COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Egypt is a republic with a developing economy. It has extensive facilities for tourists. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Egypt for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers
can obtain a renewable 30-day tourist visa on arrival at an Egyptian
Airport for a $15 fee, payable in U.S. dollars. Visitors arriving
overland and/or those previously experiencing difficulty with their
visa status in Egypt should obtain a visa prior to arrival. Travelers
arriving from Israel at the Taba border crossing must have a visa prior
to their arrival, otherwise they are granted a no-fee 14-day visa valid
for travel within Sinai only, or they may buy a 30-day tourist visa for
$15 upon submission of a travel agency support letter. The letters are
obtainable from travel agents at the border; however, their fees for
providing this service vary. Military personnel arriving on commercial
flights are not exempt from passport and visa requirements. Foreigners
can acquire a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration
offices in the district of the employer, and accordingly are authorized
residency in the country. Work permits must be obtained through the
employer. Foreigners are generally not allowed to change residency
status from non-working to working status while in the country. Proof
of yellow fever immunization is required if arriving from an infected
area. Evidence of an AIDS test is required for everyone staying over
30 days for the purpose of studying or working in Egypt. Visit the
Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at http://www.mfa.gov.eg
for the most current visa information.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual
nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.
Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs
regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Egypt suffered a series of deadly terrorist
attacks in or near tourist sites in 2004, 2005, and 2006 – often
coinciding with major local holidays. Prior to the October 2004
attack, there had been no terrorist incidents involving tourists in
Egypt since the mid 1990s. Americans should be especially vigilant in
crowded tourist areas in the Sinai, practice good personal security
measures, and be alert to their surroundings. A heavy security
presence is apparent to travelers throughout the country. Americans
are encouraged to visit the U.S. Embassy in Cairo website for the most
up-to-date security information.
Since October 2004, three major coordinated terrorist bombings
targeting the Sinai Peninsula ’s tourist infrastructure caused many
deaths and hundreds of injuries, mostly to Egyptian nationals. U.S.
citizens do not appear to have been targeted in any of these incidents,
but many non-Egyptian tourists, including Americans, were killed or
injured in these attacks.
Three explosions in the town of Dahab in April 2006 killed over 20
people and wounded at least 80 additional people, including five U.S.
citizens. In July 2005, three explosions in Sharm el Sheikh killed
over 60 people, including one American. In October 2004, three bombs
detonated in Taba and two nearby tourist camps, killing 34 people,
including one American. Evidence of instability in the Sinai has also
been reflected in random attacks on vehicles transiting the interior
and two bomb attacks on Multinational Force Observers near the Rafah
border crossing in August 2005 and April 2006.
While the Egyptian Government took measures against the perpetrators of
the 2004 and 2005 attacks, the April 2006 bombings reflect a
persistent, indigenous threat of terror activities in the Sinai.
Travelers seeking to cross the Egyptian-Gaza border at Rafah are likely
to encounter difficulty. The border is frequently closed and
re-openings are announced on short notice. Travelers wishing to cross
this border should contact the American Consulate General in Jerusalem
for more information on the current status of the border crossing.
Travelers should also refer to the Israel, West Bank and Gaza Travel
Warning before traveling to Gaza .
U.S. citizens who still plan to visit the Sinai in spite of the
persistent threat of terrorist attacks should exercise great caution.
As anywhere, travelers may gain a measure of safety by remaining
particularly alert to their surroundings, by avoiding crowded tourist
areas, and by visiting destination resorts and hotels with significant
physical setback and security procedures.
In addition to the Sinai attacks, there were three terror attacks on
crowded tourist destinations in Cairo in April 2005. In one, a lone
suicide bomber killed three foreigners, including an American, at Cairo
’s Khan el-Khalili Market. Three Americans were seriously injured in
this incident.
There have been instances of instability and public disorder in some
other areas of Egypt, most notably in the Nile Valley governorates of
Assiut and Sohag, located between Cairo and Luxor . These
governorates, along with the adjacent governorates of Minya and Qena,
have been areas of extremist activity in the past. U.S. Embassy
personnel traveling to these areas (apart from Luxor and adjacent
tourist destinations) require advance approval. Egyptian authorities
also restrict the travel of foreigners in these governorates. American
citizens planning to travel in these areas should contact the Embassy
prior to travel.
