Egypt

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Terrorism is an active threat — terrorist groups conduct planned attacks on government buildings, airports, transport hubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres and sites frequented by foreigners; attacks are unpredictable and occur year-round.

Prepare: Register with Global Affairs Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) and monitor travel.gc.ca for updates before departure and during your stay.

• Northern Sinai Governorate — avoid all travel — curfew 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., active military operations, armed groups conduct kidnappings, robberies and carjackings; border areas with Israel and Gaza are extremely unpredictable.

Prepare: Do not travel to Northern Sinai under any circumstances.

• Western Desert and Libya border zone (within 50 km) — avoid all travel — smuggling, terrorist activity, armed groups, military operations; oases west of the Giza-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel road (including Dakhla) are closed to tourists.

Prepare: Confirm your intended route does not enter this zone; book through licensed tour operators only.

• Northern South Sinai (north of St. Catherine–Nuweiba–El Tor Road) — avoid non-essential travel — terrorism threat; coastal resorts (Dahab, Nuweiba, Sharm el-Sheikh) have seen petty theft and rare terrorist incidents; enhanced security in place.

Prepare: If visiting South Sinai, use main highways, stop at police checkpoints, carry identification, and comply with all authorities' requests.

• Heightened risk around national dates — January 25 (2011 revolution), Orthodox Easter week, June 30–July 3 (2013 military intervention), August 14 (2013 Rabaa/al-Nahda clearing), and other religious holidays see increased attacks.

Prepare: Avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations on these dates; stay informed via local news and your hotel.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest — occur without warning, most likely on Fridays after noon prayers; women face serious risk of sexual assault if surrounded by crowds.

Prepare: Monitor local news daily; avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings; women should travel with others and dress conservatively.

• Petty crime rising (pickpocketing, bag snatching, home invasion) — theft concentrated in tourist zones and on public transit; carjackings are rare but occur with armed assailants; do not resist if targeted.

Prepare: Carry minimal cash and valuables; use ATMs in secure hotel/bank locations; avoid isolated areas and night driving.

• Sexual harassment of women is frequent — staring, catcalls, inappropriate remarks and unwanted touching are common, especially on public holidays; foreigners are particular targets.

Prepare: Wear conservative clothing (loose, non-transparent layers); do not sit in taxi front seats; travel with companions where possible.

• Road safety critical — Egypt has one of the world's highest car accident rates; drivers ignore traffic rules; pedestrians have no right of way; avoid taxis without working meters; avoid microbuses and night driving.

Prepare: Use vehicles and drivers from reputable travel agencies only; confirm your rental has working seat belts and is well-maintained.

• Unexploded landmines remain in some areas — Mediterranean shore, Western Desert, Sinai Peninsula, western Gulf of Suez; known minefields lack signs but may be barbed-wire fenced.

Prepare: Do not travel off-road in desert or coastal areas; seek local advice before any off-road activity.

HEALTH

• Yellow fever vaccine recommended — check with a travel clinic before departure; proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required on entry if you have recently visited endemic countries.

Prepare: Visit a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm your vaccination status.

• Routine vaccinations up-to-date — ensure immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Prepare: Confirm your routine vaccinations are current before booking.

• Malaria risk exists in certain areas — transmission occurs in Faiyum Governorate year-round and in parts of Upper Egypt (Aswan, Luxor) during the warmer months; risk is low in Cairo and coastal Red Sea resorts.

Prepare: If travelling to Faiyum or Upper Egypt, consult a travel clinic about antimalarial medication; use insect repellent and wear long sleeves/pants at dawn and dusk.

• Typhoid and hepatitis A protection advised — consult a travel clinic for your specific itinerary.

Prepare: Ask your doctor about typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines or immunoglobulin, depending on your activities and length of stay.

• Water safety — tap water is not reliably safe; drink only bottled water and avoid ice made from tap water; wash hands frequently.

Prepare: Buy bottled water on arrival and confirm the seal is intact; brush teeth with bottled water.

• Food safety — eat hot, freshly cooked food; avoid street food, undercooked meat, and unpasteurized dairy; peel fruits yourself.

Prepare: Eat only at established restaurants recommended by hotels or tour operators.

• Medical care standard varies widely — private hospitals in Cairo and major tourist centres meet reasonable standards; outside major cities, care is limited; ambulance response is slow.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering evacuation; carry a basic medical kit and prescription medications in original containers; identify accredited private hospitals or clinics near your destination before departure.

