Exercise increased caution

in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. 

• 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.

Demonstrations

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. 

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.