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Egypt: Travel Advice for Irish Residents

Egypt is a country filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. If you’re an Irish resident planning a trip to Egypt, it’s important to stay informed about safety and travel alerts. In this article, we will provide you with the latest travel advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Egypt.

Safety Standing

Egypt is currently experiencing a high level of warning when it comes to safety. There are certain areas that Irish residents are strongly advised against traveling to. These include the Governorate of North Sinai, particularly the Taba-Suez Highway, due to the extremely dangerous security situation. Additionally, traveling to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing is not recommended as the area is deemed hazardous and the border crossing is often closed. It’s also advisable to avoid independent travel to remote desert areas near the Libyan and Sudanese borders due to heightened security concerns.

However, if you are planning to visit tourist areas such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and the Nile River (including Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel), it is recommended to arrive by air. Irish residents should also be aware of the hazardous driving conditions in Egypt.

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Egypt

Latest Travel Alert

While there have been no terrorist attacks in major cities or tourist destinations since 2019, it is important to remain vigilant. There is still a high risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt, primarily targeting the security services. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to follow the instructions of local authorities, including any restrictions on movement around religious sites and during religious festivals. Stay updated by monitoring local media, including social media platforms.

It is advised to stay away from major security, police, or government buildings and refrain from taking photos of security installations. Carry valid identification with you at all times and if caught in a demonstration, it is best to leave the area immediately without attempting to take photos or videos.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained upon arrival. Ensure that your passport has a minimum validity of 6 months as passport cards are not accepted for travel to Egypt. For more information on visas and passports, please refer to the Further Information tab.

When visiting Egypt, it is recommended to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed about current events by monitoring local news and social media. You can also stay connected with the Embassy on Twitter and Facebook to receive relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

While traveling in Egypt, it’s reassuring to know that help is readily available. In case of any concerns or issues, reach out to your local contacts, tour operator representative, or hotel management. For emergency assistance, dial 122 to contact the emergency services in Egypt. Specific emergency numbers include the Tourist Police (126), Fire brigade (180), Ambulance (123), and the Egyptian Ministry of Health Emergency Line (137).

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Our Recommendations for Safe Travels

To ensure a worry-free journey, we have some recommendations for you:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can easily reach you in case of an unexpected crisis, such as a natural disaster or family emergency.
  • Follow us on Twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide for more travel tips and advice.

We hope that this travel advice helps you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Egypt. Explore the wonders of this beautiful country while staying informed and taking necessary precautions. Bon voyage!

FAQs

If you have any further questions or concerns about traveling to Egypt, please refer to the following frequently asked questions:

  1. Do Irish residents need a visa to enter Egypt?

    • Yes, Irish residents require a visa to enter Egypt. Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival.
  2. Are there any areas in Egypt that should be avoided?

    • It is advisable to avoid traveling to the Governorate of North Sinai, Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, and remote desert areas near the Libyan and Sudanese borders due to security concerns.
  3. How can I contact emergency services in Egypt?

    • In case of an emergency, dial 122 to contact the emergency services in Egypt. Specific emergency numbers include the Tourist Police (126), Fire brigade (180), Ambulance (123), and the Egyptian Ministry of Health Emergency Line (137).
  4. Where can I find the most up-to-date travel updates?

    • Stay connected with the Embassy on Twitter and Facebook to receive relevant updates and alerts. You can also follow @dfatravelwise on Twitter for the latest travel updates.
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Conclusion

Egypt is a captivating country with a wealth of history and allure. By staying informed about the safety standing, latest travel alerts, and general travel advice, Irish residents can have a memorable and safe experience in Egypt. Remember to follow the guidance of local authorities, monitor local news, and take necessary precautions throughout your journey. Have a wonderful time exploring the wonders of Egypt!

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