Egypt Global Health Insurance / Egypt Travel Advice

Egypt is one of the world's most famous and favorite tourist destinations with million of visitors arriving to the country each year from all over the world. When traveling to another country it can be difficult to know how to adapt to the local culture and which laws to be concerned about. Egypt is predominantly a Muslim country. You should respect the local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they don't offend other cultures or religious beliefs. It is for these reasons that we have provided you with some travel advice that will help you enjoy your travels throughout Egypt.

Please take note the information contained on this page may be liable to change, as such you should consult your travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey.

Egypt Travel Advice

• There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus also known as the Swine Flu in Egypt, including one reported death. The World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic threat alert has been raised to level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Egyptian airports are screening for the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus for passengers arriving on international flights. There is currently no exit screening in place. If you have a high temperature and/or flu like symptoms, you should seek medical advice prior to travel to prevent hospitalization on arrival in Egypt.

• In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Program On HIV/AIDS)/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,200 adults aged 15 or over in Egypt were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

• There are confirmed human cases of the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) H5N1 in Egypt. There have been 27 fatalities believed to have arisen from close contact with infected poultry. You should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form which is easily transmissible between people.

• Several vaccinations are highly recommended for travelers journeying to the country, they include: Yellow Fever, Typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and B, Hepatitis C is the highest prevalence in the world, Cholera, West Nile fever, Rift Valley fever, and Diphtheria. It is also recommended that you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations.

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers, such as hotels and restaurants.

• Egyptian security forces continue to carry out counter-terrorist operations in some areas of Sinai. Security authorities may insist on escorting you in some areas. On the evening of 10 May 2009, an explosion occurred outside St Mary’s Church in Zeitoun, Cairo. No one was injured, the security services are at a high state of alert and you may be stopped and questioned. We recommend that you carry photo identification and co-operate fully with officials.

• Since 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula and four in Cairo, the latest on 10 May 2009. These attacks killed and injured a number of British nationals. You should be aware that some of these attacks have taken place over local holiday weekends. Egyptian security forces tend to step up their presence at these times.

• You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

• The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should take sensible precautions. Take care of your passport and valuables, use hotel safes and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. If you are traveling alone or in small groups, you are advised to take extra caution, as there have been many cases of harassment, the majority targeting women, especially on the streets of busy cities or at the beach resorts.

• Women are advised to take extra caution when traveling alone as there have been cases of harassment and sexual assault, including rape.

• Egypt is also a conservative society. You should dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional areas like mosques and markets. Women's clothes should cover their legs and upper arms. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may be frowned upon in other areas.

• Drinking in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.

• Visitors and residents should carry photographic ID at all times. Your passport must contain a valid visa.

• It is recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling to Egypt.

Egypt Global Health Insurance

Globalsurance can offer you a comprehensive global health insurance plan in Egypt that will typically provide you with a affordable number of coverage options including; benefits for in and out patient treatment, specialist consultations, dental care, and emergency evacuation. For more information, please contact our dedicated advisors today. For your convenience you may fill out this quick and easy online form by clicking here.