CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Egypt

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (removal of information on the FIFA U-20 World Cup).

See our Global Issues for information on avian influenza.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Egypt

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

On February 22, 2009, a bomb exploded outside a cafe in a market crowded with tourists in Cairo. The blast killed at least four people and injured many more. Foreigners, including one French national, were among the casualties. Canadians in Egypt are urged to exercise caution when frequenting commercial and public establishments, outdoor recreational events, and tourist areas.

On September 22, 2008, 19 people, including several European tourists, were abducted during a safari in the Karkur Talh area in southern Egypt, located near the border with Sudan and Libya. They were released on Septembre 29, 2008. Kidnappings are rare in Egypt, however, Canadians travelling to this area should exercise caution for the time being.

Traffic Accidents

Egypt is continually plagued with a variety of serious, and often fatal, traffic accidents. Driving habits and the state of roads and vehicles create dangerous conditions for travellers. Canadians, as well as other foreigners, have been injured or killed.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occasionally occur throughout the country to protest socio-economic conditions or international political developments, among other things. At such times, increased security measures are usually in place and traffic may be disrupted. Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they are expected to take place, as they may turn violent without warning.

Borders

The border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has been officially closed since June 2007; however, it may open or close upon short notice. Canadians should exercise extreme caution when travelling to this area due to ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. They should consult local authorities and refer to the Travel Report for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza for further information.

Canadians should also exercise caution in the border areas with Libya, Sudan, and Israel.

Terrorist Threat

Terrorist attacks occurred in 2005 and 2006, including at tourist locations, and the threat remains. It should be noted that most of the attacks occurred on local holiday weekends. There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, especially in commercial establishments, government facilities, and public areas, including tourist sites and other areas frequented by foreigners, as well as to monitor local developments. Egyptian police and security forces employ considerable efforts to ensure the safety and security of foreign travellers. Enhanced security arrangements are maintained, especially at airports and tourist sites. Egyptian police may insist on escorting organized tour groups in some areas of the country.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

It should be noted that a state of emergency (Emergency Law) has been in effect since 1981. This can impact on civil rights, including during arrests.

Crime

Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, occurs, especially in tourist locations and on the metro. Violence against foreigners is rare. Travellers should ensure personal belongings are secure and respect any advice or instructions from local security authorities. Photo ID should be carried at all times.

Landmines

Unexploded landmines remain a risk in some desert and coastal areas, notably the Mediterranean shore, the Western Desert, the Sinai Peninsula, and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Travellers should seek local advice, especially if travelling off-road. Known minefields are not marked by signs, but may be enclosed in barbed wire.

Local Emergency Assistance

A tourist police force has been established. Police officers wear a distinctive arm band saying “tourist and antiquities police.” They can be found in hotels and at tourist sites. Dial 122 for police.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Egyptian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Egypt. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Egypt. All Canadians must get an entry stamp upon arrival in Egypt in order to get an exit stamp that will give them the permission to leave Egypt.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Diplomatic Visa: Required

All diplomatic and special passports holders have to get their visa before travelling to Egypt, even if the purpose of the trip is not work.

Other types of visas can be obtained at major ports of entry. It is recommended that travellers obtain their visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before arrival to avoid the possibility of being refused entry or experiencing lengthy delays upon arrival. Canadians who intend to stay for more than one month, and who have obtained a visa from an Egyptian embassy abroad, should be aware that, upon arrival at the airport, a 30-day visa will be stamped in their passport regardless of the visa previously granted. You are responsible for renewing this visa every 30 days, or a fine will be levied.

Canadians intending to visit Egypt should be in possession of a return or onward airline ticket and sufficient funds for the stay.

Canadians contemplating onward travel to Lebanon and/or Syria from Egypt should bear in mind that Canadians have been denied entry into these countries because their passports bore: (a) an Israeli visa; (b) an Israeli border stamp; or (c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

When exiting Egypt, all travellers must show proof of an entry stamp in their passport at the point of departure. Without proof of entry, an exit stamp cannot be obtained and travellers will be denied exit. All Canadians who have entered the country with a Canadian passport and have obtained a new passport while in Egypt must present the new passport to the Egyptian immigration authorities at Mugamma, Tahrir Square, Cairo, to ensure that an entry stamp is transferred into the new passport. These requirements also apply for newborns and dual nationals.

All foreigners planning to study and/or work (including training) in Egypt for longer than one month will be required to undergo human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in Egypt. Information on this procedure will be provided by the Egyptian immigration authorities (Mugamma, Tharir Square, Cairo, Egypt) upon application.

Travellers over the age of one are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected areas.

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Egypt - CAIRO, Embassy of Canada
Address: 26 Kamel El Shenawy Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1667, Cairo, Egypt,
Tel.: 20 (2) 2791-8700
Fax: 20 (2) 2791-8860
E-Mail: cairo-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.egypt.gc.ca

For emergency assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Cairo (20 (2) 2791 8700), or, after hours, the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Global Issues page on Avian Influenza.

