Traveler Toolkit
10/05/2022 | Report
Egypt Country Security Report
6/3/2026 |
Report
Egypt Country Security Report
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Published: May 28, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Egypt Travel Advisory and Egypt Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo.
Tel: +20 2-2797-2301; After-hours Emergency: +20 2-2797-3300.
Hours of Operation: 0830-1700 Sunday-Thursday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Embassy hosts OSAC Country Chapter meetings on a semiannual basis with ad-hoc meetings as necessary. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Egypt Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Egypt at Level 2, indicating that travelers should exercise increase caution due to terrorism, crime, and health. Dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens should understand that the Embassy’s ability to provide assistance may be limited, as the Egyptian citizenship takes primacy for the Egyptian Government. U.S. citizens should note that certain areas, such as the western desert and most of the Sinai Peninsula have increased risk, and the Embassy’s ability to provide assistance may be delayed due to permissions required to access these areas.
Do not travel to:
- The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism.
- The Western Desert due to its remoteness and proliferation of smuggling operations. Personnel intending to travel to this area should engage the services of a professionally licensed tour company.
- Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State assessed Cairo as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Crime: General Threat
Instances of sexual harassment and minor property-related crimes of opportunity continue to be the most common criminal threat. Women should be cautious when riding public transportation alone and walking alone. When using public transportation like (taxis or ride-share services), passengers, particularly women, should use basic safety precautions, such as sitting behind the driver, using location tracking capabilities, etc.
In crowded areas, foreigners can be subject to pickpocket-related ruses, and theft of items left unattended. Pedestrians with bags should be situationally aware and maintain positive control, as there have been instances of individuals on motorcycles having snatched handbags from pedestrians.
While tourist areas and high foot traffic areas are generally safe, people should avoid walking in dark, isolated areas.
Be cautious to avoid being overcharged for various services and becoming a victim of scams common in tourist destinations worldwide. Expect to encounter aggressive vendors at tourist attractions and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts or help taking photos of tourists which, once accepted, often lead to demands for money. Harassment can occur anywhere. Most tourist sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.
Crime: Areas of Concern
U.S. Embassy personnel traveling outside Cairo require advance notice or approval prior to commencing travel and are advised to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings at all times.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Ins and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt.
Although there have been reports of kidnappings in rural areas, their occurrence is infrequent and typically involve tribal communities. Kidnappings are less common in major cities.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Cairo as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt that could occur with little or no warning. Historically, terrorists have successfully conducted non-complex attacks against government and diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, and resorts. Religious sites, including mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations, have also been targeted. However, Egypt has seen a significant decrease in terrorist activity over the last four years.
The last bombing outside of the northern Sinai Peninsula occurred in 2019, outside of the National Cancer Institute in Cairo. In October 2023, two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed by an Egyptian police officer at a tourist site in Alexandria. Although the police officer is not linked to any radical or extremist organizations, the killing occurred one day after the Hamas attack on Israel. In May 2024, a foreign national was shot and killed in Alexandria with motivations possibly related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Several terrorist organizations operate in Egypt. The most active is the self-proclaimed ISIS-Sinai Province, also known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM), an ISIS affiliate, which pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014. Other terrorist groups include ISIS in Egypt, Harakat Sawa'd Misr (HASM), and other various smaller terrorist elements.
Terrorist attacks have primarily, but not exclusively, occurred in the northern Sinai Peninsula, particularly the northeastern area of the North Sinai Governorate, which are believed to house a small pocket of insurgents. However, there have been no major terrorism related attacks in northern Sinai in three years, as the Government of Egypt has invested considerable resources in the security, given the significance of the area to peace negotiations. Most attacks in North Sinai have targeted the Egyptian government (military installations and personnel). Egyptian security forces launched “Operation Sinai 2018,” resulting in a significant intensification of counterterrorism military activity in North Sinai.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Cairo as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Recent elections in Egypt, including the December 2023 presidential election, were peaceful, with a strong police presence at the polling stations and no significant security issues.
