Still Current at: 14 October 2004
Updated: 13 October 2004


Egypt


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Terrorism section. The overall level of the advice has not change.

SUMMARY

The threat from terrorism in Egypt remains. The threat from terrorism on the east coast of the Sinai peninsula is high. Following terrorist attacks in Taba and Ras Shaitan near Nuweiba on 7 October, our assessment is that further terrorist attacks may be likely. We will be keeping this advice under close review.

Approximately 368,000 British nationals visited Egypt in 2003, mainly as tourists. Most visits are trouble free.

Crime rate is low but you should safeguard valuables including passports and money.

Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism in Egypt remains. The threat from terrorism on the east coast of the Sinai peninsula is high. Following terrorist attacks in Taba and Ras Shaitan near Nuweiba on 7 October, our assessment is that further terrorist attacks may be likely. In the 7 October attacks 34 people were killed and 59 injured, and the Hilton Hotel in Taba was severely damaged. We will be keeping this advice under close review. Prior to these attacks the last terrorist attacks in Egypt were in 1997. Since then, Egypt's police and security forces have made a considerable effort to ensure the safety and security of foreign visitors. The security forces maintain a uniformed presence at most tourist sites and make regular police searches. They may insist on escorting travellers in some areas.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice. Please also check the British Embassy website: Egypt: British Embassy Cairo

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.

There have been attacks by armed pirates against ships in the southern Red Sea. Travellers in small boats should move in convoy and obtain detailed advice from Maritime Agencies before travelling through the area.

Political Situation

Opposition in Egypt to 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. The Egyptian authorities have policed past demonstrations heavily and effectively.

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

Local Travel

There remains a small risk from unexploded mines in certain desert areas in the north west of Egypt, and some limited stretches of coast. Danger areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing. Visitors should exercise caution and follow local advice.

Road Safety

Local driving conditions and poor vehicle maintenance make road travel outside the main cities hazardous. Avoid driving on country roads at night and observe the local speed limit. Make sure you obtain 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.

Foreign residents must apply for an Egyptian driving licence. Visitors need an international driving licence.

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.

If travelling off road, a qualified guide should be employed.

Air Safety

Air travel is generally considered safe in Egypt.

River Safety

There have been a number of accidents involving Nile cruisers during the last couple of years.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Egypt is a conservative society. You should dress modestly and 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.

You should not drink, eat or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset during the lunar month of Ramadan, although children of the age of seven years or under are allowed to do so. Ramadan begins in October 2004.Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for possession of small amounts, lead to long prison sentences (25 years) or the death penalty.

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

Egypt is an Islamic country and as such it is considered illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. The government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity, but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal.

Under Egyptian law, homosexuality is considered illegal.

Women are advised to take extra caution when travelling alone as there have been isolated incidents of harassment.

It is becoming more common in Egypt for hotels and medical facilities to seek payment in hard currency.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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 up to a month. Applications for extensions should be made at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You cannot leave Egypt with an out of date visa. For visas and further information on entry requirements, check with the Egyptian Embassy in your country of residence. (Egyptian Representation in the UK.)

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

Passports should be valid for at least six months. However, many Immigration officials will admit visitors providing the passport is valid for the duration of the intended stay.

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.

HEALTH

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. Medical facilities outside Cairo can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Cairo.

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.

Contact your GP about current inoculation requirements and other medical advice. Contact your insurer if you have had a previous health condition, including mental illness, which may not be covered if it recurs.

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

For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk

NATURAL DISASTERS

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

GENERAL

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


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

Visitors and residents should carry photographic ID at all times. Passports must contain valid visas.

All flights, domestic and international, should be reconfirmed within 72 hours of travel.

OTHER

Egypt Country Profile

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: British Embassy
7 Ahmed Ragheb Street
Garden City
Cairo

Telephone: (20) (2) 794 0852
(20) (2) 794 0850
(20) (2) 794 0858


Facsimile: (20) (2) 796 1458 Political
(20) (2) 794 0859 Commercial
(20) (2) 796 3222 Management
(20) (2) 795 1235 Visa
(20) (2) 794 3065 Consular & Information


Email: consular.cairo@fco.gov.uk Consular
visa.cairo@fco.gov.uk
commercial.cairo@fco.gov.uk Commercial
defencestaff.CAIRX@fco.gov.uk Defence
information.cairo@fco.gov.uk Information
economic.cairo@fco.gov.uk Economic
development.cairo@fco.gov.uk Development


Office Hours: GMT:
Sun-Wed: 0500-1230
Thurs: 0500-1100

Local Time:
Sun-Wed: 0800-1530
Thurs: 0800-1400


Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/egypt

See Also: Travellers' Tips: Egypt
UK Overseas Mission: Egypt



Know Before You Go
The FCO strongly recommends that all travellers abroad take out comprehensive insurance.

NB: While every care has been taken in preparing our travel advice, neither Her Majesty's Government nor any member of British consular staff abroad can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in any respect of any statement contained therein.

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GLOBAL TERRORISM WARNING
You should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places anywhere in the world. Be vigilant, and take sensible precautions. See Risk of Terrorism.

NEW TRAVEL ADVICE LAYOUT
Please bear with us as we make presentational changes to our 217 Travel Advice notices.