Capital city, Egypt
Is Cairo LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Cairo LGBTQ+ friendly?
No explicit ban, but police use dating apps to entrap gay men and charge 'debauchery'. Stay discreet; flags and public affection are risky.
LGBTQ+ laws in Egypt
Police use dating apps to entrap gay men; waving a rainbow flag has led to arrests. Entry can be refused over gender expression.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | No |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | No |
| Legal penalty | No explicit law, but 'debauchery' charges bring prison and deportation |
LGBTQ+ friendliness across Egypt
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hurghada | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Dahab | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Marsa Alam | 2/5 · Hostile |
| El Gouna | 2/5 · Hostile |
| Cairo | 1/5 · Dangerous |
| Luxor | 1/5 · Dangerous |
| Aswan | 1/5 · Dangerous |
| Alexandria | 1/5 · Dangerous |
| Giza | 1/5 · Dangerous |
| Siwa Oasis | 1/5 · Dangerous |
Quick answers
Is Cairo safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
No explicit ban, but police use dating apps to entrap gay men and charge 'debauchery'. Stay discreet; flags and public affection are risky.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Egypt?
No.
More about Cairo
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- UK FCDO travel advice: Egypt
- Egypt e-Visa portal (Ministry of Interior)
- Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- Cairo International Airport
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.