Egypt Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Egypt continues, with international flights, major airports and normal tourism operating. However, travellers should be aware of the closed Rafah crossing with Gaza, significant restrictions and security warnings in some border and desert regions, and the possibility of short-notice disruption caused by wider regional tensions.

Rafah border crossing

The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is currently closed. Travellers should not plan a journey that depends on crossing between Gaza and Egypt unless the crossing has officially reopened and they have confirmed that they are eligible to use it.

Taba border crossing

The Taba crossing between Egypt and Israel is currently open, although conditions can change at short notice because of regional tensions. Travellers entering Egypt through Taba should check the latest border requirements and charges before travelling.

North Sinai

Strong travel warnings remain in force for North Sinai because of terrorism and other security risks. This should not be confused with the major Red Sea tourist destinations farther south, including Sharm el-Sheikh.

Western Desert and border regions

Significant travel restrictions and warnings apply to parts of Egypt’s Western Desert and areas close to the Libyan and Sudanese borders. Some desert journeys require permits and licensed guides.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Eligible travellers can obtain an Egyptian eVisa before travelling, while some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at approved airports.

Digital visa on arrival

Since 1 August 2026, eligible travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport can purchase a digital visa on arrival through self-service machines or the Visa on Arrival portal. The digital option currently costs 36 US dollars including the service fee.

Passport requirements

Travellers should check the requirements applying to their nationality. Egypt generally requires foreign visitors to have sufficient passport validity and the appropriate visa or entry permission.

Sharm el-Sheikh and South Sinai

Special entry arrangements apply to some travellers arriving directly at Sharm el-Sheikh and remaining within designated South Sinai resort areas for short visits. Travellers intending to continue elsewhere in Egypt may require a full Egyptian visa.

Yellow fever

Travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission may be required to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Regional tensions

The wider security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Although Egypt’s airspace and major airports are operating, developments elsewhere in the region can cause airlines to alter routes or schedules at short notice.

Rafah crossing remains closed

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is currently closed. Any future reopening may involve restrictions on who is permitted to cross and when.

Regional security situation remains unpredictable

Current official travel guidance continues to warn that developments elsewhere in the Middle East could cause unexpected disruption. Travellers should monitor their airline if flying through or onward to other parts of the region.

Cairo digital visa on arrival

From 1 August 2026, eligible travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport have been able to purchase a digital visa on arrival using self-service machines or the online Visa on Arrival system.

Taba border charges have changed

Charges associated with entering Egypt through the Taba crossing have been subject to increases at short notice since March 2026. Travellers using this route should check the latest fees before arrival.

Normal tourism continues

There is currently no nationwide shutdown of tourism or commercial aviation. Egypt’s major tourist destinations and international airports remain accessible.

Check your airline, passport and visa requirements immediately before departure.

If your journey involves Israel, Gaza, Sudan or Libya, check the exact status of your intended border crossing before travelling. Border conditions can be very different from conditions in Egypt’s main tourist areas.

Do not assume that warnings applying to North Sinai or remote border regions apply equally to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada or the main South Sinai resorts. Check official advice for your exact destination and route.

If travelling through Taba, check the latest entry charges and carry sufficient US dollars because cash may be required at the crossing.

If flying onward through the Middle East, check the status of your connecting flight because regional airspace conditions can change quickly.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.