Egypt
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 3
Applies to: North and South Sinai (excluding the Gulf of Aqaba coast from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh), and the Libyan border area
Level 3: Avoid All Travel
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the other main tourist areas sit in MOFA's lightest category. It advises against travel to North Sinai, most of South Sinai (excluding the Gulf of Aqaba coast from Dahab to Sharm el-Sheikh) and the Libyan border area. Watch for pickpocketing and scams aimed at tourists.
United States (State Dept)
Level 2
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism (Level 2). Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and government facilities. Attacks have been carried out near the pyramids, in Cairo and in the Sinai Peninsula. Do not travel to North Sinai.
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.
Japan rates North and South Sinai (excluding the Gulf of Aqaba coast from Dahab to Sharm El Sheikh), and the Libyan border area at Level 3, while the US Level 2 covers the whole country. The two numbers describe different areas, so they cannot be compared directly.
All three governments converge on the same places: the Sinai Peninsula and the Libyan border. Japan advises against travel to most of North and South Sinai and the Libyan border area; the UK advises against all travel to North Sinai and within 20km of the Libyan border, and against all but essential travel to the part of Ismailiyah east of the Suez Canal. The US pitches its caution at the country as a whole, citing terrorism and crime. For Cairo, Luxor and the other main tourist areas, Japan stays at its lightest category. The country divides sharply between areas to avoid and areas that normal precautions cover, so what you need to prepare depends heavily on where you are going.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 3: Avoid All Travel
“Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the other main tourist areas sit in MOFA's lightest category. It advises against travel to North Sinai, most of South Sinai (excluding the Gulf of Aqaba coast from Dahab to Sharm el-Sheikh) and the Libyan border area. Watch for pickpocketing and scams aimed at tourists.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism (Level 2). Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and government facilities. Attacks have been carried out near the pyramids, in Cairo and in the Sinai Peninsula. Do not travel to North Sinai.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
Advises against all travel to parts of Egypt
“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)
The Epos Card (no annual fee) includes overseas travel accident insurance. Covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Apply for Epos CardOverseas eSIM (TORA eSIM)
140+ countries. No pickup needed — set up instantly on your phone. Stay connected in emergencies.
View TORA eSIM* This section may contain affiliate links. This does not affect the neutrality of our content.
Emergency Contacts
💡 In a panic, you won't have time to find this page. Save these numbers to your phone now.
Have you registered for Tabireji?
With Tabireji, you'll receive emergency notifications by email when something happens at your destination. Without it, evacuation notices won't reach you.
Takes about 3 minutes
Register for TabirejiHealth & Vaccination Info
Check the following official sources for infection risks and recommended vaccinations at your destination.
Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.