Travel Advice for Egypt - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
/Advice/Egypt?20000801EGThursday, 03 May 2012, 15:24:23, +1000
2012 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeWhile every care has been taken in preparing this travel
information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its
agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff
abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in
respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels
| Egypt overall | Reconsider your need to travel |
| Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea resorts (such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada) | High degree of caution |
It includes new information in the Summary and under Safety and security: Terrorism (revised text on the Sinai). The overall level of advice has not changed. We advise Australians to Reconsider their need to travel to the Sinai (except Sharm el Sheikh).
It includes new information in the Summary and under Safety and security: Terrorism (revised text on the Sinai). The overall level of advice has not changed. We advise Australians to “Reconsider their need to travel” to the Sinai (except Sharm el Sheikh).
Summary
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Egypt because of the unsettled security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack.
If you are currently in Egypt and hold concerns for your safety, you should consider leaving. If you decide to remain in Egypt, you should exercise extreme caution.
Presidential elections are scheduled for the period 23 May to 17 June 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are expected during this period. Recent protests have become violent. You should exercise extreme caution in the period surrounding elections as protests and unrest could occur.
Violent demonstrations and clashes between protestors and security forces continue to occur across Egypt, including in central Cairo (particularly Tahrir square) and in other cities, such as Alexandria and Suez, since the resignation of President Mubarak and the transfer of power to the Armed Forces in February 2011. The security situation remains unsettled and demonstrations could occur at any time, particularly after Friday prayers. All demonstrations should be avoided as they may turn violent.
Civil policing has been uncertain since late January 2011 and self protection groups have formed in some areas. The army is on the streets of the main towns. Arson and looting have occurred.
Since early 2011, there has been an increase in crime in Egypt, including violent crime such as armed robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and burglary. Firearms have been used during some crimes. Valuables such as cash, jewellery and electronic items should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in public areas. Victims of crime should report the incident to the tourist police immediately.
There has been an increase in sectarian tensions in Egypt. These tensions have resulted in violent clashes. On 9 October 2011 demonstrations by Coptic protestors became violent resulting in at least 25 dead. Australians should be aware that Islamist extremists have made threats against Coptic churches in Egypt.
You should reconsider your need to travel to the Sinai (except for Sharm el Sheikh, where you should exercise a high degree of caution) due to the unsettled security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack. In 2012, there have been a number of abductions along the road to St Catherine’s Monastery. Travellers to Sharm el Sheikh are strongly encouraged to travel by air.
Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Egypt, including in tourist areas. For a list of possible targets, see Safety and Security: Terrorism. Some past attacks have coincided with local holiday weekends.
The WHO has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Egypt. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Egypt.
Australians in Egypt should pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Egypt for the most up-to-date information.
Immigration authorities may require proof that children of Egyptian fathers have their father's approval to leave Egypt before the children are allowed to depart.
Only EGP 5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt at any one time. Cash amounts of hard currency over US$10,000 (or its equivalent) should be declared. Undeclared cash over this total may be confiscated.
Vehicles may be subject to pest control measures. You should comply with instructions from local officials.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Egypt if you have come from or transited an area where there is a risk of transmission.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Civil unrest/Political tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Egypt due to the unsettled security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack.
If you are in Egypt, and hold concerns for your safety, you should consider leaving. If you decide to remain in Egypt you should exercise extreme caution.
You should avoid all demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent and closely monitor media for information on events and developments that may affect your security and safety. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring you should either leave, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows. Foreigners are prohibited by law from participating in demonstrations. Those who do so may be arrested.
Security situation remains unsettled
Violent demonstrations and clashes between protestors and security forces continue to occur across Egypt, including in central Cairo (particularly Tahrir square) and in other cities, such as Alexandria and Suez, since the resignation of President Mubarak and the transfer of power to the Armed Forces in February 2011. The security situation remains unsettled and demonstrations could occur at any time, particularly after Friday prayers. Widespread protests in early February 2012 have resulted in multiple deaths. On 19 and 20 November 2011, at least 13 people were reportedly killed and over 1000 injured. All demonstrations should be avoided as they may turn violent.
