Understanding the Current Situation in Egypt
In typical circumstances, Egypt is a favored vacation spot, attracting tourists to its Red Sea coastline for year-round sunshine and water activities, as well as its cities rich in history that spans thousands of years. However, Egypt’s geographical position in northern Africa, adjacent to Israel, means that it often experiences regional instability during escalations of violence in the Middle East.
Recently, missile exchanges between Iran and Israel have resulted in the closure of airspace across the region, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights. Nevertheless, the UK Foreign Office currently views the situation in Egypt as business as usual, advising visitors to exercise common sense and remain aware that circumstances can change rapidly.
Flight Status to Egypt
Flights between the UK and Egypt are still operational, but they may face cancellations, delays, and longer routes due to the airspace closures in neighboring countries, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, and parts of Syria.
The situation is being monitored by Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Travelers are encouraged to check the latest updates from their respective airlines before heading to the airport. If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund.
Latest Travel Advice from the Foreign Office
The Foreign Office has established long-standing “no-go” zones, particularly in the northern and central regions of the Sinai Peninsula, which borders Gaza and Israel. A significant portion of western Egypt, adjacent to Libya, is also deemed unsafe for travel. However, popular tourist destinations such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm el-Sheikh, and major cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria are considered safe.
The Foreign Office has not revised its travel advice since the onset of the current conflict, urging British nationals to “take sensible precautions” and stay updated through local and international news sources, as the situation can evolve quickly. For further information, visit the gov.uk website.
Refund Policies for Cancellations
Currently, the Foreign Office does not advise against travel to most areas of Egypt. If you decide to cancel your holiday to a location deemed safe by the Foreign Office, standard booking conditions will apply. Requests to cancel will be viewed as a “disinclination to travel,” meaning refunds under the Package Travel Regulations are not guaranteed. However, it may be beneficial to discuss your concerns with your tour operator or travel agent, as they might offer some flexibility. While a full refund may not be possible, you might be able to change your travel dates or destination.
Rights in Case of Holiday Cancellations
If you have booked a package holiday that includes both flight and accommodation through a tour operator with an Air Travel Organisers’ License (ATOL), and your destination becomes inaccessible due to the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, you are entitled to a full refund (but not compensation) under the Package Travel Regulations. This applies not only to Gulf states like the UAE and Qatar but also to destinations further afield, including India and Australasia. If your destination is not under a Foreign Office travel warning, your tour operator may arrange alternative flights, and if the new journey is not significantly different from your original package, the right to a refund may not apply.
General Safety in Egypt
Overall, yes, it is generally safe to travel to Egypt, especially since tourist resorts are located far from the conflict zones in Israel and Gaza. For instance, Sharm el-Sheikh is over 200 miles from the Gaza border, and Hurghada is even further. Popular tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, along with Red Sea resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, currently do not have travel advisories against them.
However, the Foreign Office does caution about “ongoing hostilities,” indicating that the situation could escalate quickly and pose security risks. Travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions and stay informed by monitoring local and international media, as well as adhering to local authorities’ instructions.
There are specific areas where travel is discouraged, including the North Sinai Governorate, which encompasses the Rafah crossing, and within 20km of the Libyan border (with the exception of El Salloum, where only essential travel is advised). The Foreign Office also recommends limiting travel to several other regions, including the northern part of South Sinai.
As with many countries, there is a risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt, particularly heightened during public holidays and festivals, such as Christmas and Ramadan, especially near religious sites and large gatherings. It is advisable to remain vigilant and carry photo identification at all times.
Safety Precautions on the Ground
When traveling in Egypt, it is wise to exercise caution. Protests are not uncommon, and foreigners participating in political activities may face detention or other repercussions. The Foreign Office advises avoiding large gatherings, demonstrations, and protests, as the situation can change without warning. Crowd control measures by police have included the use of water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition.
While visiting popular tourist attractions, be aware that harassment for money or purchases can occur, and there is a risk of theft or mugging, even in taxis. Joining an escorted tour can help mitigate these risks. If you experience a crime, contact the local tourist police for assistance in filing a report.
Additionally, public displays of affection may be frowned upon in Egypt.
Advice for Red Sea Excursions
There have been notable incidents involving tourist submarines and boat excursions in the Red Sea. A report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in early 2025 recommended that customers only book live-aboard dive holidays through reputable vendors who can guarantee safety standards. Upon boarding, customers should request a comprehensive safety briefing from the crew.
Always ensure that crew members are trained for emergencies, that escape routes are clearly marked with emergency lighting and are not lockable, and that lifesaving equipment is accessible and up to date. Fire detection systems and operational extinguishers should also be in place. While this advice pertains specifically to live-aboard dive holidays, it is applicable to any boat excursion worldwide. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance before your trip.
Is Cairo Safe?
The Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Cairo. However, as a bustling metropolis, visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime and harassment.
Is Sharm el-Sheikh Safe?
Sharm el-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting around ten million visitors annually. The Foreign Office considers it safe for travel. Since reopening to British tourists in October 2019, following a tragic incident involving a Russian plane, security measures have been significantly enhanced, including x-ray scanners in hotels and increased security at the airport.
Is Hurghada Safe?
Travel to Hurghada, known for its diving and water sports, is also not discouraged by the Foreign Office. Similar to Sharm el-Sheikh, additional security measures are in place to ensure the safety of tourists.
Alcohol Consumption in Egypt
As an Islamic nation, Egypt has different customs regarding alcohol consumption. While tourist resorts may have more relaxed attitudes, public drinking can lead to arrest, and alcohol is only permitted in licensed establishments.
Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty. Visitors should be aware that substances legal in the UK may be illegal in Egypt. For instance, a British woman was sentenced to three years in prison for bringing tramadol, a prescription drug in the UK, into the country.
Photography Regulations in Egypt
Be cautious about what you photograph in Egypt. Taking pictures of military sites, embassies, government buildings, churches, and even infrastructure like railway stations is strictly prohibited. If you wish to photograph Egyptian citizens, you must obtain their written consent, and photographing children is not allowed.
Additionally, sharing images that could harm the country’s reputation is forbidden, as is making negative comments about the Egyptian government or its politics, particularly on social media, which could lead to detention.
Entry Requirements for Egypt
To enter Egypt, your passport must be valid for at least six months. Most travelers will need to apply for a tourist visa, which can be obtained online prior to travel (valid for up to three months) or upon arrival at designated airport desks (valid for up to 30 days) for a fee of US$25.
If you are visiting the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, you can receive a free entry stamp for stays of less than 15 days. A visa is required for longer stays or visits to other areas.
Safety for Female Travelers
Generally, it is safe for female travelers in Egypt, but there have been reports of sexual assault and harassment, particularly in the Red Sea region, often involving individuals the victim has previously met, such as hotel staff or excursion guides.
The Foreign Office advises female travelers to exercise caution when alone, especially at night, and to avoid being the last passenger on public transport, including microbuses.
Safety for LGBT Travelers
LGBT travelers may face challenges in Egypt. While homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, laws against “debauchery” have been used to prosecute LGBT individuals. In 2017, several people were arrested for waving a rainbow flag at a concert in Cairo. Although attitudes may be more relaxed in tourist areas, public displays of affection can lead to complications.
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