Egypt
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1
Level 1-2: Exercise Caution (Sinai: Level 3)
Exercise normal precautions when visiting major tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. The Sinai Peninsula (excluding Sharm el-Sheikh resort area) is rated Level 3. Be aware of petty crime and scams targeting tourists.
United States (State Dept)
Level 3
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks near the Pyramids, in Cairo, and in the Sinai Peninsula.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai governorate and against all but essential travel to the South Sinai governorate (excluding Sharm el-Sheikh), the Western Desert area, and within 20km of the Libyan border. There is a heightened risk of terrorism across the country. Petty crime and sexual harassment are common.
Significant gap: Japan rates this country 2 levels lower than the US. This means the US government sees risks that Japan's assessment may understate.
Egypt presents one of the largest temperature gaps among popular tourist destinations. Japan rates most tourist areas as Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) — essentially safe for travel with basic caution — while the US rates the entire country at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), a full two levels higher. This dramatic gap means that Japanese travelers relying only on MOFA advisories may significantly underestimate the terrorism risk that the US and UK governments highlight. The UK takes a middle approach, advising against travel to specific high-risk zones while acknowledging that major tourist areas like Cairo and Luxor can be visited with caution.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1-2: Exercise Caution (Sinai: Level 3)
“Exercise normal precautions when visiting major tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. The Sinai Peninsula (excluding Sharm el-Sheikh resort area) is rated Level 3. Be aware of petty crime and scams targeting tourists.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
“Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks near the Pyramids, in Cairo, and in the Sinai Peninsula.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
Advises against all but essential travel to some areas
“FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai governorate and against all but essential travel to the South Sinai governorate (excluding Sharm el-Sheikh), the Western Desert area, and within 20km of the Libyan border. There is a heightened risk of terrorism across the country. Petty crime and sexual harassment are common.”Destination Customs
Prohibited / Restricted Imports
Narcotics and drugs — strictly prohibited. Penalties include the death penalty.
Drones and UAVs — prohibited without special authorization from the Egyptian military.
Pornographic materials — prohibited. Electronic devices may be searched.
Large quantities of medication — require a doctor's prescription and official documentation.
Religious materials intended for proselytization — may be confiscated.
Export Restrictions
Antiquities and archaeological artifacts — export strictly prohibited. Attempting to remove artifacts can result in imprisonment.
Coral, shells, and marine specimens from the Red Sea — export prohibited under environmental protection laws.
Large amounts of Egyptian currency — export of more than 5,000 EGP is prohibited.
Customs rules can change. Always verify with the local customs authority or embassy before travelling. See Japan return customs guide
SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.Be aware that the US rates Egypt at Level 3 — significantly higher than Japan's Level 1. Consider this gap when planning your trip and risk tolerance
- 2.Use only reputable tour operators and licensed guides, especially at the Pyramids and in Luxor. This reduces both scam risk and security concerns
- 3.Women traveling alone or in small groups should dress conservatively and avoid isolated areas. Sexual harassment is a significant concern highlighted by the UK
- 4.Never share your taxi with strangers. Use Uber/Careem in Cairo — they are safer and more reliable than street taxis
- 5.Keep a low profile and avoid discussing politics or religion. Do not photograph military installations or personnel
- 6.Get comprehensive travel insurance with terrorism and medical evacuation coverage — the US Level 3 rating may affect some policies
- 7.Register with your embassy before departure. Save the Japanese embassy emergency number and local emergency numbers offline
Pre-Trip Checklist
Travel Insurance (card benefit)
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Emergency Contacts
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Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.