Tahrir Square and its immediate surrounds have become the focus of protest activity in Cairo. This includes the nearby TV Building on Corniche El-Nil between the 6 October and 15 May bridges in the Maspero area. Trials of ex-President Mubarak and senior members of his regime are being held at the Police Academy in the northern outskirts of Cairo. You should avoid these locations but demonstrations could spill over into other areas with little or no warning.
Presidential elections May-June 2012
Presidential elections are scheduled for the period 23 May to 17 June 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are expected during this period. Some recent protests have become violent. You should exercise extreme caution in the period surrounding elections as protests and unrest could occur.
Sectarian violence
There has been an increase in sectarian tensions in Egypt. These tensions have resulted in violent clashes. On 1 January 2011 a bomb exploded outside a Christian church in Alexandria, resulting in a number of fatalities. On 9 October 2011 demonstrations by Coptic protestors became violent resulting in at least 27 dead. Australians should be aware that Islamist extremists have made threats against Coptic churches in Egypt.
Curfews can be imposed or amended without warning. Monitor the local media for further information.
You should be aware that protests and labour disputes throughout Egypt continue to disrupt transport. You should monitor local media and check with your tour operator, airline, or travel agent for information on transport disruptions.
You should register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency. If you need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Cairo on +20 2 575 0444 or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Egypt. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. These include places frequented by foreigners such as embassies, hotels, holiday resorts, clubs, restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres, schools, banks, markets, shopping centres, supermarkets, places of worship, public transport and transport infrastructure such as the Cairo metro system and its stations, outdoor recreation events, and commercial, public and tourist areas. Shipping, ports and symbols of the Egyptian government, including government buildings, polling places, police and security forces, are also potential terrorist targets.
Tourist areas throughout Egypt are potential terrorist targets. Past terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists and places of worship. They have often coincided with holiday weekends. There is a significant security presence at most places frequented by tourists and places of worship.
In February 2009, an explosion occurred outside the Khan el-Khalili bazaar (near the Al Hussein Mosque), a central tourist destination in Cairo, killing one foreign tourist and injuring a number of other people.
Sinai (except Sharm el Sheikh): You should reconsider your need to travel to the Sinai (except for Sharm el Shaikh, where you should exercise a high degree of caution) due to the unsettled security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack. On 29 July 2011, armed militants attacked a police station in the town or Arish, five people were killed and many injured. The Egyptian military have since launched a crackdown on extremist groups in the Sinai. On 18 August 2011, terrorists attacked civilian targets near the Israeli town of Eilat. The terrorists allegedly crossed into Israel from Egyptian Sinai.
You should avoid travel by road through the Sinai, as there is also a high threat of kidnapping and banditry. In 2012, there have been a number of abductions along the road to St Catherine’s Monastery, with foreign tourists being held by gunmen before later being released. You should reconsider your need to travel to St Catherine’s Monastery (including day trips). If you do use this road, you should exercise extreme caution. Travellers to Sharm el Sheikh are strongly encouraged to travel by air.
Australians could be inadvertently caught up in terrorist attacks directed at others, including kidnapping. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea resorts (such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada): We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts due to the threat of a terrorist attack. While the risk of civil disturbances is lower in Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts than in other parts of Egypt, the risk of a terrorist attack remains high. Australians could be inadvertently caught up in terrorist attacks directed at others. Travellers to Sharm el Sheikh are strongly encouraged to travel by air.
Crime
Since early 2011, there has been an increase in crime in Egypt, including violent crime such as armed robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and burglary. Firearms have been used during some crimes.
Valuables such as cash, jewellery and electronic items should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in public places. Victims of crime should report the incident to the tourist police immediately. Failure to do so before you depart Egypt may make it impossible to seek prosecution at a later date. The police contact number is 122.
You should be aware that taxi drivers have assaulted passengers, including foreigners.
