Egypt Country Report

Egypt is a country strategically located on the northeast corner of Africa, with the country's Sinai Peninsula connecting Africa to the Middle East. The nation's main cultural and urban centers have developed on its northern Mediterranean coastline and along the Nile River, which has for centuries been the region's primary source of fresh water for industry and irrigation. Overall, security in Egypt has improved in recent years but the country features a complex threat environment that is geographically variable. While tourist centers like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor are largely safe to visit, the Sinai Peninsula and some southern and western border regions are prone to instability and militancy. There is also a threat of terrorism nationwide.

Egypt can pose several security challenges to those seeking to operate in the country. Security forces are actively conducting an anti-insurgency campaign in North Sinai Province, while there is a lack of security in remote areas close to the western border with Libya. Terrorism nationwide is a concern, although the threat is gradually diminishing. Islamic State (IS) suicide and car bomb attacks have targeted Coptic churches, government facilities, and security forces in North Sinai, South Sinai, Cairo, the Western Desert, and Nile Delta cities. Foreigners have also been targeted. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been planted and detonated at transportation hubs and other public areas. Finally, the Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, leading to additional security concerns for Egypt.

Petty crime is a concern in most major urban areas, and this can take the form of harassment, muggings, and pickpocketing. Carjackings are reported with some frequency in major cities. Western women have reported sexual harassment. Protests are effectively illegal under the regime of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, yet they still occur, often in response to austerity measures and a continued government crackdown on civil society. Security forces are prone to respond swiftly to protests. While socioeconomic factors and government opposition are drivers for civil and labor unrest, security forces are swift to clamp down on any gatherings. Strikes can disrupt commerce, transportation, and public services. Corruption is also prevalent in Egypt's political, military, commercial, and regulatory environments.

Although road conditions are better in major cities compared to rural areas, traffic accidents are widely reported due to driving standards and few/no road markings. The air quality in Alexandria and Cairo is among the worst in the world and can lead to respiratory problems. Egypt is prone to sandstorms, which are most prevalent between Marchand May. There is an elevated flood risk during periods of high precipitation in the Nile flood plain. There is a minor risk from unexploded landmines in some desert areas in the northwest of Egypt and along the Red Sea coast.

There are periodic military operations against militants in North Sinai and along the Libyan border. Armed assaults and bombings have been reported in the region. The terrorist threat stems from North Sinai-based Islamist militants, suspected Muslim Brotherhood offshoots, and those motivated by left-wing views. Most terrorist attacks target commercial, economic, and infrastructure installations as well as Christian minorities and security forces. Foreigners have also been targeted. Most crimes are petty thefts, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, but armed robberies, muggings, sexual assaults, rapes, break-ins, and carjackings have also been reported. Opposition to the government and socioeconomic factors are drivers for civil unrest. Islamist protests have been pushed out of downtown areas, and rallies motivated by economic factors are now a greater potential threat to security. As most demonstrations have de facto been outlawed by the government, protests can turn violent and disrupt travel. The risk of civil unrest rises during significant anniversaries.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact Egypt directly. However, Egyptian authorities have expressed their concerns that a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip will lead to a refugee crisis in the country. Sisi is also concerned over the resurgence of Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula. The involvement of Iran-backed proxy groups, specifically Yemen's Al-Houthi rebels', in the conflict in Israel has led to the Egyptian armed forces intercepting at least two projectiles near the towns of Taba and Nuweiba. There is a heightened risk of militant attacks across Egypt, similar to the Oct. 8 Alexandria attack, which killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian national.

Airports in Egypt are generally inefficient but safe. Airline safety standards in Egypt generally meet international standards.

Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces and stray animals can cause accidents.

East Port Said was the highest-ranked Egyptian port in 2022, ranking #10 globally on the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

Utilities are generally good, however in rural areas, access to water can be a challenge.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber attacks. Egypt is the country most vulnerable to malware, cyber-theft, and information hacking in the Middle East.

Egypt has a hot desert climate, with some of the highest recorded annual temperatures in the world. The climate is dry in most of the country except on the northern Mediterranean coast, which receives more rainfall in winter. High summer temperatures can be a source of discomfort and potentially pose a threat to health. Sandstorms are most prevalent between March and May. Downpours can trigger flooding and disrupt travel. Militants may plant IEDs in Cairo, North Sinai, and the Nile Delta. Known minefields are not reliably marked but may be enclosed by barbed wire. Bedouins and farmers often come across unexploded landmines in rural desert locations.

The quality and capacity of medical facilities in Egypt are very geographically variable. Private medical centers in Cairo and other major cities are often of a good international standard, while hospitals and health centers in rural areas can be very poor. Access to specialized treatment is limited and may not be available. Many physicians in Egypt speak English and have been trained in Western countries. Medical facilities in Cairo, Alexandria, Mansoura, and most other major cities and tourist locations are adequate for non-emergency matters. Ambulance service is available but unreliable, and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for all travel. Access to specialized drugs and treatments may not be available.

Egyptian politics have largely stabilized following years of unrest and turmoil after the popular uprising, which led to the overthrow of President Mubarak in 2011. However, the current president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, still faces popular unrest due to his administration's introduction of austerity measures and authoritarian approach to stifling dissent. The country currently faces a range of political and economic issues, including high youth unemployment, a lack of international investor confidence, corruption, extrajudicial police tactics, static public wages, and a sharp downturn in tourism.

There is currently a great deal of political apathy in Egypt, and the lack of democratic engagement has fueled recent protests in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Anti-government demonstrations are likely to continue due to slowing economic development. However, there is little popular appetite for another anti-government uprising, and heavy security is always visible to deter any large-scale public dissent. The dominant attitude shared by the media and politicians is a nationalist, pro-army, and anti-Muslim Brotherhood sentiment, which aids Sisi's popularity. According to local and foreign non-governmental organizations, corruption is rife.