LGBT+ travel

Egypt for LGBT+ travellers

Red Sea resortsIllegal or prosecutedChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 4 August 2026

Same-sex activity isn't explicitly illegal in Egypt, but the FCDO says the authorities prosecute LGBT+ people under 'debauchery' laws, and public acceptance is low. Red Sea resort holidays usually pass without incident for discreet couples. Dating apps and social media are where people get caught.

Legal and broadly accepted
Legal, but conservative attitudes
Illegal or prosecuted
Illegal; death penalty possible

RatingIllegal or prosecuted

Official advice updated4 August 2026

Areas covered4 on this page

Egypt is one of the places where the gap between the written law and actual enforcement works against LGBT+ people. Police have used dating apps to find and arrest people, and the FCDO says travellers have been arrested over sexual content on social media.

Risk by setting

All-inclusive resorts (Hurghada, Sharm, Marsa Alam)Illegal or prosecuted
Same-sex friends sharing a room is common, and staff rarely ask.
Cairo & LuxorIllegal or prosecuted
Conservative in public. Keep it low-key.
Dating apps, anywhereIllegal; death penalty possible
Police entrapment has been documented. Avoid using them.
Arrival at the borderIllegal; death penalty possible
The FCDO says you may be refused entry if your appearance or gender expression doesn't match your passport.

Before you go

Don't use dating apps in Egypt.
Review what's on your phone and social media before you travel.
Trans travellers should get specialist advice before booking.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Egypt

Stay and do

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Questions people ask

Is it illegal to be gay in Egypt?

There's no explicit law against same-sex activity, but LGBT+ people are prosecuted under laws on 'debauchery' and public morality.

Is Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh safe for gay couples?

All-inclusive Red Sea resorts usually pass without incident for discreet couples. Avoid public affection and don't use dating apps.

Should I check my phone before travelling to Egypt?

Yes. The FCDO says people have been prosecuted using evidence from phones and social media, so review what's on yours before you travel.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.