U.S. Embassy in Cairo Warns of Iran‑Linked Attack Threats and Higher Taba Exit Fees

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo has issued a new security alert for Americans in Egypt, warning that Iran‑aligned actors have expressed interest in planning and carrying out attacks in the region following ongoing military operations in Iran. While the State Department’s overall advisory for Egypt remains at Level 2, with 'Do Not Travel' guidance for Northern and Middle Sinai and parts of the Western Desert, the alert highlights heightened risks to religious sites, tourist areas, transportation hubs, malls, restaurants, resorts and roadside checkpoints. The embassy also notifies travelers that the exit fee at the Taba border crossing, a key land route used by Israelis and some Americans transiting Sinai, has doubled, meaning most travelers must now pay $120 to exit Taba into Egypt, on top of visa and paperwork costs. As of March 28, U.S. citizens can still obtain a 14‑day free visa-on-arrival limited to the Sinai area and may depart from Taba or Sharm El Sheikh airports without transiting Cairo, but those going beyond Sinai must buy a 30‑day visa and secure a letter of guarantee from an authorized travel agent. Because ATMs at the crossing are described as unreliable, the embassy recommends U.S. travelers carry at least $175 in cash per person for visas, letters of guarantee, exit fees and unexpected costs, underscoring how the Iran war is translating into both security and logistical challenges for Americans visiting regional tourist corridors.