Consider the security situation and risks to your safety in different locations. See Safety
Landmines
There are landmines in some areas, notably:
- the desert areas around El Alamein
- stretches of coastline near Mersa Matruh
- the western shore of the Gulf of Suez
- the Sinai Peninsula
Before you go, tell local authorities of your planned travel. Ask them about current risks and precautions for your route and destination.
Travel restrictions and disruptions
If you travel around Egypt, you may be stopped at military and civilian checkpoints. Officials at checkpoints have detained and harassed foreigners.
Sinai
Rules apply to people entering the Sinai, including via the Ahmed Hamdi tunnel. When you enter you must present one of the following:
- a valid form of ID with a Sinai address
- proof of ownership or rental contracts of property in the Sinai
- hard copy evidence of hotel reservations
Land borders
Egypt’s borders are under military control.
The military restricts and, in some cases, bans the movement of civilians and vehicles.
You need permission to cross borders off the main sealed roads. This includes at borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel and parts of the Sinai. Get permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior.
Gaza Strip
If, despite our advice, you plan to cross from Egypt into the Gaza strip:
You must get permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing.
If you enter the Gaza Strip through this border, you must leave the same way.
You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for a long time, possibly weeks, while waiting for approval to return.
The Australian Government can’t influence the granting of approval or when the crossing will open. Our ability to provide consular help in Gaza is extremely limited.
Other borders
Road travel to Abu Simbel, 40km north of the Sudanese border, can be dangerous. If you do, go on an organised tour guarded by police escorts.
There’s a high threat of terrorist attack within 50km of Egypt’s border with Libya. Deadly attacks have recently occurred in the area.
Driving permit
You can’t drive in Egypt on your Australian driver’s licence.
Before arriving in Egypt, get an international driver’s permit and get an embassy or consulate of Egypt to certify it.
Road travel
Road travel can be dangerous. You’re twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Egypt as in Australia.
Road conditions are poor. Cars, buses and trucks frequently drive at high speed and without headlights at night.
Road accidents occur often. In January 2007, Australians were killed and injured in 2 major bus crashes.
Where possible, avoid travelling by road. Visit regional places, including Luxor, by other means.
More information:
Motorcycles
Take extra care if you plan to ride a motorbike. Be alert to the different road conditions.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Cairo and Alexandria have a lot of taxis.
In Cairo, taxis are white. In Alexandria, taxis are black and yellow.
All taxis should have a meter. The law requires drivers to use their meters. However, many taxi drivers will claim that the meter is broken and try to negotiate a fare.
Not all taxis have seatbelts, especially in the back seats. Ride-sharing services are common in Egypt.
Sexual harassment of women by taxi drivers is common.
Avoid taxis, especially if you’re a woman and on your own.
If you use a taxi, travel with people you know.
Public transport
The Cairo Metro subway system is generally reliable.
Maintenance and safety standards of other public road and rail transport are poor.
More information:
Rail travel
Train travel is generally safe but accidents do occur.
In 2017, an express train travelling between Cairo and Alexandria collided with a passenger train traveling between Port Said and Alexandria. The collision caused many deaths and injuries.
There have been many train derailments on the Cairo-Aswan line. Several people were injured when a train derailed between Aswan and Luxor in 2016.
Sea travel
Piracy and armed robbery are risks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates. This includes commercial vessels, pleasure craft and luxury cruise liners.
The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.
If you plan to travel by boat, be highly alert and cautious in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Air travel
EgyptAir Flight MS804 from Paris to Cairo crashed into the Mediterranean in May 2016. The cause of the plane crash remains unknown. Investigations continue.
In March 2016, a man wearing a fake bomb-vest hijacked EgyptAir Flight MS181, a domestic flight between Alexandria and Cairo. All on board were later released without harm. The incident wasn’t politically motivated.
After the crash, the Australian Government banned air cargo that came from, or transited through, Egypt from entering Australia. The only items allowed to enter are those already exempt from screening under Australian Regulations. This includes diplomatic bags and smaller items of international mail.
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Egypt’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information: