FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Africa > Egypt

Egypt travel guide

About Egypt

A complicated but fascinating country with some of the most enduring historical monuments on Earth, Egypt stands as an unforgettable travel destination. It’s had to deal with its fair share of turmoil in recent times, but this North African nation remains proud, welcoming and accessible. And with treasures as timeless as the temples and pyramids of the Nile to shout about, it’s not somewhere that’s going to slip from public consciousness any time soon. A trip here still very much has the potential to thrill.

In many ways, there are two Egypts. The first is the Egypt of Cairo and the Nile, of bustling medieval bazaars, noseless Sphinxes, river cruises and Agatha Christie-era exoticism. The second, and just as integral to many visitors, is the Egypt of the Red Sea, where a spread of large-scale modern resorts caters to sun-seekers and scuba divers. Sharm el Sheikh, with its world-class diving, high-end hotels and desert adventures, is the best known of them.

Most of the country’s ancient treasures were built during the time of the pharaohs. The Pyramids of Giza (the sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World); the lotus-columned temples of Luxor and Karnak; the Valley of the Kings; Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel: strung along the Nile, these monuments have drawn visitors for centuries. They represent a lasting legacy of one of the most fabled periods of human history.

Of course, the country is best understood not so much for its great monuments or its coral reefs, splendid though they are, but through its people. Bartering for a bargain in Cairo’s ancient Khan al-Khalili bazaar, taking tea and falling into long conversation with a local, or simply stopping awhile in a remote village, silent but for the chatter of hooves on tarmac, will give a glimpse of a country full of character, colour and fortitude.

Key facts

Area:

1,001,450 sq km (386,662 sq miles).

Population:

94,137,816 (UN estimate 2016).

Population density:

88.4 per sq km.

Capital:

Cairo (El Qahira).

Government:

Republic.

Head of state:

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi since 2014.

Head of government:

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli since June 2018.

Travel Advice

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).          

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where we advise against all but essential travel.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

  • Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
  • the Faiyum Governorate
  • the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
  • the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
  • the oasis town of Siwa
  • the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
  • the White Desert and Black Desert
  • the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
  • the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
    • the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
    • the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
    • the road between Kharga and Baris
    • the road between Baris and Luxor

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)  

International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and OPTs travel advice before trying to cross.

Entering Egypt from Gaza     

The Rafah border crossing is currently closed. When re-opened, Israel, Egypt and the authorities in Gaza may determine procedures for who is permitted to cross and when.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, see Israel travel advice and OPTs travel advice.  

Humanitarian aid workers cannot enter or exit Gaza through Egypt at this time.   

Sending aid to Gaza from Egypt

The Egyptian authorities have said all aid to Gaza must go through the Egyptian Red Crescent. Standard operating procedures can be found on the Logistics Cluster website. The authorities are unlikely to consider requests for humanitarian access made in Egypt at short notice.

Concern for friends and family

If you are concerned about friends or family, or need support from the UK government, call the British Embassy in Cairo.

Telephone: + 20 (0)2 2791 6000

If you have technical difficulties using this number, call +44 1767 667 600 (UK number). 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Egypt’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Egypt set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Egypt, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.   

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa.

If you are staying for less than 15 days at resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you do not need a visa. You will get a free entry permission stamp on arrival. If you plan to travel outside the resorts or stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa. You can get a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport or online.     

Applying for a visa

You can apply for a visa:

  • online – getting an e-visa in advance can help to prevent delays, tourist e-visas are valid for up to 3 months
  • in person or by post – apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK
  • on arrival in Egypt – approved airports have kiosks in the arrival hall before you reach the immigration counters where you can buy a visa for 25 US dollars (cash only – Egyptian officials prefer dollars, but you may be able to pay in British pounds or euros, visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days)

British passport holders from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies cannot apply online. 

Visa extensions

You can apply for a visa extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. If you try to leave Egypt on an expired visa, you may face difficulties. You may get a fine if your visa has expired by more than 14 days. Contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK for more information.

