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Exercise increased caution

in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. 

• The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.


• Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be solely Egyptian citizens.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula.  Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning: 

Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection.  However, extremists continue to express interest in planning and carrying out attacks.  Security is generally present at potential targets, which include:  

• Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there) 


• Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies) 


• Tourist sites 


• Transportation centers 


• Shopping malls 


• Restaurants and foreign businesses  


• Resorts 


• Roadside checkpoints 


• Urban areas in Cairo 

Crime

Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.  Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt.  It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact.  Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas.  Review the Country Security Report for Egypt for further details.  

Health  

Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Egypt and may be unavailable in remote areas.  Ambulances are rare, unreliable in most areas, and don’t have advanced medical equipment. 

Global polio

Some international destinations, including Egypt, have circulating poliovirus.  Before traveling to Egypt, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines.  Check the CDC website for current vaccination recommendations.

Demonstrations

Protests or demonstrations may occur suddenly:   

• Individuals have been arrested for being in the vicinity of protests in Egypt, even when not actively participating.   


• U.S. citizens have been arrested for participating in protests. 


• You may be detained for posting anything on social media seen as critical of Egypt or its allies, or for disrespecting its cultural sites. 


• Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. 

Do not travel to:

• The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism. 


• The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company.


• Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Updated due to change in travel advisory level to reflect changes in crime.

Country Summary: Exercise normal precautions in El Salvador. Gang activity has decreased over the last three years. This has caused a drop in violent crimes and murders.

U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments at night.

There are exceptions. U.S. government employees are allowed to travel at all hours between San Salvador and:

• El Salvador’s international airport.


• La Libertad department.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses.

State of Exception

In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in gang murders:

• The State of Exception allows local authorities to arrest anyone they think is involved in gang activity.


• It suspends several constitutional rights. This includes the normal protections of criminal procedure, like the right to a speedy or fair trial.


• Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception.


• Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They remain in prison and have yet to face trial.

The State of Exception is still in place.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

• Always use major highways and roads.


• Minimize travel outside of major cities at night.


• El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving. Do not drink and drive.


• Stay aware of your surroundings.


• When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.


• Avoid relying on online maps or applications. They might not accurately show local road conditions.


• Do not hitchhike.


• Ensure you have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to charge your devices.


• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.


• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.


• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.


• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas. 


• Use caution when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches. Follow water condition warnings.


• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.


• Review the Country Security Report for El Salvador.


• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.


• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. 


• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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