Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against

• Strongly advised against by France (update of 5 March 2026): the Western Desert towards the Libyan border (except the Cairo-Farafra-El Kharga triangle), the military no-go zone south of Siwa, the whole Sudanese border including the road south of Abu Simbel, and North Sinai beyond the Suez-Taba line, as well as Gaza via Rafah.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, safety

• The oases (Siwa, White Desert) are visited via secured roads, with a recognised agency or guide and suitable equipment; checks there are stricter.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, safety

• The UK advises against all travel within 20 km of the Libyan border and to North Sinai governorate; and all but essential travel to northern South Sinai (excluding the coasts), Ismailia east of the canal, much of the Western Desert and the Hala'ib triangle.

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  GOV.UK (FCDO), Egypt travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Egypt travel advice: regional risks

Terrorism and kidnapping

• The terrorist threat remains permanent and diffuse; it has mainly targeted security forces, places of worship and tourist sites. Stay alert in crowded places and avoid gatherings.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, safety

Crime

• Crime is generally low, but scammers and touts are common at tourist sites. Report any crime to the tourist police (126) before leaving the country.

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  GOV.UK (FCDO), Egypt travel advice: safety and securityFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, useful contacts

• Street harassment is widespread. Women travellers: avoid taking a taxi alone at night, or share the trip and your location with someone. Online dating has led to blackmail and assaults.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, useful informationGOV.UK (FCDO), Egypt travel advice: safety and security

On the road

• Accidents are frequent and often serious: never travel between cities at night, by car or coach, and avoid shared minibuses. For long trips, travel with someone who knows the route and speaks Arabic.

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• Emergency numbers

  Ambulance 123, fire 180, police 122, tourist police 126.

  123180122126

  GOV.UK (FCDO), Egypt travel advice: getting helpFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of France in Egypt

  Passport: France

  French embassy in Cairo.

  29 avenue Charles de Gaulle, Guizeh, Le Caire+20 2 35 67 32 00

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Egypt, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of Canada to Egypt

  Passport: Canada

  Embassy of Canada in Cairo.

  Nile City Towers, 2005 (A) Corniche El Nile, South Tower, 18th floor, Cairo+20 2 2461 2200

  Government of Canada, Travel advice: Egypt· Oct 2, 2026