Visa agents in airports

You do not need to buy a visa from an agent. Agents often charge more than the required 25 US dollars. If an agent harasses you, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

Egypt-Sudan border crossing

If you cross the border from Sudan, you can get a visa on arrival for 25 US dollars (cash only).

If you are a British national and have crossed the border without valid documentation, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0) 2 2791 6000. See Regional risks.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Egypt, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide.

HIV test for work permits

You will need to show HIV test results to apply for a work permit.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Egypt. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK for more information about customs rules.

Taking money into or out of Egypt

You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt.

You must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars on arrival – there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring.

Electronic devices and other valuables

You must declare some valuables, including electronic devices and video cameras, when you arrive. Officials will note these in your passport. They may ask you to show the items when you leave the country. If you do not have them, you may have to pay a high rate of customs duty.

Satellite phones or radio equipment

Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Egypt

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism.

Terrorism in Egypt

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. 

Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Targets might include:

  • Egyptian security forces
  • religious sites
  • large public gatherings
  • places visited by foreign nationals

The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.

Recent attacks include:

  • in 2022, an attack to the west of the Suez Canal targeting security forces within the city of Ismailiyah
  • in 2019, at least 20 people killed by a car bomb in Central Cairo’s Manial district
  • in 2019, at least 16 people injured after an IED attack on a tourist bus near the Giza pyramids
  • in 2019, 3 security personnel killed by a suicide bomber in Central Cairo’s Darb al-ahmar district

There are frequent terrorist attacks in North Sinai. Most attacks are in the north-east corner of the governorate between Al-Arish city and the border with Gaza. Most attacks in North Sinai are against the Egyptian government and military installations and personnel. However, terrorists have attacked civilians suspected of working with the authorities and local religious minority groups.

Terrorism during holiday periods

There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorists have attacked over local holiday weekends. The Egyptian Presidency website has a list of public holidays.

Follow the advice of Egyptian authorities and be vigilant in crowds and large gatherings.

Regional escalation

Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad.    

Political situation

The political environment in Egypt is restrictive. Security forces have responded violently to protests and disturbances, resulting in a number of deaths.

Protests, marches and demonstrations could happen across Egypt, particularly after Friday prayers. They are more common in cities and could happen at short notice. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests as the situation could change quickly and without warning. Police have used water cannons, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition as crowd control. The authorities may close public spaces, including parks and beaches, at short notice, particularly around holidays. If you do not follow their instructions, you could be fined or arrested.

Foreign nationals involved in any political activity or activities critical of the government may be at risk of detention or other measures.

There are reports that security personnel are checking personal electronic devices, particularly around public gathering places, such as Tahrir Square.  

Crime

Take extra care when travelling alone, particularly at night, in taxis and microbuses. The crime rate is generally low, but visitors have reported:

  • armed robberies
  • muggings, including in taxis
  • sexual assaults
  • break-ins to accommodation and cars
  • pickpocketing and bag-snatching

To report a crime, phone the tourist police on 126. If you do not report a crime before you leave Egypt, it will be difficult to prosecute later.

Sexual assault and harassment

A number of sexual assaults have been reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors.

The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. There have also been reports of hotel staff discouraging incidents being reported to local police. 

Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in buses, taxis and microbuses. If you are travelling on public transport including microbuses, avoid being the last passenger left on board.

Take extra precautions:

  • make sure children and young people are always accompanied by known and trusted people and not left alone with hotel or excursion staff
  • do not allow hotel staff to enter your room when you are alone – try to ensure a friend or relative is present
  • avoid travelling in a taxi alone – if this is not possible, apply extra security by sharing the details of your driver and trip with a friend, and using live location on WhatsApp
  • use reputable providers for any services and excursions, and carry out research beforehand, including by consulting your tour operator where you have one
  • avoid sharing personal contact or social media details

See advice for women travelling abroad and information for British nationals affected by rape or sexual assault abroad.

If you experience sexual harassment or assault, or if you feel threatened or unsafe, report it to the hotel or local authorities.

Tourist police: 126

Local police: 122

British Embassy in Cairo: +20 2 279 1 6000

All numbers provide English speakers.