Public demonstrations occasionally take place in areas such as Tahrir
Square in Cairo and in the vicinity of universities and mosques
following the Friday noon prayers, including the Azhar mosque across
from the Khan El Khalili Bazaar area. These demonstrations are
typically accompanied by a heavy security presence. Roads in the
vicinity are often closed. Americans should remain attuned to
readily-available English-language media outlets and avoid all public
demonstrations.
Travelers to 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, located at the corner of Sheikh Rihan and
Nubar Streets in downtown Cairo.
In addition, travelers should be aware that landmines have caused many
casualties, including deaths of Americans, in Egypt. All travelers
should check with local authorities before embarking on off-road
travel. Known minefields are not reliably marked by signs, but are
sometimes enclosed by barbed wire. After heavy rains, which can cause
flooding and the consequent shifting of landmines, travelers should
take care driving through build-ups of sand on roadways. Though mines
are found in other parts of Egypt, the highest concentrations are in
World War II battlefields along the Mediterranean coast west of
Alexandria, the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal, and
much of the Sinai Peninsula. Travelers are urged to be especially
prudent in these areas.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current
Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution
Travel Alert and the Middle East and North Africa Travel Alert, can be
found. Consular information is also available via the Internet on the
U.S. Embassy Cairo’s website.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). A recording of
the most recent Embassy message to American citizens in Egypt
concerning security can be heard on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo 's
number, 011-2-02-797-3000.
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility
for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general
information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect
themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s
pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: The crime rate in Egypt is low. While incidents of violence
are rare, purse-snatching, pick-pocketing and petty theft does occur.
Travelers are strongly cautioned not to leave valuables such as cash,
jewelry, and electronic items unsecured in hotel rooms or unattended in
public places. Unescorted women are vulnerable to sexual harassment
and verbal abuse.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are
widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal
under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States
may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this
serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
Many marriages between Egyptians and Americans are successful.
However, the Embassy warns against marriage fraud on the part of the
American or the Egyptian. Entering into a marriage contract for the
principal purpose of facilitating immigration to the United States for
an alien is against U.S. law and can result in serious penalties,
including fines and imprisonment for the American citizen and the
Egyptian. At the same time, it is not uncommon for Egyptians to enter
into marriages with Americans solely for immigration purposes.
Relationships developed via correspondence, particularly those begun on
the Internet, are particularly susceptible to manipulation. The US
government urges Americans who meet Egyptians on the Internet or while
touring the country, to take the time necessary to get to know them
before considering marriage. Unfortunately, the Embassy sees many cases
of abuse against American spouses and often the marriages end in
divorce when the Egyptian acquires a green card or citizenship in the
U.S. These cases invariably occur when the relationship is based mostly
on Internet communication and very little face-to-face interaction.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S.
passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
U.S. Embassy in Cairo . If you are the victim of a crime while
overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy consular staff can, for
example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family
members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.
Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
if needed. Consular officials can assist you to identify appropriate
resources. See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: There are many
Western-trained medical professionals in Egypt. The U.S. Embassy in
Cairo can provide a list of local hospitals and English-speaking
physicians. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters,
particularly in tourist areas. Emergency and intensive care facilities
are limited. Facilities outside Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh
fall short of U.S. standards. Most Nile cruise boats do not have a
ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner of uncertain
qualification. Hospital facilities in Luxor and Aswan are inadequate,
and they are nonexistent at most other ports-of-call.
Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally
unpolluted. Persons who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot
in stagnant water, or drink untreated water are at risk of exposure to
bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease
schistosomiasis (bilharzia).
It is generally safe to eat properly-prepared, thoroughly-cooked meat
and vegetables in tourist hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in tourist
restaurants. Eating uncooked vegetables should be avoided. Tap water
is not potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has
been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are
generally considered to be safe.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the
CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information
about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health
Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health
information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
AVIAN INFLUENZA: The WHO and Egyptian authorities have confirmed human
cases of the H5NI strain of avian influenza, commonly known as the
"bird flu”, in Egypt. As of March 2006, Egypt had thirty-four
confirmed human cases of avian influenza, resulting in fourteen
deaths. Travelers to Egypt and other countries affected by the virus
are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food
markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces
from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and WHO recommend
eating only fully-cooked poultry and eggs. For the most current
information and links on avian influenza see the State Department's
Avian Influenza Fact Sheet and visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in
Cairo at http://cairo.usembassy.gov.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will
cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our
information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from
those in the United States. The information below concerning Egypt is
provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Driving in Egypt, a country with one of the highest incidences of road
fatalities per miles driven in the world, is a challenge. Even
seasoned residents of Cairo must use extraordinary care and situational
awareness to navigate the hectic streets of the capital. Traffic rules
appear to be routinely ignored by impatient drivers. Any visiting
Americans thinking about driving in Cairo should carefully consider the
options, take the utmost precautions, and drive defensively. Drivers
should be prepared for unlit vehicles at night, few if any road
markings, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, vehicles traveling
the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting
ramps, pedestrians constantly dodging in and out of traffic and a
variety of animals. Most traffic lights in Cairo appear not to
function, but rather are staffed by policemen who use subtle finger
movements to indicate which cars may move. Pedestrians should also
exercise extreme caution when traversing roadways, especially in
high-volume/high-velocity streets like Cairo 's Corniche, which follows
the east bank of the Nile River . Motorists in Egypt should be
especially cautious during the rare winter rains, which can cause
extremely slippery road surfaces or localized flooding.
