Cairo is outside the one part of Egypt the US State Department says not to visit, the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula. At Safe to Go, we re-check these advisories every day, and the US asks for increased caution across Egypt because of terrorism, crime and health.
The US lists urban areas in Cairo among potential terrorist targets, where security is generally present. It also warns of pickpocketing, harassment of women, and overcharging and scams in tourist areas.
Official Government Warnings for Cairo
Government travel advisories treat Cairo as an area requiring increased caution rather than a zone to avoid entirely. The panel above shows each government’s level today.
The US State Department advisory for Egypt lists urban areas in Cairo among the locations where security forces maintain a presence against extremist threats. US officials note that while authorities provide effective security protection, extremists still express interest in attacking potential targets. These targets include tourist sites, religious venues, transportation centers, diplomatic facilities, shopping malls, restaurants, and foreign businesses across Egypt. Dual national citizens should note that Egyptian law treats them solely as Egyptian citizens, limiting foreign consular assistance if detained.
The UK FCDO travel advice for Egypt does not mention Cairo by name in its areas-to-avoid list. The UK notes that approximately one million British nationals visit the country every year with most visits proving trouble-free. Meanwhile, the Canada travel advisory for Egypt asks travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt, with regional advisories for some areas.
How Cairo Compares to Wider Egyptian Regions
The US State Department says do not travel to the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula because of terrorism, so leave it off any trip from Cairo.
The UK FCDO lists recent attacks in Alexandria in 2023 and 2024 and on a police checkpoint in Ismailiya City in 2022. It says to stay aware of your surroundings, follow local media and the advice of local authorities, and be vigilant in crowds. Egyptian authorities maintain a significant security presence across the country, with extra measures in place at tourist sites.
Scams and Harassment Risks for Visitors in Cairo
The US State Department says most crimes against foreigners in Egypt are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. The UK FCDO calls pickpocketing rare and the crime rate generally low, but both warn about scammers and touts in tourist areas.
The US State Department specifically highlights that harassment of women is an ongoing problem across Egypt. This behavior includes vulgar comments, unwanted gestures, indecent exposure, and non-consensual physical contact. UK guidance adds that female travelers should exercise caution when traveling alone, particularly at night, in taxis.
In Egypt, you can contact the tourist police directly by dialing 126. Report a crime before you leave Egypt, because the UK FCDO says it will be difficult to prosecute later.
- Keep photocopies of your passport, entry visa, and airline tickets stored separately from original identity documents.
- Report lost passports to local authorities immediately to secure the paperwork required to transfer entry visas.
Getting Around Cairo Safely by Taxi and Transit
While transportation centers feature security, travelers should exercise caution when using taxis.
UK authorities advise solo travelers, especially women, to avoid traveling in taxis alone at night. When taking a vehicle alone cannot be avoided, share your driver details, trip route, and live location with a friend. Use reputable providers for any services and excursions, and carry out research beforehand.
Protest and Social Media Rules That Can Lead to Detention
The UK FCDO calls the political environment in Egypt restrictive.
Local Egyptian law strictly prohibits protesting or demonstrating without an official government permit. The US State Department says people have been arrested just for being near protests in Egypt, even when not taking part. Security personnel respond forcefully to street disturbances. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and protests as the situation could change quickly and without warning.
Foreign visitors can also face detention for posting comments on social media seen as critical of the Egyptian government, its international allies, or its cultural heritage sites. It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity or any other religion.
Emergency Health and Medical Facilities
The US Department of State warns that emergency and intensive care facilities are limited across Egypt and may be unavailable in remote areas. Ambulances are rare, unreliable in most areas, and don’t have advanced medical equipment. Read the health section of the US State Department advisory for Egypt before you go.
The US State Department says Egypt has circulating poliovirus, so make sure your polio vaccines are up to date before you travel.
Checking Cairo Travel Safety Right Now
Cairo is a poor fit if you plan to post political commentary about Egypt online during the trip, because the US says you may be detained for posting anything seen as critical of Egypt or its allies. Our editorial position on Cairo would change if major government advisories issued blanket restrictions against non-essential travel to the capital itself, or if civil disturbances halted international air transit. Browse our city safety guides to compare urban conditions across international destinations, or read our Is Egypt safe? guide before you book your flights.