Attention travelers: partial travel warning for Egypt - important information!

Attention travelers: partial travel warning for Egypt - important information!

On June 6, 2025, the Federal Foreign Office issued a partial travel warning for Egypt, informing potential travelers about the current security situation as well as important health and behavioral information. Travel to popular tourist destinations on the Red Sea, such as Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam, are particularly affected by the warning, although the situation there is considered stable overall. However, travelers should always remain vigilant, especially if they want to explore the less touristy regions of the country.

Increased caution is recommended in certain areas, such as the border area with Libya, parts of the Sinai and the Western Desert. The risk of terrorist attacks, especially on the Sinai Peninsula, is increased. There is also a warning against unaccompanied excursions in the south of Sinai. Travelers are therefore asked to inform themselves about the security situation and to travel responsibly. This information can also be found on the Federal Foreign Office website, which offers comprehensive up-to-date information - auswaertiges-amt.de.

Entry requirements

To enter Egypt, German citizens need either a valid identity card or passport. It is important that the ID card is valid for at least six months. Other requirements include presenting an immigration card and two biometric passport photos. The passport is recommended as the ID card is not recognized everywhere. A temporary ID card is not sufficient for entry.

In addition, travelers should check their vaccinations, especially against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies. Medical care in Egypt does not meet European standards everywhere, especially outside large cities. Travel health insurance with a return option is therefore strongly recommended in order to be covered in an emergency. This is highlighted on the Foreign Office website – ruhr24.de.

Cultural and legal peculiarities

When staying in Egypt, travelers should be aware of the cultural and religious peculiarities. Appropriate clothing must be worn and photography of military installations, public buildings or demonstrations is prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution. The consumption of alcohol is also only permitted in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars, while drug possession and use are severely punished.

The domestic political situation is currently tense but stable. Demonstrations are possible and critical statements about the country can have legal consequences. Another safety issue is the fact that minefields, particularly in Sinai, are often inadequately marked. Although the overall crime rate is low, reports of sexual assault and pickpocketing have been reported. Therefore, special caution is required in taxi rides and in crowds.

Given these circumstances, travelers are advised to do their research before embarking on their journey. Subscribe to the newsletter or use the Federal Foreign Office’s “Safe Travel” app for up-to-date information. Registering on the crisis preparedness list can also be helpful in order to be informed quickly in an emergency.

Through this article we hope to have given you a comprehensive overview of the current travel conditions to Egypt. Inform yourself thoroughly and plan your trip accordingly so that you can travel safely and carefree to the fascinating land of pyramids and pharaohs.