Egypt

It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity or any other religion.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. It is advisable not to play loud music, dance or swear in public. 

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants 

• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate non-fasting guests, for example with screens 

• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time 

• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk 

• be patient and show tolerance

Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport. They may detain you if you cannot show your ID and your visa (or a digital/paper copy).

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).

Couples showing physical affection in public is frowned upon. Holding hands is generally fine. Behaviour accepted in tourist resort areas may not be accepted elsewhere.

Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed restaurants, bars, or private homes or certain tourist resorts is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. People who get a life sentence on drugs charges normally spend the rest of their lives in prison with no chance of parole or a pardon.

Khat is illegal in Egypt.

You must get a permit to enter Egypt with professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.

It is illegal to take or share photos that could be considered damaging to the country’s image.

Ministry of Tourism regulations on photography say that you must get an Egyptian citizen’s written permission before you take their photo. Taking pictures of children is prohibited. Do not photograph officials without their consent.

It is illegal to take photos of, or near, military property. This includes the Suez Canal.

If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photos. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of:

• embassies
• government buildings and infrastructure
• religious buildings

It is illegal to use radio-controlled helicopters or drones to take photos near sensitive sites.     

Do not import, use or produce drones in Egypt unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives you permission beforehand. Anyone who uses or imports drones without permission could get a prison sentence of up to 7 years or a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.

Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.

There is little public acceptance of same-sex relationships in Egypt. Same-sex couples showing affection in public are likely to receive negative attention.

Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal. Some travellers have been arrested and imprisoned for this.

You may be denied entry if your gender expression or physical appearance does not match the sex marker in your passport or your passport photograph.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law, particularly around child custody. See International parental child abduction for information and how to get assistance.