Egypt is one of the safer countries in Africa. The 2025 MOFCOM guide says Egypt has seen no organised crime, terrorist attacks or kidnappings targeting Chinese citizens or companies, and that the criminal offence rate fell by 13.2% in 2021 and 15% in 2022. However, theft and robbery have increased in some areas in recent years as prices have risen.
The main risks for Chinese residents are terrorism in Sinai and other remote areas, spillover from regional conflicts, road accidents, accidents during tourist activities, and disputes with police over visas, photography or prohibited items. This page covers regions, types of risk and what to do, with emergency numbers at the end.
Regional overview
| Area | Situation (source and date) |
|---|---|
| Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Suez Canal Economic Zone | Where most Chinese live and work. Generally orderly; the main risks are theft, fraud and traffic (MOFCOM guide, 2025) |
| Sinai Peninsula | Groups including the “Sinai Province” affiliate of Islamic State operate in Sinai and the Western Desert, mainly attacking security forces, government offices and religious sites (MOFCOM guide). In August 2026 the embassy advised avoiding Sinai except Sharm el-Sheikh and East Port Said |
| Borders with conflict areas; southern areas near the Red Sea and Suez Canal | In March 2026, as the regional situation shifted, the embassy advised avoiding border areas such as Sinai for the time being and avoiding non-essential travel to southern areas near the Red Sea and Suez Canal |
| Red Sea resorts | Several Chinese tourists have drowned in Hurghada, Dahab and elsewhere since the start of 2026 (embassy, August 2026) |
Embassy advice changes with events. During the regional tensions of 2026, the embassy issued a consular reminder to strengthen security precautions and a notice for Chinese citizens evacuating from Israel and entering Egypt through its ports of entry (March 2026). For the latest information, use the Chinese embassy website, the embassy’s WeChat account, China Consular Service and the “Consular Express” (领事直通车) social media accounts; passport and notarial services can be booked through the “China Consular” app.
Main risks for Chinese residents
Theft and fraud
Theft and robbery have increased in some areas since prices rose. The embassy advises going out in company where possible, limiting night-time travel and keeping valuables on you; using licensed ride apps and checking the car and driver; staying in proper hotels or housing and locking doors and windows; and being wary of unsolicited “help”, which may be a scam or theft.
Police checks and documents
Egyptian police make unannounced checks on foreign staff at small and medium-sized businesses. The MOFCOM guide advises asking officers to show the relevant documents and calling your lawyer; if your documents are confiscated, ask for a receipt as evidence; if they are torn up, note the officers’ names and appearance so you can complain. Keep your visa and residence valid; see Egypt visas and work permits.
Photography and sensitive items
The embassy repeatedly reminds citizens to stay away from police, soldiers and military sites and never to photograph security personnel or law enforcement; to obey “no entry” and “no photography” signs; not to bring drones, aerial cameras (including toy remote-control aircraft), walkie-talkies or binoculars into Egypt; and never to buy or take out prohibited plants, animals, medicines or antiquities, which can lead to fines or prison.
Road accidents
Some roads are poor, traffic lights are few, drivers are fast and pedestrians share the road, so accidents are common. The embassy notes that many private cars carry little commercial insurance, making claims difficult; hire vehicles only from licensed companies with a written contract.
Labour and business disputes
The MOFCOM guide says layered subcontracting, poor contracts and unpaid wages have caused labour disputes at Chinese companies. In disputes with travel agencies, hotels, agents or partners, the embassy advises keeping contracts, payment records and messages, resolving matters by negotiation or through the courts, and never confronting law enforcement. For other business risks, see registering a company in Egypt.
Everyday precautions
- Do not keep cash in shops or offices overnight; move large sums through banks and do not carry large amounts on you.
- Fit access control and CCTV at homes and factories, keep night watch, and maintain good relations with local staff and neighbours.
- Avoid crowded places, demonstrations, and the areas around Western embassies and institutions; leave at once if a crowd gathers.
- Respect Islamic customs; women should dress modestly and avoid going out alone where possible; take extra care during Ramadan.
- Before going into the desert, mountains or out to sea, tell family and colleagues your plans, sort out communications and check in regularly.
- For diving, hot-air balloons, parasailing and similar activities, use licensed operators, wear safety equipment throughout and avoid beaches without lifeguards.
Cash and items at the border
The Chinese embassy’s 2025 notices say travellers may carry no more than US$5,000 (or the equivalent) in foreign cash and EGP 5,000 in local cash when entering or leaving, and should declare valuables. The MOFCOM guide says that since 2012 individuals may not carry more than EGP 5,000 or US$10,000 in cash. Because the foreign currency limits differ, move large sums through banks and confirm the current rule with Egyptian customs or your bank before carrying cash, and declare it.
Emergency numbers
| Purpose | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 122; 126 (English) | MOFCOM guide, 2025 |
| Traffic accidents | 01221110000 (local SIM cards only) | Chinese embassy in Egypt, 2026 |
| Chinese embassy consular protection (24 hours) | +20-2-27363556 | Chinese embassy in Egypt, 2026 |
| Chinese consulate-general in Alexandria, consular protection (24 hours) | +20-1274571836 | Chinese embassy in Egypt, 2026 |
| MFA Global Consular Protection and Services hotline (24 hours) | +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308 | Chinese embassy in Egypt, 2026 |
For ambulance and other numbers, rely on those posted by your hotel, company or the embassy. In an emergency, get to safety first, then call the police, note the report number and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Consular protection
The Chinese embassy is in Zamalek, Cairo (14 Bahgat Aly Street). The consulate-general in Alexandria covers Alexandria, Port Said, Ismailia and Suez governorates. The missions can help after theft or robbery, loss of documents, detention or accidents. For what they can do and how to ask, see consular protection.
For an overview of life and business in Egypt, see the Egypt guide for Chinese residents; local associations can also help day to day, see the Chinese community in Egypt.
References
- Guide for Outbound Investment and Cooperation: Egypt (2025 edition) (MOFCOM / Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, 2025)
- Consular reminder: Chinese citizens in Egypt should strengthen security precautions (in Chinese) (Chinese Embassy in Egypt, 2026)
- Embassy reminds Chinese citizens of summer travel safety (in Chinese) (Chinese Embassy in Egypt, 2026)
- Embassy reminds Chinese citizens to observe Egypt’s entry and exit rules (in Chinese) (Chinese Embassy in Egypt, 2025)
- Embassy reminds Chinese tourists of safety during the National Day holiday (in Chinese) (Chinese Embassy in Egypt, 2025)
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Egypt (Chinese Embassy in Egypt website)