Crisis guidance / North Africa

Caught in a Crisis in Egypt?

Egypt has dedicated hotlines for police, ambulance, and a tourist police force used to dealing with stranded foreigners. If the situation around you is deteriorating — or you simply have nowhere left to turn in Cairo, Alexandria, or the Sinai — start with the verified numbers below, then look at who is nearby and able to help.

Emergency Numbers in Egypt

Verified against U.S. Embassy in Egypt — Emergency contact information, checked 20 August 2026. Numbers can change — when in doubt, confirm locally.

Live Help Requests in Egypt

Every marker is a real, active request — a bottle — cast by someone in Egypt who needs local knowledge, translation, or practical help. Tap the map to open the full live view, message a caster, or cast a bottle of your own.

No active requests in Egypt right now

Bottles expire quickly by design. Open the full map to look further afield, or cast one if you need help.

Getting By in Egypt

  • The tourist police (126) exist specifically for visitors — for theft, scams, or harassment they are usually the faster door than the general police line.
  • Keep your passport and entry stamp with you; checkpoints are routine and being unable to identify yourself makes every other problem harder.
  • Distances between cities are large and desert roads are unforgiving. Do not attempt overland travel to remote areas without telling someone your route.
  • Photographing bridges, government buildings, or anything military can get you detained — keep your phone down near infrastructure.

For advice that applies anywhere — communication, accepting help safely, evacuation — see the full crisis guidance page.

Organizations Present in Egypt

These organizations from our vetted list maintain an operational presence in Egypt.

Emergency assistance, protection, and family tracing services.

Médecins Sans FrontièresHumanitarian · Free

Medical care in conflict zones and disaster areas.

Support for migrants, evacuation assistance, and logistics.

Protection and support for displaced persons.

World Health OrganizationHumanitarian · Free

Health guidance and emergency updates.

Presence verified against each organization's official listings (ICRC — Where we work · MSF country page · IOM Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa · UNHCR Help country site · WHO country page), checked 20 August 2026.

Ask For — or Offer — Help Nearby

MiaB connects people in Egypt with locals and travelers nearby who can share situational updates, translate, or lend a practical hand. It does not replace official emergency services or government-led evacuations — it fills the gaps between them.