Last updated: 10 Apr 2012
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Egypt. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Health
As not all vaccines are always available in Egypt, it is advisable to be vaccinated before travelling. These include being vaccinated against typhoid, meningitis (A and C), rabies pre exposure, Havrix monodose, hepatitis B, polio, and diphtheria/tetanus. Note especially the pre-exposure rabies vaccinations with Imovax, which involves three shots over a one-month period.
Contact the Centre for Disease Control or its equivalent in your country to ascertain the most current recommendations regarding health precautions and immunisations for travel in Egypt.
Eating from street stalls and cafes is not recommended. The local water supply is heavily chlorinated and should be safe but it is advisable to drink bottled water.