VISA & ENTRY

• E-visa required for Canadian citizens — apply online at www.visaone.com (unofficial) or contact the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; standard tourist e-visa valid 30 days, typically processed within 7 days.

Prepare: Apply for your e-visa at least 2 weeks before departure; save your approval confirmation to show at immigration.

• Passport validity — your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected departure date from Egypt.

Prepare: Check your passport expiry now; if it expires within 6 months of your planned return, renew it before booking.

• Gender identifier "X" on Canadian passport — Egypt may not recognize the "X" gender marker; you may be asked to declare male or female during entry procedures.

Prepare: If your passport has an "X" identifier, contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in Canada before booking to confirm entry policy.

• Diplomatic and special passport holders — must obtain visas before arrival; standard tourist e-visa does not apply.

Prepare: If you hold a diplomatic or special passport, contact the Egyptian embassy in Ottawa in advance.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Alcohol is legal but restricted — alcohol is available in tourist areas and some restaurants/bars in major cities; however, public drunkenness is illegal; during Ramadan, many establishments close or restrict service.

Prepare: Drink only in licensed venues; avoid public intoxication; respect local customs during Ramadan.

• Narcotics are strictly prohibited — possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and fines; trafficking can result in life imprisonment or death penalty.

Prepare: Do not carry or use any illegal drugs under any circumstances.

• Photography restrictions — do not photograph police, military, government buildings, bridges, airports, or checkpoints without explicit permission; photographing people without consent can offend.

Prepare: Ask permission before photographing anyone; avoid sensitive sites; keep your camera packed at security checkpoints.

• Dress modestly — women should wear loose, non-transparent clothing covering shoulders, knees and chest; men should avoid shorts in religious areas; beachwear is acceptable only at resorts.

Prepare: Pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and a scarf; avoid sleeveless tops and tight clothing.

• LGBTQ+ travel caution — while same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalized, social acceptance is very low; public displays of affection by same-sex couples risk harassment and potential legal trouble; use discretion.

Prepare: If you are LGBTQ+, keep your orientation private in public; avoid displays of affection; stay in LGBTQ+-friendly hotels in Cairo if available.

• Ramadan customs — during Ramadan (Islamic holy month), eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight is disrespectful and may be illegal; businesses reduce hours; night-time activity increases.

Prepare: Check Ramadan dates before booking; if travelling during Ramadan, eat/drink only in private or designated areas; expect slower service and reduced operating hours.

• Religious respect — remove shoes when entering mosques (non-Muslims may not enter some areas); avoid loud behaviour near prayer times; do not disrespect Islamic symbols or practices.

Prepare: Carry socks for mosque visits; learn prayer times and plan activities accordingly.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP) — ATMs widely available in cities and tourist areas; credit cards accepted at major hotels and restaurants but not reliably elsewhere; exchange rates are better at ATMs than street changers.

Prepare: Notify your bank before travel; carry a mix of ATM cards and some cash (USD or EUR); withdraw Egyptian pounds at ATMs.

• Power outlets — Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins recessed) are standard; voltage is 220V, 50 Hz; bring a universal adapter and voltage converter for North American devices.

Prepare: Buy a dual-outlet adapter before departure; test it with your devices.

• Mobile networks — major providers are Vodafone, Etisalat and Orangé; SIM cards available at airport kiosks and shops; eSIMs may not be widely supported; data plans are affordable; 4G coverage reliable in cities and tourist areas.

Prepare: Buy a local SIM on arrival with data; keep your home number active for 2FA; check roaming costs if you retain your Canadian number.

• Internet access — available in hotels, cafés and tourist areas; speeds are variable; government monitoring and censorship of some websites exists; use a VPN if accessing sensitive content.

Prepare: Install a VPN app before departure; confirm your hotel has reliable Wi-Fi; expect intermittent connectivity outside tourist zones.

• Tipping — customary in restaurants (10–15%), hotels, taxis (round up fare) and for guides; not compulsory but expected.

Prepare: Carry small bills for tips; confirm whether service charge is included on restaurant bills.

• Transport safety — use white taxis with meters (negotiate fare in advance if meter broken) or ride-sharing apps where available; avoid unmarked taxis; metro overcrowded but generally safe (women-only cars available); avoid microbuses; train safety standards vary; use reputable ferry operators only.

