U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert For One Of World’s Most Iconic Destinations

It's the time of year when we flip through our passport pages, seeing which countries we've missed out on, and with a global icon being so welcoming with $25 on-arrival visas, you can easily knock out one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

Well, getting there is easy anyway…

The U.S. Embassy is putting a damper on your Indiana Jones adventures, issuing a new security alert due to ‘increased regional tensions' that could ultimately impact visitors.

If you've flipped on your TV to any of the talking head networks over the last 48 hours, then you're surely aware of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflicts with no end in sight.

As much as I wish we could solve the world's problems, that's not what we're here to do today. We're just here to go over the cold, hard facts and inform you on what to be aware of when venturing off to the land of unsolved mysteries (and super cheap all-inclusive resorts!) — the one and only Egypt.

Egypt's New Security Alert: What It Means For Your Epic Vacation

Believe it or not, I was in Ukraine just 3 months before Russia attacked with very little warning, and now travelers in Egypt may be feeling the pinch of travel disruptions with an even tighter window as tensions between Iran and Israel have boiled over into an all-out battle.

While Egypt is not directly involved either, its long-standing role in regional political stability as well as shared airspace have caused enough concern for the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to issue a security alert.

So, what's the concern exactly?

Well, I've been covering numerous travel advisories and security alerts over the years and this one is the most vague!

Lucky me…

Joking aside, this one is pretty simple to decipher. When the world goes through these random phases that seem to tilt it on its side, travel disruptions are all but inevitable, so travelers need to prepare accordingly.

Expect travel headaches to arise, such as flight delays and cancellations, the longer these conflicts go on.

But there's certainly no valid fear at this time you'll need to take cover for incoming fire while exploring Cairo's captivating markets, riding camelback across the desert, trying to figure out if Giza was a past civilization's power plant, or relaxing poolside in one of the world's most underrated beach resort destinations, Sharm al-Sheikh.

Expect Tighter Security

I've been to nearly 40 countries, and one thing that still takes some adjusting for me is seeing machine-gun-wielding security guards abroad — not exactly a warm welcome, right?

It remains to be seen what type of extra force will be implemented, but it was included in the new alert.

Whether it's an increase in presence at airports, popular attractions, shopping malls, and more, don't let the eyesore of what may feel dangerous deter you from having an awesome time in such a unique destination.

In all likelihood, you'll want to pay more attention to picking and choosing your meals in Egypt, especially Cairo, as Tutankhamen's curse (aka traveler's diarrhea) is notorious here as are scams while visiting the world-famous pyramids.

Always book an official tour rather than the pesky guides awaiting your arrival that don't seem to understand what you would think is a universal word — “no”.

Tips To Stay Safe In Egypt

As popular as Egypt is, it is important to note that not only has the U.S. Embassy issued a new security alert, but the U.S. State Department has had an outstanding' Level 3: Reconsider Travel' advisory since October 2024 with key concerns being:

• Terrorism (especially the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula and Western Desert)
• Limited resources to assist dual-national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are detained or arrested

As for the Embassy's latest alert, there are valuable tips American tourists are urged to follow:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Prepare an emergency plan. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Follow the Department of State on social media for up-to-date news