NZ government advice for Egypt

When travelling to Egypt, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Egypt.

There is high risk to your security in Egypt, including in the Sinai (except in the Red Sea resort area, Luxor and Aswan), due to the unpredictable security situation and threat from terrorism and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel. 

There is some risk to your security in the Red Sea resort area, Luxor and Aswan due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution.

Civil unrest
There have been ongoing violent clashes between protestors and security forces in central Cairo, particularly in Tahrir square, and other cities since 19 November 2011, resulting in deaths and injuries.  New Zealanders in Egypt are advised to avoid all protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

Parliamentary elections in Egypt are scheduled for the period 28 November 2011 to March 2012.  Political rallies may become a focal point for protesters during this time.  We advise New Zealanders in Egypt to avoid all political rallies or gatherings during the election period due to their potential to result in civil unrest.

Violent protests and civil unrest have occurred in many parts of the country since ex-President Mubarak?s resignation on 11 February 2011. Protests continue to occur in towns and cities across Egypt and further unrest and violence cannot be ruled out.

There has been an increase in sectarian violence in Cairo since early 2011, with a number of violent clashes resulting in deaths and injuries.  Particular care should be exercised if attending religious services or visiting sites of religious significance.

Due to the high threat of banditry on roads in the Sinai, we recommend travelling to the Red Sea resorts by air.  If you are considering travel by road you should exercise caution and seek advice from the local security authorities before proceeding.  While the likelihood of civil disturbances is much lower in the Red Sea resort area, Luxor and Aswan than other parts of Egypt, there remains a threat from terrorism.  New Zealanders could be inadvertently caught up in attacks directed at others.

New Zealanders throughout Egypt are advised to exercise a high degree of security awareness in public places, monitor local media for any developments that may affect personal safety and security and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. 

Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Egypt, including in the Sinai Peninsula.  Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and may be directed at locations known to be frequented by foreigners such as embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants, resort areas, markets, shopping areas, tourist sites, public transport facilities and places of worship.  Particular care should be exercised in the Sinai Peninsula and in resort regions, especially over local holiday weekends.  Previous attacks have targeted foreign tourists and places of worship and have often coincided with holiday weekends.  There is a heightened risk along the border shared with Israel (including Gaza) both from terrorist attacks and retaliatory military action.

Recent terrorist attacks in Egypt include an explosion outside a Coptic Church in Alexandria on 1 January 2011, believed to be caused by a suicide bomber, which killed 21 people and injured over 80 others.  In February 2009, a bomb explosion outside the Khan el Khalili bazaar, a major tourist attraction in the centre of Cairo, killed one foreigner and injured a number of other people.  In April 2006 in the resort town of Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula, 23 people were killed and 60 people seriously injured following a series of explosions in the town centre. 

Kidnapping
In September 2008, 19 people were kidnapped for ransom while on safari in the Karkur Talh area located near the border with Sudan and Libya.  They were subsequently released but the risk of kidnapping in the Sudan/Libya border region remains.  

Border crossings
The Rafah border crossing with the Gaza strip is currently open daily from 10am to 6pm.  But we strongly advise you not to travel to the Gaza strip because of the extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation there.  Restrictions and rules on crossing are subject to change.  New Zealanders considering travel to Gaza should read the travel advisory for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and contact their nearest Egyptian Embassy for the latest information on border crossing requirements.  The security situation at this border crossing is often tense and there are occasional outbreaks of violence.

Landmines
There are landmines in some desert and coastal areas.  Travellers should seek advice from local authorities on landmine locations if intending to venture off well marked roads.

Piracy
Piracy is a significant problem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures.  For more information see the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report [external site].

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.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Egypt should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance polices in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Egypt are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

See our regional advice for the Middle East

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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 6000 Facsimile +202 2461 6099
Email: enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg
Website: www.nzembassy.com/egypt
Office Hours Sun-Thur 0900-1500 hrs