Holiday check 2025: Travel warnings for Mediterranean countries are here!

Holiday check 2025: Travel warnings for Mediterranean countries are here!

The security situation in the Mediterranean remains tense, and the Foreign Office has issued travel warnings for several countries for the summer of 2025. Five countries in the southern and eastern Mediterranean are affected: Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Libya. There is a partial travel warning for Egypt in particular, which indicates terrorist activities and military conflicts in specific regions. This includes the north of the Sinai Peninsula, the border area with Israel (except Taba) and remote parts of the Sahara. Individual excursions in the tourist south of Sinai, for example in Sharm el-Sheikh, should only be carried out in the company of local guides, reports echo24.de.

The Foreign Office confirms that Israel and Lebanon are generally accessible, but there are considerable risks. In these countries, local tensions, unstable infrastructure and possible entry denials are major concerns. There is a dangerous security situation characterized by armed conflict, particularly in the Gaza Strip as well as in southern Lebanon and the West Bank. The situation in Syria remains extremely unstable, despite the change of power in December 2024. This leads to particular dangers, especially for LGBTIQ people and Germans of Syrian origin, who are exposed to risks such as imprisonment or forced recruitment.

Security situation in Egypt

The security situation in Egypt is currently considered stable, but risks remain due to possible terrorist attacks, particularly in Sinai. The north of the Sinai Peninsula and the Egyptian-Israeli border area are particularly dangerous auswaertiges-amt.de reported. Therefore, unaccompanied excursions in the south of the Sinai Peninsula are not recommended. In addition, military operations take place primarily in the border areas with Libya and Sudan.

The domestic political situation in Egypt is considered tense but stable. The security forces have extensive powers to intervene, especially at night, and critical statements can be prosecuted. Although crime rates are generally low, travelers should exercise caution against sexual assault and petty crime. Fraudulent behavior, particularly by taxi drivers, can be observed particularly in holiday areas.

Travel information and recommendations

Travelers to Egypt should inform themselves in advance and follow the following recommendations: Registering in the “Elefand” crisis preparedness list and subscribing to the newsletter or the “Sicher Reisen” app are important. Furthermore, the entry requirements should be requested in advance from the responsible authorities or embassies. Make sure you have enough travel health insurance and follow the latest news and weather reports during your stay.

A visa is required for entry and can be applied for either in advance or upon arrival. In addition, the import regulations for cash and certain goods must be observed. Medical care varies, with care in Cairo considered sufficient, but outside of it often does not meet Western European standards. Vaccinations against yellow fever and polio may be required depending on the country of origin, while travel vaccinations against hepatitis A, dengue fever and rabies are recommended.

The situation in Libya remains fragile and confusing as the state structures are weakened and the health system is severely damaged. The German embassy in Tripoli is closed, meaning consular support is only possible via Tunis in exceptional cases. The security situation in Syria is also extremely unstable, which poses additional risks for travelers.