Stay healthy and safe in Egypt

Egypt is located in an area of the world known for political unrest and societal conflict. It’s common for tourists to be apprehensive and fearful before arriving. 

These travel tips will help you move around with confidence and to blend in easily with the locals. Respect the authorities, follow their instructions at all times and you will have the experience of a lifetime in Egypt. 

Make note of all this important information to protect yourself while exploring a new country with specific customs and traditions.

• The contact number for the police is 112. Keep it saved in your phone if you don’t remember it. 
• Save the number of your country’s embassy in Egypt in case of issues with the authorities. 
• Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Also, have it saved on your phone. 
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for citizens of endemic countries. This also applies to every traveler with a layover in an endemic country. 
• Keep your eyes open and belongings closely guarded. Follow the local authorities instructions in every case. Stay within tourist routes to avoid unnecessary danger. 
• Areas to avoid: the Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert and the borders with neighboring countries.
• It’s forbidden by law to take out of Egypt archeological artifacts and coral. Keep the receipt of any purchase that could be confused for an archeological object. This crime carries jail time so it’s best to avoid any issues at the border. 
• It’s strictly prohibited to take photos of government and military buildings, bridges and canals (including the Suez Canal). 
• Possession, use or traffic of illicit drugs can carry the death penalty. 
• It’s not permitted to use drones in Egypt. If you don’t have authorization from the Ministry of Defense, the drone can be confiscated on arrival.
• There’s no appropriate infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. It can be an issue while traveling around.
• Tourists are advised against driving in Egypt. If they decide to do it anyway, they should avoid driving at night at all costs. The roads are in poor state and lack the needed signposting. The best choice would be to rent a car with a driver.
• Be extremely alert on public transport or walking as a pedestrian. 
• Sand storms can be an issue, especially from March to May.
• Don’t forget to pack sunblock, a hat/baseball cap and sunglasses. The sun can be quite a problem in a desertic country like Egypt.