Women travelling on their own, including when using taxis and walking in public areas, may be physically and verbally harassed or assaulted.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Australians are urged to take the current security situation into consideration when moving around Egypt. Foreigners have been detained and harassed at military and civilian checkpoints.
Local driving practices and poor road conditions contribute to a high rate of road accidents in Egypt. Road travel, particularly outside the major cities, can be dangerous as cars, buses and trucks frequently drive at high speed and without headlights illuminated at night. Two major bus crashes in January 2006, in which Australians were killed and injured, highlight the risks. For this reason, tourists are advised to enter regional destinations (including Luxor) by air. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Protestors can block roads and other overland transport infrastructure, such as railways, without notice. Labour disputes can disrupt public transport, including flights.
The Cairo Metro (subway) system is reliable, but the maintenance and safety standards of other public road and rail transport are poor.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Tourists should ensure that expeditions are well equipped with adequate food, medical supplies and emergency communications.
There are landmines in some areas, notably in the desert areas around Alamein, stretches of coastline near Mersa Matruh, and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, and the Sinai peninsula. Talk to local authorities for advice on landmine locations.
Tourists travelling Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, and Israel and parts of the Sinai off the main, paved roads, must obtain permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
Tourists should check with local authorities for advice on local travel precautions. If you travel to Abu Simbel by road (40kms north of the Sudanese border), you should do so on an organised tour guarded by police escorts.
Piracy in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is increasing in frequency. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (yachts etc) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere near these waters. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website.
Travel to the Gaza Strip: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Gaza Strip because of the extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation. If, in spite of our advice not to travel to the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, you decide to do so, you should be aware that the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas is extremely limited. You should also read our travel advice for Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Regulations and restrictions governing the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip are subject to change. Crossings may open or close at short notice. Contact your nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information.
You must receive permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing. People who enter the Gaza Strip through this border must leave the same way. You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for an extended period (possibly weeks) while waiting for approval to return. The Australian Government cannot influence the granting of approval or when the crossing will open.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Egypt, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.
Possession of even small quantities of illicit drugs in Egypt can lead to the death penalty, long prison sentences or deportation.
Under Muslim custom, homosexuality and sexual relations outside of marriage are considered immoral. Penalties for immorality include imprisonment.
Taking photographs of bridges and canals (including the Suez Canal), military personnel, buildings and equipment is illegal.
If you want to get married in Egypt, you should check the legal requirements before you travel, either through the Australian Embassy in Cairo or the Egyptian Embassy in Canberra.
If you are considering preaching, you should seek local advice beforehand and exercise considerable care.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Egypt, particularly for women. You should dress modestly with your legs and upper arms covered. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
Information for dual nationals
If you are an Australian/Egyptian dual national and you travel to Egypt on your Egyptian passport you will be treated as an Egyptian by the local government. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance if you are arrested or detained.
Dual nationals living in Egypt for extended periods require proof of Egyptian citizenship, such as a family identification card.
Male dual nationals who have not undertaken military service are not generally required to enlist in the armed forces. They must, however, obtain an exemption certificate either from the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate, or through the Ministry of Defence Draft Office before they can leave Egypt.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Cairo is adequate for routine conditions, but outside of the capital facilities can be very basic. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance may be required. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
Water-borne, food-borne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, filariasis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. There is a very limited risk of malaria in El Faiyum governorate from June through to October. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking precautions against being bitten by insects such as using insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water, including the River Nile, to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Avian influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Egypt. Australians in Cairo should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Egypt. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.
Where to get help
The security situation may affect Embassy opening hours.
Australians in Egypt who require emergency consular assistance should in the first instance contact the Embassy directly on +202 2770 6600 or the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Embassy address and contact details:
Australian Embassy, Cairo
11th floor, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche el Nil
Boulac, Cairo
EGYPT
Telephone: (20 2) 2770 6600
Facsimile: (20 2) 2770 6650
Website:
www.egypt.embassy.gov.au
If you are travelling to Egypt, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Egypt, particularly Cairo, is subject to earthquakes. Earthquakes most frequently occur in coastal areas.
Sand and dust storms can occur between March and May.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.