Protests & Demonstrations
Political protests are rare. Egypt’s demonstrations law prohibits gatherings of more than ten people without advance permission from the Ministry of Interior. Previous demonstrations led to violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage. Bystanders and those participating in unauthorized demonstrations, even if peaceful, may be subject to questioning, detention, arrest, and conviction. If protests were to occur, they would likely result in clashes with police and security forces and the arrests and extended pretrial detention of any participants. While there may be periods when crowds appear celebratory or non-threatening, criminal acts could still occur under the anonymity a large crowd provides.
Since the start of the Gaza war, the Government of Egypt has allowed only limited protests around Cairo and in other areas to show support for the Palestinian cause and against displacement. These protests were structured and controlled leading to no civil unrest, though some were arrested who did not promptly disperse. At the onset of the Israel-Hamas War there were protests on college campuses in Cairo as well; however, they did not result in lawlessness. There have been several petitions to protest the U.S. Embassy over the last 12 months; however, protest groups have been unable to obtain permits for the semi-secure enclave where the Embassy is located.
In January 2025, Egyptian activists and protestors participated in demonstrations at the Rafah border crossing in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, most of which were government sanctioned and/or orchestrated.
In June 2025, foreign protestors from several western countries participated in the Global March to Gaza, intending to travel to the Rafah border crossing to demonstrate solidarity with Gazans. Egyptian authorities warned that protestors would need to request formal authorization to enter the northern Sinai, and deported and detained hundreds of foreign nationals.
Authorities quashed previous unauthorized demonstrations in a relatively short time. It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings, or their respective personnel; authorities enforce the law in the context of demonstrations.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Sporadic sectarian violence has not targeted foreigners. Some small demonstrations have taken place against U.S. policy toward the Israel-Hamas conflict, but there have been no reported incidents of anti-American or anti-Western violence.
Law Enforcement
The consolidated emergency services number to reach police, ambulance, and fire brigade is 112.
The Ministry of Interior supervises law enforcement and internal security, including the Public Security Sector Police, the Central Security Force, the National Security Sector (NSS), and the Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration. The Public Security Sector Police are responsible for law enforcement nationwide. The Central Security Force protects infrastructure and is responsible for crowd control. The NSS investigates any type of internal security threats, such as those posed by terrorist groups, organized crime, and foreign intelligence agencies. The Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration is responsible for issuing travel documents, processing immigration requests, and managing citizenship issues.
The armed forces report to the Ministery of Defense (MoD) and are authorized to protect critical infrastructure and conduct policing operations during a state of emergency. The armed forces operate in North Sinai as part of a broader national counterterrorism operation with general detention authority. The Border Guard Forces, also under MoD, are responsible for border control. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There were reports that members of the security forces committed numerous abuses.
Police Response
Foreigners may experience varying levels of professionalism when dealing with the police. Police are generally responsive to visitors in need of assistance and initiate investigations based on reports of criminal activity. Emergency response times and the ability to conduct in-depth criminal investigations on petty crimes generally fall short of Western standards. While misdemeanor crimes may not receive the attention a visitor would expect, police tend to pursue felonies more assertively. Egyptian authorities take crime seriously and are proactive in helping where needed, but language barriers can sometimes hinder progress with reporting crimes in a timely manner.
Transportation
Road Safety
Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous with vehicle and pedestrian road accidents continuing to be a significant safety concern. Intercity roads are generally in fair to good condition, but drivers rarely adhere to traffic regulations and routinely make abrupt stops to pick up or drop off passengers. Fortunately, due to the congestion most intercity accidents occur at low speeds and rarely result in significant injuries or damage. However, highway accidents oftentimes result in significant injuries and occasionally deaths. Although the highway system is new and well-constructed, untrained drivers, stopped or mechanically deficient vehicles, stray animals and pedestrians, inadequate lighting, and sandstorms present significant hazards, especially during periods of low light. Drivers should exercise extreme caution on highways, and especially during the rare winter rains, which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding; Egyptian drivers are not familiar with driving in wet conditions, making such periods particularly hazardous. If you are involved in a vehicle accident, please remain on scene and call 112 if it is safe to do so. If the other party or bystanders become agitated or aggressive then it is recommended expeditiously depart the scene for the nearest police station.
