Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt.

Irish citizens are strongly advised not to seek to travel to or from Gaza via the Rafah border crossing. Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged). independent travel to remote desert areas close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders due to heightened concerns about the security situation there; Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and immediate surrounds and Marsa Alam and immediate surrounds. U.S. citizens who have experienced difficulty with their visa status in Egypt or are concerned about their eligibility for a visa upon arrival should apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate prior to travel,but a visa obtained prior to entry does not guarantee admission to Egypt. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Most sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations. If you have any concerns, you should contact the Egyptian consulate. U.S. citizen tourists can forward their complaints for investigation to the Tourist Police Headquarters. Travelers may be prosecuted if found to be looting or damaging archaeological sites, buying antiquities, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt.

It is assessed that there is a high risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt. Where possible, women should not travel alone and if travelling in a public transport car alone with a male driver should sit in the back seat behind the driver.

See ourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and sections 1c and 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details.

Garden City, Cairo

If youre travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If one violate local laws, even unknowingly, one may be denied entry, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. The majority of attacks are targeted at the security services, and sometimes against the Christian minority in Egypt There have been no terrorist attacks in major cities or tourist destinations since 2019. Travelers should be conscious of their behavior and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. Egypts National Council for Women provides some assistance to women who are victims of domestic violence, or other complaints, at phone number 15115 or website: http://www.oo-ncw.org.

Travelers are urged to be especially cautious in these areas. Although same-sex activity is not explicitly criminalised, the charge of debauchery has been used to prosecute LGBTI people.

Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible. Drinking in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is against the law. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Check what you must do to return to the UK, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, What to do if youre affected by a crisis overseas. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (, The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to. Egypt is in an active earthquake zone and there have been occasional earthquakes, with the last major one in 1992. Irish citizens should be aware that efforts are frequently made to conclude fraudulent marriages usually with the intention of gaining residency and ultimately citizenship in Ireland. Egypt has one of the highest occurrences of road fatalities per mile driven in the world. Vaccinations:Travelers should be up-to-date on all recommendedvaccinations, per CDCs information. U.S. citizens should also carry identification and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt, and it is advisable to pre-program the U.S. Embassys telephone number (+20 2 2797-3300) and email address (ConsularCairoACS@state.gov) into the device.

For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Even residents of Cairo must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the capitals hectic streets. Vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern. What in Ireland is regarded as ordinary social interaction, for example eye contact and smiling, may be regarded in Egypt as flirtation. They can also advise on how long your passport must be valid for.

For the latest update please read the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory >. Travel to the Libyan and Sudanese borders is also not recommended. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Insurance:Travelers should make sure their health insurance plan covers them when outside of the United States. Harassment of women, including foreigners, remains a serious problem.

It is advisable to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business. Travelers to Gaza from Egypt should read the, Diplomatic and Official passport holders, when entering Egypt for official business, are required to have visas. The trade, sale, or export in antiquities is also heavily restricted and regulated.

In general tap water is not safe to drink. You should therefore take sensible precautions: Dont carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Common scams include: 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. Irish citizens should remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, including any restrictions on movement in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, and monitor local media (including social media) for up to date information. Well send you a link to a feedback form. 17 Elfaraana Street The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone. Crime:Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Egypts Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Egypts air carrier operations. Egypt is a very popular scuba diving destination. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments, avoid demonstrations, and be vigilant regarding their personal security at all times throughout the country.

Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces, pedestrians, stray animals, sandstorms and fog, vehicles without lights, and disabled vehicles without reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark. Email:ConsularCairoACS@state.gov

Criminal Penalties: Travelers are subject to local laws. The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. citizen women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape in Egypt. The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of . The U.S. Embassy is unable to intervene in these situations.

There have been numerous accidents in recent years involving buses, micro-buses, trains and metro services which have resulted in a considerable number of deaths, including foreign tourists.

Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. 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. Evidence of a previous visit to Israel like as an Israeli entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally cause any difficulties when entering Egypt. The 30-day visa requires the submission of a travel agency support letter that may be obtained from travel agents at the border; their fees for providing this service vary. Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(20) 2-2797-3300. Independent travel to remote areas is strongly discouraged. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Police and military are also engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and the Nile Valley. The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. The authorities in Egypt set and enforce entry rules. Crime remains relatively low in Egypt but there has been an increase in violent crime including armed robbery and car-jackings in recent years. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).

Traffic Laws:Although the enforcement of traffic laws generally is lax, foreigners are subject to extra scrutiny and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment.

For additional information on entering Egypt, please contact the nearestEgyptian Embassyor Consulate or visit theEgyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairswebsite.

Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning. Read thecountry information page for additional information on travel to Egypt.

There is much ambiguity in Egyptian law about homosexuality.

It is, however, for the Egyptian authorities to determine the right of entry into the country.

Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472 You can get a visa before you travel from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert.