Protecting your belongings

Take particular care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on bikes and snatch valuables.

Keep a copy of your passport, visa and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them and store them electronically so you can access them easily. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report. You will need a police report to get visa stamps transferred to your replacement passport.     

Scammers and touts at tourist sites

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers and touts target foreign nationals.

Touts may confront tourists at popular tourist sites, such as the Giza pyramids, and aggressively ask for money or business. This can even happen when you’re in a car or taxi. If you use a pre-booked guide or take an organised tour to visit the pyramids, you are likely to face fewer difficulties. 

Laws and cultural differences

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure you do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.

Religion

It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Ramadan in Egypt in 2025 will likely begin 28 February or 1 March and last for 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

  • check opening hours of shops and restaurants
  • be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
  • follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
  • be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
  • be patient and show tolerance

Personal ID

Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport. They may detain you if you cannot show it.

Dress code

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).

Behaviour in public

Showing affection in public is frowned upon. Holding hands is generally fine, but there are places in Egypt where this is looked down on. Behaviour accepted in tourist resort areas may not be tolerated elsewhere.

Alcohol laws

Drinking alcohol anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Illegal drugs penalties

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. People who get a life sentence on drugs charges normally spend the rest of their lives in prison with no chance of parole or a pardon.

Khat is illegal in Egypt.

Criticising the Egyptian government

Making political or negative comments about the Egyptian government, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. People have faced prison sentences for making insulting comments on social media.

Photography and filming restrictions

You must get a permit to enter Egypt with professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.

It is illegal to take or share photos that could be considered damaging to the country’s image.

Ministry of Tourism regulations on photography say that you must get an Egyptian citizen’s written permission before you take their photo. Taking pictures of children is prohibited. Do not photograph officials without their consent.

It is illegal to take photos of, or near, military property. This includes the Suez Canal.

The police have arrested British nationals for photographing churches, electricity stations, train stations and bridges. If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photos. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of:

  • embassies
  • government buildings
  • churches
  • religious buildings

Drones

It is illegal to use radio-controlled helicopters or drones to take photos near sensitive sites.     

Do not import, use or produce drones in Egypt unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives you permission beforehand. Anyone who uses or imports drones without permission could get a prison sentence of up to 7 years or a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.

There is little public acceptance of same-sex relationships in Egypt. Same-sex couples showing affection in public are likely to receive negative attention.

Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal. Some travellers have been arrested and imprisoned for this.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Child custody law

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law, particularly around child custody. See International parental child abduction for information and how to get assistance.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Insurance for adventure activities

Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, will cover the costs for any air or sea rescue, which can cost more than 4,000 US dollars per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only start rescue operations when they are guaranteed payment. Book excursions for activities at your resort or through approved agents or tour operators.

See Foreign travel insurance for more information.

Hot air balloons

Speak to your tour company before booking a hot air balloon flight. Some UK tour operators have stopped selling balloon flights because they have not been able to verify safety standards.

Diving and snorkelling

Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators vary considerably. Very inexpensive operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards. You should:

  • make bookings through your tour representative if possible
  • not dive or snorkel without a dive buddy or guide
  • not dive below your insurance policy’s depth limit – doing so will invalidate your cover

Shark attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region. Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Quad bikes and desert visits

There have been several serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.

Landmines

There is a small risk from unexploded landmines in some desert areas, including:

  • in north-west Egypt near El-Alamein
  • on limited stretches of the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matrouh
  • on the Red Sea coast south of Suez

Dangerous areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing. Take care and follow local advice, especially if planning trips off marked roads or paths.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Egypt, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

You can drive in Egypt using your UK licence and an IDP for up to 6 months. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an Egyptian driving licence.

Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seatbelts.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence in Egypt. If you are caught, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.      

You may not be allowed to import a vehicle into Egypt. If you want to bring in a vehicle temporarily, you must get a ‘carnet de passage’ from the Automobile Association.

Driving conditions

Accidents are common because of poor road conditions, dangerous driving and poor traffic law enforcement. Do not drive outside main cities and resorts at night. Make sure you have appropriate insurance.

