Egypt Travel Advice

The first round of Presidential elections is due to take place on 23 and 24 May in locations all over Egypt. There may be increased security measures during this period, especially near polling stations. We advise British Nationals to stay away from polling stations on these dates.

Due to the significant increase in the risk of criminal activity in the North Sinai area, we advise against all but essential travel to Sinai north of the Suez-Taba road. We advise against using the road itself, but this advice does not extend to the towns of Suez or Taba, nor does it apply to the road from Taba to Taba airport. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Border Areas.

There are frequent demonstrations inTahrir Square, Cairo, often on Fridays, but they occur elsewhere in Cairo, including around the Ministry of Defence headquarters - in Abbasiya, as well as other cities in Egypt, including Alexandria.

A number of protestors remain camped out in Tahrir Square in Cairo but at the moment the Square is open to traffic.  

British nationals should avoid all crowds and demonstrations, including election campaign rallies. The situation can change rapidly and we recommend that you follow events on local and international news and seek advice from tour operators and local authorities.

There were - a number of incidents in February and March 2012 of kidnappings of foreign tourists and tour guides by armed tribesmen on the roads between Nuwaiba, Dahab and St Catherine's in Sinai. All those kidnapped were released unharmed within hours. There have also been incidents of robberies and roadblocks on these roads. You should exercise caution when travelling outside resorts in the Sinai and take advice from local security authorities and your tour operator.

When driving outside cities local security authorities may request that you travel in convoy. You should comply with these instructions. You should avoid travelling with unlicensed tour operators and should not travel around Sinai by road after dark.

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00 except Fridays and public holidays, but is subject to closure at short notice. The Rafah border crossing is in North Sinai and we advise against all but essential travel to this area.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Egypt, including in Sinai. Security is tight throughout the country, especially in resort areas. There is a high risk of indiscriminate attacks including public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including but not limited to resorts, hotels and restaurants.

1,034 million British nationals visited Egypt in 2011 (Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism). See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. The majority of consular cases occur in Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh.

You should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Source: Foreign & Commonwealth Office