect to receive almost 81 per cent more lira for the pounds than a year ago – the equivalent in lira of more than £223 extra on a £500 currency purchase. While local costs have skyrocketed, shoulder season visits and stays outside of the tourist-heavy spots could result in a bargain summer escape.

Below, we round up the ten cheapest, and ten most expensive, destinations in the world. The corresponding price is the combined average price of a local coffee, beer, cola, glass of wine, bottle of water, suncream , insect repellent, and a three-course meal.

The cheapest destinations in the world

1. Hoi An, Vietnam: £51.18 2. Cape Town, South Africa: £54.35 3. Mombasa, Kenya: £54.93 4. Tokyo, Japan: £59.05 5. Algarve, Portugal: £59.69 6. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt: £61.37 7. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: £62.49 8. Kuta, Bali: £63.31 9. Marmaris, Turkey: £66.07 10. Paphos, Cyprus: £73.32

The most expensive destinations in the world

1. Tamarindo, Costa Rica: £158.04 2. New York, USA: £143.28 3. St John's, Antigua: £138.42 4. Rodney Bay, St Lucia: £137.40 5. Bridgetown, Barbados: £134.92 6. Downtown Dubai, Dubai: £134.29 7. Scarborough, Tobago: £130.58 8. Cancun, Mexico: £127.10 9. Darwin, Australia: £126.36 10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: £124.70

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