Prepare: Download Uber or Careem app for safer rides; confirm taxi is marked/metered before entering; book train tickets through travel agencies; never use microbuses.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit: October to April — warm, dry weather (18–25°C daytime); Egyptian summer (May–September) is extremely hot (30–40°C+), uncomfortable for sightseeing, and increases health risks (dehydration, heat stroke).

Prepare: Book accommodation and tours in advance if visiting October–April (peak season); avoid May–September unless you tolerate extreme heat.

• Ramadan timing varies by year — affects business hours, restaurant service, and social atmosphere; not ideal for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local customs.

Prepare: Check Ramadan dates for your travel year; consider visiting outside Ramadan for a smoother experience.

• Red Sea coastal resorts year-round — Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam) are warm and diveable year-round; water temperature 20–28°C; best visibility April–June and September–November.

Prepare: If planning diving, book with certified operators and verify equipment condition before every dive.

• Sandstorms can occur — primarily March–May; reduce visibility and complicate travel; respiratory irritation possible.

Prepare: Monitor weather forecasts; carry sunglasses, scarf and lip balm; avoid driving during heavy storms.

TOP SIGHTS

• Giza Pyramid Complex — iconic ancient Egyptian burial monuments (Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure); accessible from Cairo by organized tour or hired vehicle; hire a reputable guide to avoid overcharging and scams.

Prepare: Book tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid large midday crowds; bring water, sunscreen and hat; use a licensed guide.

• Valley of the Kings (Luxor) — royal tombs of ancient pharaohs carved into limestone cliffs; reached from Luxor, 650 km south; travel via organized tour or reputable travel agency only.

Prepare: Book accommodation in Luxor and a guided excursion through your hotel; ensure your guide is officially certified; start early to avoid heat.

• Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo) — world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including King Tutankhamun's treasures; located in Tahrir Square (downtown Cairo) or Giza respectively.

Prepare: Allocate 3–4 hours minimum; avoid visiting on Fridays or public holidays when crowds surge; hire a guide to understand context.

• Luxor Temple — large ancient Egyptian temple complex on the Nile's east bank; free-standing statues and hieroglyphic inscriptions; access from central Luxor by taxi or on foot.

Prepare: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and extreme heat; bring water; hire a guide for detailed history.

• Red Sea diving and snorkeling (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) — world-class coral reefs and marine life; popular for recreational diving and snorkeling; coastal resorts offer organized excursions.

Prepare: Book with a PADI-certified operator; verify all equipment is well-maintained and recently serviced; ensure your travel insurance covers diving; check your physical fitness before booking.

WHERE TO STAY

Cairo

• Downtown Cairo (Tahrir/Zamalek) — central location near museums, government, and transport hubs; walkable to major sights; can be noisy and crowded; petty theft risk in dense areas.
• Giza — quieter than downtown; close to the Pyramid Complex; good concentration of mid-range and upscale hotels; further from metro but taxi/Uber accessible.
• Heliopolis — residential neighbourhood north of downtown; quieter, safer atmosphere; less touristy; further from central sights but served by metro and taxis.

Luxor

• Corniche (Nile-facing promenade) — main tourist strip with hotels, restaurants and sights; easy access to Valley of the Kings ferries; monitor surroundings for petty crime.
• East Bank (town centre) — central location; walking distance to Luxor Temple and local markets; good mix of budget and mid-range accommodation.

Sharm el-Sheikh

• Naama Bay — primary tourist resort area; safe, developed beach zone with hotels, restaurants, dive shops and water activities; organized security; away from political unrest zones.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Cairo — 7 Ahmed Fahmy Street, Garden City, Cairo; telephone: +20 (2) 2791-8700; email: crio@international.gc.ca; handles visa issues, emergency assistance, and Canadian national emergencies.

• Egyptian police (non-emergency) — 122; ambulance — 123; fire — 125 (calls may go unanswered; use your hotel to request services if urgent).

• Tourist Police — wear distinctive armbands; report all crimes to Tourist Police for a police report (essential for insurance claims).

• Government of Canada Emergency Line — 1-800-387-3124 (call from outside Canada if you need assistance); connects you to Global Affairs Canada Operations Centre 24/7.

• Travel insurance provider — carry your policy number and emergency contact information in your phone and wallet.