Security Overview for Egypt

Egypt continues to experience intermittent occurrences of violent civil unrest in the wake of the January 2011 revolution that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak. Activists from across the country's political spectrum have taken issue with the manner that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the ruling military council, has conducted power amidst concerns over the country's transition to civilian-led democracy.

Demonstrations of varying size and intensity are likely to continue throughout the country, with the general protest epicenter located in Cairo's Tahrir Square. A number of protests have turned violent and resulted in clashes between security forces, protesters, and occasionally groups of men believed to have been hired by former regime elements. Labor actions, including disruptive strikes, may also continue for some time.

Prior to the recent tumult, Egypt was a Western-leaning, secular Arab state; it is too early to ascertain whether or not this trend will continue under new leadership. Given Mubarak's previously close relations with the US, anti-Western or specifically anti-US sentiment could emerge in the wake of his ouster. Westerners should avoid political discussions as a precaution.

Tourism is Egypt's main source of foreign currency, which is more valuable than local currency for international commerce. Tourists' safety and security, therefore, is a high priority for the government.

Despite an emphasis on protecting tourists, the Sinai Peninsula - a main destination for visitors to Egypt - has suffered a series of terrorist attacks against tourist locations. Three major attacks have occurred in recent years - in Taba/Ras Saitan on Oct. 7, 2004, Sharm El-Sheikh on July 23, 2005, and Dahab on April 24, 2006. All three attacks involved the use of suicide bombers and occurred on or near Egyptian holidays. The militants responsible for these attacks have also staged two smaller attacks against the Multinational Observer Force in northeast Sinai. Additionally, militants have bombed a gas pipeline between Egypt, Israel and Jordan on a number of occasions, and there are also indications that Islamist militant groups may be using the northern part of the Sinai to conduct attacks into Israel. These attacks point to the inability of the government to fully secure Sinai. Travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the area.

Aside from the Sinai attacks, several small-scale attacks have occurred in Cairo in recent years. These attacks were staged by amateurish, unorganized local cells and do not imply a significant threat. However, on Dec. 31, 2010, a suicide bombing perpetrated by a Gaza-based Islamist group killed 23 people and wounded nearly 100 others outside a Coptic church in Alexandria. Other forms of sectarian attacks have taken place, including riots related to the construction of new churches within Alexandria, Cairo and rural areas in Upper (Southern) Egypt.


Crime rose in the period after the revolution and remains elevated. Most crimes are petty in nature (thefts, assaults, etc.) and are typically Egyptian-on-Egyptian affairs. While there does not seem to be a rise in targeting of foreigners in the post-revolutionary period, incidents of crime involving tourists remain common in outdoor bazaars like Khan El Khalili in Cairo. Scams are a concern in tourist destinations. Near the pyramids, scam artists will offer tourists camel rides and then - after traveling well into the surrounding desert - charge exorbitant fees for the return trip. Scam artists may also steal cameras after offering to take photos. While sexual assaults are rare, women have been grabbed, verbally abused and otherwise sexually harassed, especially when alone.

Muslims and Coptic Christians clash in southern Egypt on a semi-regular basis. More recently, the unrest has spread to major cities.

While Egypt has experienced an increase in religious devotion in recent years, it is unlikely that this will translate into an increase in religiously-motivated terrorism against Western targets. Most Egyptian Islamist groups renounced the use of violence in a 1997 truce with the government, and aside from the Sinai attacks, that truce has held. The government has traditionally used its police and intelligence forces to tightly monitor and crack down on suspected militants; this is unlikely to change even in the wake of Mubarak's resignation.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.