The U.S. Embassy in Cairo ended its presence at the Taba border crossing on Wednesday, March 18. The crossing remains open and is operating normally. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Israel may still use Taba crossing, commercial flights, and the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan. Travelers should consult the latest alert from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem to confirm current transportation options before making travel plans.
Taba Crossing Options and Fees:
U.S. citizens may continue to cross from Israel into Egypt at the Taba border crossing. The land crossing to Egypt at Taba is operating and scheduled to remain open 24 hours a day.
As of March 17, U.S. citizens can enter Taba on a 14-day free visa-on-arrival if you plan to stay within the Sinai area. This free visa-on-arrival may be used by Americans departing Egypt from Taba or Sharm El Sheikh International Airport without transiting through Cairo. Unless you plan to stay at a hotel next to the land crossing and return to Israel, all travelers must pay $60 USD (cash only) to exit the Taba border crossing facility into Egypt. Local authorities do not accept other currencies to pay visa or border exit fees.
If you plan to travel outside the Sinai area, including to transit Cairo, you must obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the Taba land crossing for $30 USD (cash only) plus $20 or $25 USD (cash only) for a letter of guarantee issued by an authorized travel agent. This visa permits travelers to enter the Sinai area but also board flights departing from Sharm El-Sheikh, including those that transit through Cairo International Airport, and travel elsewhere in Egypt.
Safety and Alerts:
While the Travel Advisory for Egypt remains at level two (exercise increased caution), travelers in Sinai, especially near the Taba crossing, are strongly encouraged to enroll in Israel’s Home Front Command alerts due to Iranian targeting of Southern Israel. For real-time security updates, visit Home Front Command and follow instructions provided in Mission Israel Alerts .
Actions to Take:
· Remain vigilant in all areas of Sinai, especially near border crossings and tourist sites.
· Monitor local news and official sources for updates on security conditions.
· Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
· Maintain a low profile and exercise increased caution.
· Stay alert in tourist locations.
· Review the Country Security Report for Egypt .
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
· Ensure your travel documents are up to date and keep copies in a secure location.
For further information, consult the latest Travel Advisory for Egypt and Travel Advisory for Israel .
Your safety remains our highest priority. If you need emergency assistance, contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo or the Department of State at the numbers below.
Assistance:
In an immediate emergency, Contact Egyptian police via phone at 122, Tourist Police at 126 and local ambulance services at 123.
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt
Please see our U.S. Citizen Services Navigator where you can find answers to many of your questions.
U.S. Embassy Cairo
5 Tawfik Diab St.Garden City, Cairo, EGYPT
+20-2-2797-3300
consularcairoacs@state.gov
Eg.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Egypt Country Information
Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive security updates
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