Egypt on an Australian Licence — A Side Switch Into Cairo's Chaos

Egypt drives on the right, so an Australian coming from the left has to switch sides, and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller page goes further than most: “You can’t drive in Egypt on your Australian driver’s licence.” Before you arrive you need an international driver’s permit, and Smartraveller says to get an Egyptian embassy or consulate to certify it. The same page rates the roads as very poor. For many visitors the answer to “should I drive?” will be a polite no.

The permit, with the extra step

An IDP alone is not the whole instruction. Smartraveller tells Australians to obtain the permit before travel and then have an Egyptian embassy or consulate certify it. The country record adds that a 1949 IDP is required alongside the foreign licence, and the UK’s advice that stays on a foreign licence plus permit are usable for up to six months, after which an Egyptian licence is needed. Australian advice does not quote a duration, so for a longer stay check with the embassy that certifies the permit. Do this early: certification involves another office and another appointment, and it cannot be done on arrival.

Right-hand traffic in Cairo traffic

Australia keeps left; Egypt keeps right. On a quiet rural road you could adapt in an hour. The difficulty is where most visitors start: busy cities where lanes are loosely followed, gaps close instantly and the horn is a way of talking. If you must drive, collect the car somewhere calm, such as a resort town, and settle the reflexes before you enter a major city. Glance in the correct direction at each junction until right stops feeling wrong.

What Smartraveller says about the roads

Road travel can be dangerous. Road conditions are very poor, and cars, buses and trucks frequently drive at high speed and without headlights at night. Road accidents occur often. The advice is blunt: where possible, avoid travelling by road, and visit regional places such as Luxor by other means. If you ride a motorcycle, take extra care and always wear a helmet.

Areas and checkpoints that need planning

• Road travel to Abu Simbel, 40 km north of the Sudanese border, can be dangerous. If you go, travel only with an organised tour guarded by police escorts.
• There is a high threat of terrorist attacks within 40 km of the Libyan border.
• Landmines are present in some areas, including desert areas around El Alamein, stretches of coastline near Marsa Matruh, the western shore of the Gulf of Suez and the Sinai Peninsula. Do not travel off marked paths or roads.
• Checkpoints, military and civilian, can stop you, and Smartraveller says officials have detained and harassed foreigners.
• Entering the Sinai, including through the Ahmed Hamdi tunnel, comes with identity and accommodation proof requirements, and travel there in a 4WD may be restricted without a permit.
• If you arrive by road, officials may check your car for pests.

Speeds and a zero alcohol limit

Limits are 60 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads and 100 on motorways for cars, with lorries held to 80 outside towns. Australia’s figures are 50, 100 and 110, so towns are 10 km/h higher and the open road lower. The legal alcohol limit is 0.0, against Australia’s 0.05, and there is no cushion. Fines on record are small by Australian standards: EGP 100-300 for a missing seatbelt, EGP 300-500 for a phone and EGP 500-1,000 for a red light, against A$350-700 for a belt in Australia. Do not read the low sums as tolerance.

Kit and emergency numbers

Egypt requires a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle in the car. The numbers are split: 122 for police, 123 for an ambulance and 180 for fire, in place of Australia’s 000. Save all three in your phone and keep your hotel’s address on paper.

Taxis and tours as an alternative

Smartraveller advises caution with taxis hailed on the street because scams and overcharging occur, and recommends licensed, metered taxis from official ranks, by phone, through your hotel or reputable rideshare apps. Combined with its advice to avoid road travel where possible, a hired car with a local driver is a sensible option for many routes. Read the Egypt driving guide for the wider rules and use the Driving Permit Checker to confirm the permit side.

Sources

• Smartraveller (Australian Government), Egypt destination page (driving permit certified by an Egyptian embassy or consulate; road conditions; Abu Simbel; landmines; checkpoints; Sinai; taxis): smartraveller.gov.au