Cairo: Driving Cairo’s busy streets can be extremely challenging for those used to driving in accordance with enforced rules and regulations. Drivers must take the utmost precaution and drive defensively. Even seasoned residents must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the hectic streets of the capital. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules. Although the enforcement of traffic laws is generally lax and unpredictable, foreigners may be subject to extra scrutiny. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment. Expect vehicles without headlights at night; few if any road markings; vehicles traveling at high rates of speed; vehicles traveling the wrong direction on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps; drivers ignoring lane markings and squeezing vehicles in between lane markers, creating additional vehicle lanes; a high volume of pedestrians dodging traffic; and a variety of animals wandering the roadways.
Visitors intending to drive in Egypt should carefully consider other options, such as a utilizing rideshares or a hired driver.
Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution, especially in high-volume/high-velocity streets like Cairo’s Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the Nile River, and Alexandria’s Corniche along the Mediterranean.
Border Regions: Egypt’s borders are under military control; movement of non-military persons and vehicles is substantially restricted, and in some cases prohibited, within these areas. Travelers must obtain permission and a travel route from the Egyptian Military Intelligence and the Tourist Police Headquarters via a local or overseas travel agency to access Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and parts of the Sinai Peninsula off paved roads.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Careem are common modes of transportation in Egypt's large cities. U.S. Embassy employees are permitted to use ride-sharing apps but not taxis. In taxis, foreigners can be targets for higher taxi fares and drivers sometimes claim their meter is broken, or blame fare increases on language barriers. For safety purposes when using taxis, females have found it helpful to sit in the back seat and refrain from engaging in conversation with the driver.
Buses & Trains: U.S. government personnel may not use public buses, microbuses, trains (with the exception of the Talgo, Spanish, and French trains from Cairo to Alexandria), or certain apps (such as Uber Bus). Trains have a history of accidents that sometimes involve mass casualties; however, Egypt has recently undertaken modernization of some of the regional trains.
Cairo Metro: U.S. government personnel may use the Cairo Metro; however, overcrowding places travelers at risk of opportunistic crimes (e.g., pickpocketing, sexual harassment), common in many major cities.
U.S. government personnel may travel outside of Greater Cairo north to Alexandria and North Coast beach resorts, as well as the western side of the Red Sea and south along the Nile River. Travel to Upper Egypt is generally accomplished by commercial air. Embassy policy prohibits personal travel via privately-owned vehicle to Sinai Peninsula except for travel to Sharm el-Sheikh. Additionally, Egyptian authorities prohibit 4x4 vehicles from transiting across the Suez Canal into the Sinai Peninsula, including to Sharm el-Sheikh. U.S. government personnel are permitted to travel to Luxor via private vehicle. Daylight travel is recommended.
Embassy personnel are also not authorized to travel to the Western Desert.
Aviation Concerns
At Cairo International Airport (CAI), large crowds waiting for arriving passengers gather outside Terminal 3 for EgyptAir but no longer have access to the inside of the terminal. U.S. Embassy personnel typically arrange for an expeditor and/or trusted transportation company to pick them up inside the terminal. Taxis are available at the terminals at all airports, but signs warn travelers to beware of unauthorized chauffeurs.
In 2015, a Russian commercial jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Sharm El-Sheik International Airport (SSH), a popular tourist destination on the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. Although Egypt has not officially announced the findings of its investigation, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, publishing a photo of what it says is the improvised explosive device (IED) that brought the aircraft down. Since the incident, Egypt has made significant improvements to airport security. In 2021, social media posted Russia would resume flight itineraries to Egypt.