Off-road travel

If you’re travelling off road, use a qualified guide and get a permit from the Ministry of Interior.   

Rail and bus travel

Serious bus crashes in recent years have caused many deaths, including tourists.

There have also been fatal train collisions and derailments.

Suspect devices have been found at train stations and on the rail network. While some have turned out to be hoaxes or false alarms, you should be vigilant as you would in the UK.

River and sea travel

Overcrowding and poor safety standards have caused accidents on Red Sea ferries and Nile cruises.

This section has safety advice for regions of Egypt. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where we advise against all but essential travel. There are active military operations targeting criminal activity in this area.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to North Sinai Governate due to continuing criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths. See Terrorism in Egypt.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai Governate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

We advise against all but essential travel due to criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths. See Terrorism.

If you plan to travel in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle from mainland Egypt through the Suez crossing, you must get a permit from Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. You should book any activities outside of resort areas through approved agents or tour operators.

There is no FCDO travel warning for Red Sea tourist areas in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula and further south. Security forces carry out routine checks on vehicles and at airports to protect resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam.

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the parts of the Ismailiyah Governorate which are east of the Suez Canal, due to ongoing military operations against terrorists and criminals. Egyptian authorities at checkpoints may prevent onward travel to this region. See Terrorism.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions due to risks from criminal activity and military operations, except for:

  • Luxor, Qina, Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel
  • the Faiyum Governorate
  • the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
  • the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
  • the oasis town of Siwa
  • the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
  • the White Desert and Black Desert
  • the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
  • the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
    • the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
    • the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
    • the road between Kharga and Baris
    • the road between Baris and Luxor

Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide. There is limited phone reception and poor medical facilities. Monitor travel advice and follow guidance from official guides and local authorities.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Al Bawiti and Siwa, including the desert areas near the start of the road in Bahariya. The road is closed and there are military checkpoints.

If you travel to the south-west corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya, you will need a permit from the Ministry of Interior. Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas.

Be extremely cautious in all border areas.

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

The Hala’ib Triangle remains disputed territory between Egypt and Sudan. If you’re in the Hala’ib Triangle and need urgent UK government support, contact the British Embassy in Cairo.

The Bir Tawil Trapezoid is unclaimed by either Egypt or Sudan. If you’re in this area and need urgent UK government support, contact FCDO in the last country you travelled through.

Egypt-Sudan border

People continue to try to cross the border from Sudan into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings – Qustul and Argeen. There is almost no infrastructure at these crossings. The nearest town in Sudan is Wadi Halfa, 30km from the border.

The British Embassy in Cairo does not have staff at the border and our ability to provide assistance is very limited. Travel in and from Sudan is at your own risk. See Sudan travel advice.

If you are a British national and have crossed into Egypt from Sudan without valid documents, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for support.

Telephone: + 20 (0) 2 2791 6000

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 123 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

See what health risks you’ll face in Egypt, including:  

  • dengue
  • tick-borne diseases such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Egypt. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Egypt. You may need permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health before you arrive. If you do not have prior permission or the required documentation, you will not be allowed to take the medication into Egypt and you may be prosecuted.

If you travel with prescription medication, carry a letter from your GP stating the:

  • condition you’re being treated for
  • amount of medication you will be carrying
  • medication is for your personal use only

For further information, contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.

Healthcare in Egypt    

Some hotel doctors have overcharged for treatment and medicines. Check your bill closely for excessive charges. Pharmacies outside hotels will often supply medication at lower prices.

Access to specialised treatment for psychiatric illness is limited and may not be available outside major cities.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Egypt where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Egypt

Ambulance: 123

Fire: 180

Police: 122

Tourist police: 126

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on TwitterFacebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Egypt and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Cairo.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Egypt on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Related Articles

City Highlight: Cairo

Amid ancient monuments, 19th century splendour and the buzz of modern technology, Cairo, Egypt’s capital, roars with life

13 of the best lost cities

Determined archaeologists have helped to uncover ancient lost cities and put them on the map again, and here are our top picks

Book a Hotel