Public mini- and microbuses are not safe; the Embassy strongly
recommends that its personnel not use them. In 2006, there were two
serious accidents involving international tourist buses on highways
outside of Cairo in which a number of foreign tourists were killed.
Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces,
stray animals, and disabled vehicles without lights or reflectors are
among the many hazards that can be encountered on highways, especially
after dark. Embassy personnel in Egypt are prohibited from traveling
outside Cairo on official business after sunset. In addition, some
roads, especially in the Sinai and southeastern part of the country,
are off-limits to foreigners. Traffic warning signs should be
respected.
Trains are usually a safe means of transportation in Egypt. In 2006,
there were several accidents involving the collision of third-class
passenger trains in the Delta area in which a number of Egyptian
nationals were killed or injured.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the
website of Egypt’s national tourist office and national authority for
road safety at www.egypttourism.org
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has assessed the Government of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority
as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Egypt 's air carrier
operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's
Internet web site at
http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: There are restrictions on photographing military
personnel and sites, bridges, and canals, including the Suez Canal.
Egyptian authorities may broadly interpret these restrictions to
include other potentially-sensitive structures, such as embassies,
other public buildings with international associations, and some
religious edifices. Visitors should also refrain from taking
photographs of any uniformed personnel.
In addition to being subject to all Egyptian laws, U.S. citizens of
Egyptian origin may also be subject to other laws that impose special
obligations on Egyptian citizens. The Government of Egypt considers
all children born to Egyptian fathers to be Egyptian citizens even if
they were not issued an Egyptian birth certificate or a passport.
Americans married to Egyptians do not need their spouse's permission to
depart Egypt as long as they have a valid Egyptian visa. Dual
nationals residing in Egypt for more than six months from the date of
arrival require proof of Egyptian citizenship, such as a family I.D.
card. Male dual nationals staying in Egypt for more than six months
from the date of arrival and who have not completed military service
are not generally required to enlist in the armed forces. However,
they must obtain an exemption certificate through the Ministry of
Defense Draft Office before they can leave Egypt. Individuals who may
be affected can inquire at an Egyptian consulate abroad before
traveling to Egypt. Dual Egyptian-American nationals may enter and
leave Egypt on their U.S. passports. Persons with dual nationality who
travel to Egypt on their Egyptian passports are normally treated as
Egyptian citizens by the local government. The ability to provide U.S.
consular assistance to those traveling on Egyptian passports is
extremely limited. For additional information, please see our Dual
Nationality flyer.
Services for U.S. Companies:The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Officers
and Commercial Specialists are available for counseling U.S. business
representatives on market entry opportunities and techniques. They
actively support U.S. companies who are bidding on projects, advocate
on their behalf and assist in removing trade barriers. For specific
questions, please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit
http://www.buyusa.gov/egypt/en/ussvcs.html.
Marriagein Egypt : The Egyptian government allows Americans to marry
in Egypt. However, the Government of Egypt requires the U.S. Embassy
to provide a written affidavit objecting to or approving the marriage
of U.S. citizens. The U.S. government does not have legal authority to
either approve or object to the marriage of American citizens. As
such, the Consular Section of the Embassy is currently not providing
the affidavit required by the Egyptian Government to authorize the
marriage of a foreigner in Egypt. The Embassy continues to pursue this
with Egyptian officials. For further information, please refer to the
website of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at
http://egypt.usembassy.gov/consular/acs12.htm.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offenses. Persons violating Egyptian laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Egypt are severe, and convicted
offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in
sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child
pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United
States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information, see our Office of Children’s
Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental
child abduction.
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