In 2019, the United Kingdom resumed direct flights to SSH after lifting its four-year ban. There is international acknowledgement of the significant security improvements at SSH, and the Egyptian authorities’ openness to improving security measures. International air carriers have enhanced security measures.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
The Egyptian Ministry of Defense provides security for all waterways and ports. Although the southern end of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are prime territory for instances of piracy, there is no indication of pirate targeting or terrorist activity along Egypt’s Red or Mediterranean Sea coasts, or in the Suez Canal. However, the Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea between the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa, affecting traffic moving into the Suez Canal. In December 2022, there was a terrorist attack in Ismailia on a police checkpoint. Though in close proximity to the Suez Canal, it was not targeted nor affected by the incident.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Egypt, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt.
The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law does not recognize dual citizenship. Travelers should be cognizant of this prior to travel to Egypt.
The Egyptian legal system is different from that in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence and due process. Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning. Police arrest suspects when there is evidence to suggest one has committed a felony or misdemeanor. Police may detain anyone without affording access to immediate legal counsel during the investigative stage of a criminal case. Punishments often are harsher in Egypt than they are in the United States for comparable crimes.
Upon arrest for any reason, make every effort to contact the U.S. Embassy, or ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Although protocol requires police services to notify the Embassy in the event of an arrest of a U.S. citizen, this may not always be the case depending on the time, place, and circumstances surrounding the arrest. Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens; Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy in these cases. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify the Embassy if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not consistently implement the law effectively, and officials sometimes engage in corrupt practices
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt indicating that health risks are present, including current disease outbreaks or crises that disrupt a country’s medical infrastructure. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
The consolidated emergency services number is 112. Medical care generally falls short of U.S. standards, but there are many Western-trained medical professionals. While medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in areas tourists visit frequently, emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Although availability of ambulances is improving, getting them through Cairo traffic can be very challenging.
Most Nile cruise boats do not have a ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner with uncertain qualifications. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh are not outfitted to U.S. standards, and those at most other ports of call are inadequate.
Water-borne illness: Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, swimming in the Nile or its canals, walking barefoot in stagnant water, or drinking untreated water puts you at risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis (bilharzia).
Food-borne illness: It is generally safe to eat freshly prepared cooked food in hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in mainstream restaurants. When selecting a restaurant, select a clean and reputable place, eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods, and avoid all uncooked food, including raw fruits and vegetables.
Mosquito-borne diseases: Mosquito-borne diseases, while rare, do occur in Egypt. Most Red Sea resorts have established mosquito control programs.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Egypt has experienced a major upswing in the abuse of the narcotic Tramadol. As a result, travelers with the drug – even those carrying valid prescriptions – have faced major problems at points of entry.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water outside of major cities may not be potable. Tourists often drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally safe if the seal is intact.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Egypt.
Egypt is a geologically active region; seismic activity occurs on occasion. Although earthquakes are rare, damage can be severe, especially to older buildings, due to lax building codes and inferior construction. The last earthquake to result in major damage was in 1996.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Exercise caution when using social networking sites and accessing personal email accounts. VPNs are also highly recommended on electronic devices.
The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of online financial scams, often involving a fraudulent romantic partner requesting money for hospital bills or legal expenses to depart Egypt. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Be skeptical about sending money to or spending money on anyone known only through online contact.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no unusual counterintelligence issues affecting private-sector operations in Egypt.
Import/Export Restrictions
Importation of all types of drones, including small civilian drones used for personal or tourist purposes is strictly prohibited. Potential penalties for violating are harsh; a recently passed law authorizes the death penalty for using a drone in support of terrorist activity.
Egypt prohibits the import of advanced communications equipment (satellite phones), and equipment characterized as law enforcement or military in nature. Expect camera and photography equipment outside of what is typical for tourism purposes to be scrutinized.
Egyptian law prohibits the unauthorized removal of antiquities (including historic coins, ceramics, and architectural elements) from archaeological sites and other sources in Egypt. Egyptian law also forbids the intentional damaging of antiquities, such as inscribing or painting on them or attaching advertisements. The trade, sale, or export in antiquities is also heavily restricted and regulated. Travelers found to be looting or damaging archaeological sites, buying antiquities, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt may be prosecuted. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.
Attempting to enter or depart Egypt with any instruments of currency in the sum of more than $10,000 could result in the confiscation of any money over $10,000 and other penalties.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.