Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 19 October 2023, 12:40 NZDT
- Still current at: 20 October 2023
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If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Do not travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Suez-Taba road, due to crime and continued terrorist attacks on police and security forces (level 4 of 4).
Do not travel within 50 kilometres of the border with Libya due to the risk of terrorism and ongoing military operations (level 4 of 4).
Avoid non-essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweiba Road, due to the threat of terrorism (level 3 of 4). This does not include the coastal areas on the western part of the Sinai Peninsula between the Suez crossing and the southern part of the Governorate South Sinai, where we advise exercising increased caution, as below.
Avoid non-essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, including the Western Desert (level 3 of 4). This does not include the coastal resort areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the tourist areas along the Nile River, or the Governorate of Faiyum, where we advise exercising increased caution as below.
Exercise increased caution in the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq, due to crime and the possible threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution in the coastal resort areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the tourist areas along the Nile River, and the Governorate of Faiyum due to crime and the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Egypt due to the risk of civil unrest, crime and terrorism (level 2 of 4).
Egypt
The current conflict in Israel and Gaza has the potential to impact Egypt, for example through protests that could turn violent at short notice. New Zealanders throughout Egypt should adhere to the travel advisory, and monitor the media and other local information sources to stay informed of potential risks to safety and security. Follow the advice of local authorities. If you are in Egypt, please ensure that your SafeTravel registration details are up to date.
Terrorism
Although most terrorist attacks occur in North Sinai, there is a risk of terrorism across Egypt, including attacks that specifically target tourists and tourist areas.
Although 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. 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.
Although targets 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.
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
Although protests and demonstrations have been less common in recent years, in the past they have resulted in deaths and injuries and they may still occur. 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.
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. It is also illegal for foreigners to participate in protests and 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.
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 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.
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 on ferries have caused accidents on Red Sea ferries and 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.
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. Restrictions and rules on access to the Rafah border crossing are subject to change at short notice.
New Zealanders considering travel to Gaza should read the travel advisory for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and contact the nearest Egyptian Embassy for the latest information on border crossing requirements.
You are required to obtain permission from the Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing. People who enter the Gaza Strip through this crossing must leave the same way and may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for an extended period (possibly months) while waiting for approval to return. The New Zealand Government cannot influence or hasten the granting of approval.
You should be aware that the New Zealand Government’s ability to provide consular services to New Zealanders in Gaza is extremely limited.
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.
New Zealanders in Egypt are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt
Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site www.nzembassy.com/egypt Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.
See our regional advice for Africa