All types of homosexual activity are illegal in Egypt. This means that when preparing for your adventure in Egypt, it's crucial to consider several significant cultural, legal, and social factors.
That being said, Egypt can be a relatively easy destination for LGBT travelers with the right information to remain safe.
While it is better to avoid any explicit public display of affection, for example, Egyptians might not take notice of things such as holding hands because it is culturally acceptable for men to hold hands in public if they are friends or relatives of each other. This cultural practice, however, has nothing to do with homosexuality, and foreigners should remain careful of PDAs.
Moreover, since tourism is one of Egypt's main sources of income, Egyptians might pay no mind to the appearances and preferences of tourists, especially those with a "powerful" passports.

Is Egypt LGBT-Safe?

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Keep your sexual orientation discreet and avoid discussing it with anyone in Egypt. If traveling as a gay couple, present yourselves as friends.
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Opt for well-known international hotel chains like Marriott or Hilton to blend in more easily, or request twin beds in smaller hotels if traveling as a couple.
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Consider joining a group tour, including LGBTQ+ friendly ones like Egypt Adventures Travel, to navigate Egyptian culture and norms with support.
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Avoid all public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation.
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Refrain from wearing LGBTQ+ symbols or clothing featuring the rainbow flag.
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Exercise extreme caution when using social media apps like Grindr, as connecting with others through such platforms can be risky during your trip to Egypt. It's advisable to avoid them altogether.
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Tips for Traveling Egypt for LGBT

Single parent adoption is only available for women who were previously married. Fostering is only available for opposite sex married couples.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Age of consent is not applicable because homosexuality is illegal in Egypt.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Homosexual activity is illegal, therefore MSM blood donation is not accepted.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Egypt: Mass Arrests Amid LGBT Media Blackout

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Yes, gender reassignment surgery is allowed and can be underwent in the country after getting an approval from the Al-Azhar Mosque or the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Conversation therapy is wildly (despite secretly) practiced in Egypt, at the hands of medical professionals at governmental and private medical establishments; as well as in religious institutions; in addition to nonprofessionals practicing it online.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Since the founding of Egypt, there hasn't been any protections for LGBTQ+ community

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

In 2000, Egypt adopted the ICD-10 classification, which contains codes for diagnosing transsexualism in adulthood and childhood, which authorize the initiation of medical transition.

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

In 1980, Egypt adopted the ICD-9 classification, which included codes allowing for the diagnosis of transsexualism in adults.

Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. Any behavior, or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader may be prosecuted using these provisions. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Since the founding of Egypt, there hasn't been any protection for LGBTQ+ community

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Same-sex marriage has never been recognized in Egypt, and attempted ceremonies may be punishable by arrests.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

As homosexuality is illegal, serving in the military is also illegal. Egypt uses invasive examinations which it claims can detect suspected homosexuals.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Egypt has not recognized a category other than male and female for intersex nor non-binary people. 
Any gender beyond the binary cisgender model is officially treated as an illness.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Egypt

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When preparing for your adventure in Egypt, LGBT travelers should consider several significant cultural and social factors. Find out more on TravelGay.com!

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