The Egyptian government screens travelers before allowing entry/exit through the Rafah border crossing with Gaza. Irish citizens should also avoid the vicinity of major security/police or government buildings, and should not take photographs of security installations. The definition of these areas is not always clear and will not be obvious to independent travellers. The Egyptian legal system is different from the legal system in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence, due process, and rule of law. This page has information on travelling to Egypt. Irish citizens should also be aware that Egyptian family law is subject to religious affiliation. Contact our Embassy in Cairo for assistance.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt.

The Egyptian government has attempted to address security concerns and has visibly augmented its security presence at tourist locations, but challenges persist, and the threat of terrorism remains. To leave Egypt on an ETD you will need to visit an Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office to complete the exit formalities. Irish citizens should avoid all travel to Northern Sinai, including the Taba-Suez road, where the security situation is extremely dangerous. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations. 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 the money over $10,000 and other penalties. You will not normally be allowed to leave without paying a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings. The vast majority of criminal acts against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. We strongly advise Irish citizens planning to marry Egyptians to ensure they have a thorough knowledge of their prospective spouse. Dual U.S.-Egyptian Citizens: Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens and thus the Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy when a dual national is detained, or provide information about their alleged crime. Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution on high-volume/high-velocity streets, like Cairos Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the Nile River, and Alexandrias Corniche along the Mediterranean. U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or more in non-criminal cases, including immigration violations. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you may bring in, but sums that exceed USD 10,000 should be declared on arrival. Egypt

Drivers should be prepared for unlit vehicles at night, few road markings, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, vehicles traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps, pedestrians dodging in and out of traffic, and domesticated animals on the roadways. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and adventure facilities may not frequently occur.

Rafah border crossing is also often closed. For further information and specific queries, contact the Egyptian Medical Office in London on 020 7370 6944. Homophobia is common everywhere. Road Conditions and Safety:Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous. Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Egypt and cant be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypts Ministry of Health. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Egyptian law does not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, but LGBTI persons and advocacy groups have reported harassment, intimidation, arrests, and other forms of abuse, including by police. Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafs, train and bus stations. There have been incidents of tourists being arrested for taking photos outside government buildings, train stations and of other edifices such as bridges. Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due to the Embassys limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. U.S. citizens who arrive as tourists but want to change their status after arrival in country may acquire a three-month tourist/non-working residency visa to allow sufficient time to change their status from tourist to worker. tourist areas in the Nile river, (such as Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, including to Irish citizens should be aware of the hazardous driving conditions in Egypt. If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere. LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt.

Egypt is a conservative and mostly Muslim society and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300

A U.S. citizen departing Egypt with a dual-national child (U.S.-Egyptian) may be required by Egyptian immigration officers at the airport to demonstrate that they have proof of consent of the non-traveling Egyptian parent. The Government of Egypt opens this border on an infrequent and unpredictable basis. The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit uses anonline appointment systemfor those coming to the Embassy to receive routine consular services Sunday through Wednesday, except for official holidays (U.S. and Egyptian). People who take photographs and videos of security installations or security vehicles and equipment or Government buildings have been arrested and had their cameras confiscated.

To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify the ACS Unit at U.S. Embassy Cairo if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so.

Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Prosecutions are increasingly brought under the Cybercrime law for social media and dating app posts. For more information see: The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism. Dont carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home. If caught up in a demonstration, Irish citizens should not attempt to take photographs/ videos and should leave the area immediately.

Some will offer free gifts to tourists which, once accepted,lead to demands for money. The U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters to exit Egypt. Women have beengroped in taxis and while in public places. Penalties for drug offenses can be particularly severe, including life in prison or the death penalty. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States.

Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Irish citizens should ensure that they carry valid i.d. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe if the seal is intact.

This is also true for dual nationals who remain in Egypt for more than six months.

Additionally, terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations. For emergencies during and after business hours, including on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the ACS Unit via the Embassy switchboard at 02-2797-3300. Alexandria British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa. You dont need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Egypt. If you have to deal with any legal matters in Egypt, particularly about family law, we strongly advise you to get professional legal advice. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution. Irish citizens should ensure that that they carry valid ID with them at all times. Some passport offices outside of Cairo may assist, but in many cases you will have to complete the formalities at the Passport and Immigration Office, 12 Al Seka Al Bayda, Sarayat, Waily, Abbassia, (next to the Abbassia Police Academy), Cairo.

Theres a limit of 5,000 Egyptian pounds that you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt. Where they are available, women should use the women only carriages of trains.

Check no one has followed you after conducting your business. Crosswalks are not in widespread use and motorists have the right of way.

Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months.

During Ramadan, Muslims, who make up the majority of Egypts population, are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Entry requirements for Egypt are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment. Tap water in some locations is not potable. Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for further information on customs requirements. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm el Sheikh are adequate, but they are inadequate at most other ports-of-call.

Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. Between December 2018 and May 2019, terrorist incidents in tourist areas in greater Cairo killed four tourists and wounded at least 18 others. with them at all times. Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be denied entry and required to remain in the airport transit area, at their own expense, until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged. Potential penalties for violating are harsh, and a recently passed law authorizes the death penalty for using a drone in support of terrorist activity.