Egypt

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, tensions could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor media for updates. Remain aware.

North Sinai is under a long-term state of emergency and curfew. As at January 2024, New Zealanders wishing to enter Egypt from Gaza require the approval of Egypt and Israel, via the New Zealand Embassy.

Terrorism
Although most terrorist attacks have occurred in North Sinai, there is a risk of terrorism across Egypt.

While the Egyptian government’s counter-terrorism campaign has resulted in fewer terrorist attacks since 2015, terrorists continue to have the intent to carry out attacks.

Although targets in the past often include police and security forces, there is the potential for bystanders to be affected. Explosions and attacks have previously targeted government buildings and infrastructure, aviation, metro stations, universities, and Western and other foreign commercial interests. Further incidents are likely.

Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Egypt and may also be directed at locations known to be frequented by foreigners such as embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants, resort areas, markets, airports, shopping areas, tourist sites, public transport facilities and places of worship. There remains a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation in Egypt, though additional security measures are in place. Terrorists have targeted Coptic Christians and their places of worship, as well as other religious sites.

While major tourist sites have not been subject to terrorism in the past five years, past attacks resulting in multiple civilian deaths and injuries include:

-         On 4 August 2019, at least 20 people were killed by a car bomb near central Cairo’s Manial district.

-         On 19 May 2019, a roadside bomb detonated and hit a tourist bus near the Giza Pyramids wounding at least 17 people.         

-         On 19 February 2019, an individual detonated an explosive device in a neighbourhood near the Al Azhar mosque in Old Cairo, killing himself and three policemen, and injuring several others.

-         On 28 December 2018, a roadside blast killed 3 Vietnamese tourists and a local tour guide on a bus near the Giza pyramids. Several others were wounded in the attack.

-         On 2 November 2018, gunmen attacked a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya, killing at least 7 people and injuring 19 more.

New Zealanders throughout Egypt are advised to exercise a high degree of vigilance at all times, particularly on and around dates of national and/or religious significance, and keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow the advice of local authorities.

North Sinai
There is a significant threat of terrorism in the North Sinai, which remains particularly dangerous. Most attacks have in the past targeted government facilities and security forces. North Sinai is under a long-term state of emergency and curfew.

Central and South Sinai
While attacks are less frequent than in the North Sinai region, extremist groups have carried out attacks against both tourists and security forces in the Central and South Sinai regions. While increased security measures are in place to protect tourist areas in Sharm el-Sheikh, the region remains an attractive target for terrorists.

Security forces are situated at airports, at checkpoints around the perimeter of the towns and throughout highways in South Sinai. Routine security checks are performed on entry into the airports and police carry out vehicle checks, including in towns. Local authorities may ask for identification and search your vehicle.

Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations may occur anywhere in Egypt at short notice. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in protests and demonstrations.  New Zealanders in Egypt are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

Women, including foreigners, have been sexually assaulted during demonstrations. The Egyptian authorities may arrest foreigners participating in any form of political activity and have been known to check social media on foreigners’ mobile phones.

You should exercise a high degree of security awareness in public places, including when visiting sites of religious significance. Monitor the media for any developments that may affect personal safety and security and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, including curfews and restrictions on movement. 

Kidnapping
There is a threat of kidnapping throughout Egypt. The threat is highest in North Sinai and the remoter areas of the Western Desert. Terrorist groups have kidnapped foreigners, government officials and civilians in previous years.

A threat of kidnapping also exists elsewhere in Egypt and foreigners could be deliberately targeted. Travelling on roads between cities and at times when roads are less busy increases vulnerability. In July 2015, a Croatian national was kidnapped west of Cairo and subsequently executed.

Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard their personal belongings.

There have been reports of violent crime such as armed robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and burglary. Carjackers generally target four-wheel drive vehicles and have in the past targeted popular tourist areas. There have been reports of taxi drivers assaulting passengers. Scams are common, particularly in and around tourist sites. Be wary of people presenting themselves as government officials or offering apparently free services.

Female travellers should take extra care, especially if alone and particularly at night, as women are often subject to unpleasant male attention and harassment. Incidents of harassment range from lewd comments and gestures to indecent exposure and inappropriate physical contact. This includes when using taxis or ride sharing apps and walking in public areas.

LGBTI laws - Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Officials may detain and prosecute LGBTI persons under debauchery laws. People have reported scams and fraud via dating apps and social media. You could be arrested for indecent exposure, public nuisance or scandalous acts. Members of the LGBTI community in Egypt, have been arrested by authorities for using online dating apps and social media.

Local Travel
Road and vehicle safety standards are significantly lower than in New Zealand.  Vehicle accidents resulting in injuries and death are frequent on Egyptian roads and occur at higher rates than most other countries.  We advise against travelling by road outside major urban centres at night because of the increased risk of traffic accidents.

There have been a number of serious bus crashes in Egypt over the years, resulting in a number of fatalities, including tourists.

Overcrowding and poor safety standards have caused accidents on Red Sea charter boats Nile cruisers. Piracy and armed robbery are also risks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report [2].

Safety standards for rail travel vary and there have been a number of accidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Border Crossings
We strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza strip because of the extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation, including the events in Gaza since October 2023.  Restrictions and rules on access to the Rafah border crossing are subject to change at short notice. 

Please refer to the travel advisory for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories  [3]for information about Gaza.

Those still considering travel to Gaza should be aware permission is unlikely to be given.  

Landmines
There are landmines in some desert and coastal areas, notably in the desert areas around El Alamein, along the coast near Mersa Matruh, the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coast south of Suez. Although danger areas are usually well-marked with signage, travellers should seek advice from local authorities on landmine locations if intending to venture off well-marked roads.

Adventure Travel
Transport and tour operators don’t always follow safety and maintenance standards, always make sure your travel insurance covers any planned adventure activities. Multiple hot air balloon accidents have occurred in the past, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Egypt to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Publicising political comments or negative opinions about Egypt, the government, security forces or the President may be considered illegal under Egyptian law. Visitors to Egypt have been arrested following publication of social media posts considered critical of Egypt.

Homosexuality and sexual relations outside marriage are considered immoral in Egypt and foreigners have been arrested and convicted of ‘debauchery’ in the past.  In 2017 there were increased prosecutions of homosexuals and civil rights advocates in Egypt.

Photography of military or police personnel and buildings is prohibited. This includes the Suez Canal.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Egypt should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  Medical facilities and services in Egypt are not of the same standard as in New Zealand.

Hotels and some tour operators may request payment in cash as US dollars. It is not possible (as at Jan 2024) to withdraw USD cash from banks or ATMs in Egypt on arrival. Tourists should check in advance with the hotel or tour operator what the requirements are and whether it is possible to pay by credit card.

New Zealanders in Egypt are strongly encouraged to register their details [4] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.