Since 2006, there have been many confirmed human deaths due to avian influenza in Egypt, according to the World Health Organization. Travellers should avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live-food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Travellers should be aware that the Egyptian Ministry of Health has put in place body temperature check measures at Egyptian ports of entry to counter the spread of the H1N1 Influenza. Individuals with a high fever may be subject to examination or further testing at a public hospital (Homeyat) where they will be kept for 24 hours while waiting for the results. If the results of the H1N1 test is positive, travellers will be quarantined at the hospital for treatment, which can last a week or longer.

Travellers should be careful to only drink water that has been boiled, filtered, or bottled.

Air pollution is a health concern. Canadians with respiratory problems should take this into account and consult with their physician prior to their departure. Travellers should also be prepared for the heat by drinking lots of water.

Medical facilities are below Canadian standards.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The use of drugs and open consumption of alcohol (other than in licensed facilities such as hotels and restaurants) are prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Capital punishment is a sentencing option for certain drug-related crimes.

Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture. Demonstrations of homosexuality have been deemed an affront to public morals and some Egyptian homosexuals have been jailed.

Strict duties apply on the importation of expensive electronics, including video and photographic equipment, laptops, and computer software and hardware. Such equipment should be for personal use and should be listed (model and serial number) and checked upon arrival and departure, in which case no duty will be collected. Appropriate permits and authorizations are required for the commercial importation of any type of electronics. It is prohibited to export any antiquity or any item older than 100 years without a licence. For further information regarding customs requirements, contact the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Ottawa.

Photography of bridges, canals, including the Suez Canal, government buildings, embassies, and military personnel and establishments is prohibited.

The work week is Sunday through Thursday.

Religion

Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (i.e. for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Women's Safety

Women, particularly foreign women, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls, and touching. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Forced Marriages

There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Canada opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries and regions to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which Canada is a signatory. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: 1-800-267-6788) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 above).

Dual Nationality

Canadians who were born in Egypt, or who were born outside Egypt to an Egyptian father, are considered citizens of Egypt. Consular assistance, if required, will be granted by the Egyptian authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Egyptian-Canadian men may be subject to military service after spending a period of six months in Egypt. In order to be exempted, dual nationals are required to present a document of discharge claiming their dual nationality before leaving Egypt. Getting this document may be a drawn-out process that could affect their departure date, and the Canadian government has no jurisdiction in the process.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions are often poor and the rate of vehicular accidents is one of the highest in the world. Foreign tourists are often affected by vehicle accidents. In 2008, Canadian travellers were seriously injured in a bus-related accident, while in 2006 a Canadian was killed in a vehicle accident. Such frequent accidents are believed to be caused by excessive speed, poorly maintained roads and vehicles, and driver behaviour or fatigue. Driving habits and style differ markedly from those practised in Canada. Traffic regulations are often ignored. In the event of an accident, the vehicle should not be moved until the police arrive. Road travel outside major cities is not recommended after dark due to poor lighting and the number of vehicles without headlights. Travellers should ensure their vehicles and drivers are provided by reputable travel agencies. Because of hazardous driving habits, travellers should avoid micro-buses.

Canadians should also be cautious when crossing streets because drivers do not give pedestrians right of way.

Taxis and the metro are considered the safest means of travel. Most taxis do not have working meters, and backseats are rarely equipped with seatbelts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Border Crossings with Israel

Travellers should verify the status of all crossing points prior to arrival with the Egyptian Embassy in Israel or the Israeli Embassy in Egypt. The Rafah border crossing point to Gaza has been closed since June 2007. Cross-border movement regulations and restrictions are subject to change at any time and are the prerogative of the responsible authorities. The Government of Canada does not have authority or jurisdiction regarding movement over these borders.

Special Permits

Special permits are required to visit various Egyptian areas, including the Sinai and the border area with Libya. Information should be confirmed with the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior in Cairo.

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The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Only EGP 5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency are easily exchanged in hotels and banks. U.S. dollars are preferred, particularly at tourist sites. It has become common practice for some travel agents and tour operators to request that payment be made in U.S. cash only. Most major credit cards are widely accepted, although some merchants prefer cash or may charge a fee for payment by credit card. MasterCard may be refused in banks, hotels, shops, and travel agents because of its link to the failed Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI - its former backer). MasterCard is accepted for cash advances at the Bank of America, located on Qasr al-Aini Street near Tahrir Square in Cairo.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Egypt, particularly Cairo, is located in an active seismic zone. The country is also subject to sand storms and dust storms. In the event of an emergency, information will be posted on the Embassy of Canada's website.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in this country or region.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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