Egypt is at Level 2: exercise increased caution

Updated to reflect a change in Travel Advisory level.

Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism. 
• The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company.
• Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.  Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be solely Egyptian citizens.

Terrorism: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning:

Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection. However, extremists continue to express interest in planning and carrying out attacks. Security is generally present at potential targets, which include:

• Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there)
• Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies)
• Tourist sites
• Transportation centers
• Shopping malls
• Restaurants and foreign businesses
• Resorts
• Roadside checkpoints
• Urban areas in Cairo

Crime: Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt. It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact. Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas.

Review the Country Security Report for Egypt for further details.

Health: Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Egypt and may be unavailable in remote areas. Ambulances are rare, unreliable in most areas, and don’t have advanced medical equipment.

Global Polio: Some international destinations, including Egypt, have circulating poliovirus. Before traveling to Egypt, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Check the CDC website for current vaccination recommendations: Egypt - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC

Protests or demonstrations may occur suddenly:  

• Individuals have been arrested for being in the vicinity of protests in Egypt, even when not actively participating.
• U.S. citizens have been arrested for participating in protests.
• You may be detained for posting anything on social media seen as critical of Egypt or its allies, or for disrespecting its cultural sites.
• Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

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

If you decide to travel to Egypt:

• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country without U.S. government assistance.
• Check local laws and conditions before traveling.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay alert in tourist locations.
• Get 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.
• Review the Country Security Report  for Egypt.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to this area for any reason.

The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula remains a dangerous area, with occasional attacks on security forces and civilians:

• Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in areas within the Sinai.
• U.S. government employees  are not authorized to freely travel into the northern and middle Sinai Peninsula.
• Access is highly regulated by the Government of Egypt.

For more information visit Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Western Desert - Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Avoid all travel to the Western Desert due to safety risks. If you go, make sure to travel with a licensed tour company.

For more information visit Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Egyptian Border Areas - Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to this area for any reason.

Avoid travel to Egyptian border areas due to security risks, including:

• Military zones: There is instability in neighboring territories. Egypt's border areas with Libya, Sudan, and in Sinai are military zones. Movements by private individuals are limited and closely watched.

Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these regions: U.S. government employees cannot travel freely in these areas.

For more information visit Travel to High-Risk Areas.