Permit for foreign nationals
Desert areas of Bahariya, Farafra, White Desert and Black Desert
Permit for foreign nationals · Egypt
In short
For visitors: permit in advance, via an agency.
- No boundary — routes will not see this zone
- Checked against the act on 21 October 2026
- Local name: الواحات البحرية، الفرافرة، الصحراء البيضاء، الصحراء السوداء
Who may enter, and with what
Rules by group of people, as the source states them, with dates. We give no assessments of our own.
- Foreign nationals — permit in advance, via an agency. Tourists entering the desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide (per the UK FCDO).Issued by: Egyptian authorities through an official guide/operator (per FCDO; the agency is not named)UK FCDO, Egypt travel advice — Regional risks (gov.uk) · as of 4 August 2026 · checked 21 October 2026
Original wording
Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide.
Legal basis
Questions
Permits and restricted zones — FAQ
Do you need a permit: Desert areas of Bahariya, Farafra, White Desert and Black Desert?
For visitors: permit in advance, via an agency. Tourists entering the desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide (per the UK FCDO).
Where do I get the permit?
Issued by: Egyptian authorities through an official guide/operator (per FCDO; the agency is not named). The link to the official application page is in the rule above.
Will the planner see this zone on my route?
No: we have no boundary for this zone, so the planner cannot see it. Check your route against the rule above.
Other zones: Egypt
Related
Zone boundaries built from © OpenStreetMap contributors and national acts.