This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (Avian Influenza). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

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

On 26 April 2006, there were two suicide bomb attacks at the Multinational Force and Observers base in north Sinai.  There were no fatalities.

On 24 April 2006, there were explosions at three separate locations in the resort town of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsular, in which 23 people were killed and more than 60 injured, including three British nationals.

In August 2005, two police vehicles and one Multinational Force and Observers’ vehicle were damaged when three roadside bombs exploded in Northern Sinai.  Two policemen were killed and seven others injured.

On 23 July 2005, three bombs exploded in Sharm al-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula. 63 people, including 11 British nationals, were killed.  124 others were injured in these attacks.

On 30 April 2005, terrorists carried out two suicide bomb attacks in Cairo.  Seven civilians, including four foreign nationals, were injured. On 7 April 2005, there was a suicide bomb attack in central Cairo near the Khan El Khalili bazaar, a location frequented by tourists.  Three tourists were killed and 19 injured.

On 7 October 2004, three terrorist attacks in resorts and hotels in Taba and near Nuweiba in the Sinai Peninsula killed 34 (including tourists) and injured 159.  Prior to these attacks the last terrorist attacks in Egypt were in 1997 in Luxor.

You should be aware that some of these attacks have taken place over local holiday weekends. Egyptian security forces tend to step up their presence at these times.  For more information read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas.

Crime

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

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

 

For more general information see: Victims of Crime Abroad

Political Situation

Egypt Country Profile

Opposition in Egypt to Western and British policy in the Middle East is widespread.  The conflict in Iraq triggered demonstrations across the country and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians continues to provoke public anger and demonstrations.

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

 

LOCAL TRAVEL

Road Travel

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

Local driving conditions and poor vehicle maintenance make road travel outside the main cities hazardous.  There have been several road accidents, resulting in the deaths of 3 British citizens, so far in 2007.  Avoid driving on country roads at night and observe the local speed limit. Make sure you obtain adequate third party insurance. In the event of an accident emergency medical facilities are limited.

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

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

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

There have been four serious bus crashes since 1 January 2006, in which 72 people were killed.

If travelling off road, a qualified guide should be employed.  The hiring of quad bikes can be dangerous. In 2006, there were three serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in Sharm el Sheikh.  You should take the same safety precautions as you would in the UK as safety standards can vary considerably.  You should always wear a crash helmet and you should ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you fully before you hire a quad bike.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad

 

Rail Travel

Egypt's extensive rail network has experienced a number of accidents in recent years.  The most serious took place in February 2002, when a fire developed in a train in southern Egypt and led to 361 fatalities.  Most recently 58 people died and 114 were injured when two passenger trains collided in northern Cairo on 21 August 2006.  There were no foreigners among those killed or injured.

River/Sea Travel

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

 

Piracy is a problem that affects all countries that border the Red Sea.  Whilst Egypt has a stable coastline and an active coastguard and therefore does not see the scale of piracy experienced in the Horn of Africa there were two incidents in 2006 in which robbers threatened smaller boats and stole equipment.  Travellers in small boats are advised to move in convoy and obtain detailed advice from the coastguard before travelling through the area.

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

 

You should ensure that your travel insurance, or that of the tour or dive company, provides adequate cover for the costs involved in any air-sea rescue if you are lost at sea.  The current fee is US$4,045 per hour.  There has been a delay in the past in starting a search effort while a guarantee of payment had been sought from the insurance company by the coastguard.  The Ministry of Tourism has now undertaken to provide an initial guarantee so there should be no such delay in future, but insurance cover should still be ensured.

 

For more general advice you should see:  River and Sea Safety

 

Mines

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Photography of or near military official installations is strictly prohibited.  Don’t photograph officials without their consent.

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

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

 

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

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see:  Travel Checklists

Visas

 

British visitors need a visa.  These can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD, for stays of up to a month.  Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.

 

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

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

 

Work permits

 

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

 

Customs regulations

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Egypt.

 

For further information on endemic diseases, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Egypt you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS

 

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

Insurance

 

You are strongly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  Make sure it covers the cost of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  You should contact your insurer if you have had a previous health condition, including mental illness, as this may not be covered if it recurs. Please see:  Travel Insurance

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see:  What We Can Do To Help

 

Registering with the British Embassy

 

British nationals visiting and resident in Egypt should register at the British Embassy.  This can be done in person or on-line at:  

Egypt: British Embassy Cairo

 

Money

 

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

 

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

 

Purchase of Property

 

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

 

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