Egypt travel advice

FCDO notice

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the region remains unpredictable. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. On 29 July, an apparent drone strike and fire caused damage to two ships moored off Damietta, in northern Egypt.

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

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 Palestine  

International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine 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 Palestine travel advice.  

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). 

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

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.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.