Travel Risk Report [Egypt]

Our Egypt Travel Risk Report shows that the security risks in Egypt vary according to the travel area and the profile of the traveller. Due to ongoing political instability, demonstrations (many of which are violent and disruptive) occur frequently in the capital, Cairo, as well as other major cities. The death of ex-president, Mohamed Morsi, last week has sparked disruption and unrest within the Muslim Brotherhood Political Party, although nothing violent has been reported.

Travel Risk Ratings are also affected by the activities of militant extremist groups. These groups are mostly active in the country’s North Sinai but have staged terrorist attacks in Cairo and elsewhere in the past. The conflict between militant or criminal groups and government forces is mainly limited to the North Sinai and western desert areas of Egypt, where is there is also an elevated risk of kidnapping. Yesterday, 25th June, another terrorist attack occurred in North Sinai killing a reported 7 police. 

We have operated across Egypt significantly this year and would advise operations and travel can be conducted with the correct security measures in place. A further breakdown on security risks are provided below. 

Crime
Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Egypt. Petty crime is an ever-present threat globally, but in Egypt, other criminal threats include scams and gender-based violence and discrimination. Criminal activity is most prevalent in urban and tourist locations.

Security Services
The trustworthiness, capabilities, and responsiveness of security services in Egypt are generally poor (risk is moderate); foreign nationals should avoid contact with security forces for serious matters and instead liaise with their diplomatic mission. Police officers are typically unable to speak foreign languages.

Civil Unrest
The prevalence of violent demonstrations in Egypt is moderate. Potentially dangerous protests or endemic civil strife is most common in major cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said.

Terrorism
The threat of terrorism is high in Egypt. Known and specific threats exist, and Egypt must currently be considered a potential target of Islamic State-affiliated Wilayat Sinai, and other smaller militant groups. 

Kidnapping
For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Egypt is generally moderate; kidnappers are less likely to targets locals. Victims may face the threat of injury or death during confinement, if kidnapped by militant groups. Victims kidnapped by Bedouins in the Sinai Peninsula are usually released unharmed. 

Geopolitical
Egypt is generally economically, politically, and socially stable. Egypt is moderately impacted by regional developments, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ongoing conflict in neighboring Libya.

We also advise you to check for recommended vaccines before you travel and due to risks posed by Zika virus, pregnant women should reconsider their need to travel to the country.  Please be aware this Travel Risk Report is a brief overview and our advice would be to thoroughly research your destination prior to travel. Our travel risk department can provide country reports, travel risk summaries, advice and support to help mitigate risk further.