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Before anything else: safety
Bir Tawil is one of the most inaccessible places in North Africa. Temperatures can exceed 45 °C, there is no permanent water, mobile coverage is unreliable or absent, and help is many hours away. Breakdowns and navigation errors in this terrain can be fatal.
The surrounding region also carries security risks. Informal gold-mining activity, smuggling routes, and the war in Sudan all affect the area. Many governments advise against all travel to Sudan and against travel to Egypt's remote southern border areas.
- Read your government's current travel advice for Egypt and Sudan.
- Never enter a military or restricted zone without authorization.
- Travel only with experienced local guides and properly equipped vehicles.
- Carry far more water and fuel than you expect to need.
- Leave a detailed itinerary with someone who can raise the alarm.
Approaching from Egypt
Most reported visits by recent claimants and travellers have started in southern Egypt, from Aswan or Abu Simbel near Lake Nasser, before crossing desert to the 22nd parallel. Egypt treats its border area with Sudan as a restricted zone. Travel into it requires permission from the security authorities, and unauthorized entry can lead to detention.
Approaching from Sudan
Bir Tawil can also be approached from the south, through Sudan's Northern State or Red Sea State. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, travel in Sudan has carried severe risk, and consular help is extremely limited.
Organized tours
Specialist adventure-travel companies have occasionally run small group trips toward Bir Tawil. Such trips depend on permits and security conditions that change often. A tour does not make the risks go away, and you should check any operator's arrangements and insurance carefully.
What you will find there
There are no towns, signs, or facilities in Bir Tawil. Visitors find gravel plains, sand, rocky hills, and dry wadis, and may encounter herders or miners. Visitors remain subject to the laws of Egypt or Sudan on the way in and out, and should respect the people they meet.
Respecting the people of the region
The Ababda and Bishari communities have long ties to the wider area, and miners and herders work there. Planting flags or making claims in front of local people can cause offence or danger. Travellers should act as guests.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Bir Tawil?
It is possible but difficult and risky. It requires overland travel through Egypt or Sudan, permission for restricted border zones, and a fully equipped desert expedition. Check official travel advice first.
Is Bir Tawil safe?
Bir Tawil is not considered safe for casual travel because of extreme heat, lack of water, remoteness, restricted military zones, and insecurity linked to mining, smuggling, and the war in Sudan.
Do you need a visa to go to Bir Tawil?
The Empire of Brendania does not yet issue visas. You need the visas and permits required by Egypt or Sudan to travel through their territory to reach it.
What is the nearest town to Bir Tawil?
There are no towns inside Bir Tawil. The nearest sizeable bases in Egypt are Abu Simbel and Aswan, several hundred kilometres away by desert track.