Egypt health and safety
Egypt is comparatively safe in relation to many other African destinations, but it does not come without its fair share of health and safety risks. The threat of terrorism is high, but tourist areas are patrolled by vigilant police forces in order to keep fundamentalist attacks at bay. Food and water borne diseases are common and medical facilities outside of Cairo can be very basic.
Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common form of illness to plague Egypt’s tourists, and visitors should drink bottled water and eat only cooked food or self-peeled fruit and vegetables. The Nile contains tiny worms that enter the body through the skin and may attach themselves to the bladder or intestines, causing severe illness, so it is unwise to swim in the river or consume the water. Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A vaccinations are advisable when travelling to Egypt.
A series of terrorist bombs caused terrible damage and significant bloodshed on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula in 2004, and tourists have been warned that the risk of terrorist activity remains high. Visitors should remain vigilant at all times. Petty thievery is also common, particularly in the cities and tourist areas, so keep your wits about you.
Current advisory warnings about health and safety in Egypt
British foreign office - Egypt webpage
Up-to-date and reliable advice on health and security issues in Egypt.
www.fco.gov.uk
MD Travel Health - Egypt advice
Comprehensive medical advice on disease and health risks, precautions and remedies.
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com
Footprint Guides - Egypt
Site providing invaluable travel information and advice for a plethora of destinations.
http://www.footprintguides.com/
More topics on this site…
Egypt travel information
Egypt travel tips
Egypt maps and geography
Essentials
Visas: Most nationals require both a passport and visa for travel to Egypt. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and Australia may obtain a 30-day visa for tourist purposes on arrival for US$15.
Season: March – May, September - November
Money: Egyptian pound – ATMs in short supply but credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Language: Arabic is the official language but English and French are widely spoken
Emergency #: Ambulance 123; Police 122