Is Egypt Secure To Journey? A Practical Information for 2026

Let’s get proper to the large query: Is Egypt secure to journey? For the traveler that knowledgeable and ready, the reply is sure, and it’s an extremely rewarding vacation spot. We’ve explored the nation ourselves a number of instances and may let you know that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering by the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you endlessly.

Nevertheless it’s additionally not a visit to take evenly. Egypt is an intense and sometimes chaotic place that requires a unique degree of consciousness than, say, a street journey by Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to frequent journey scams, and it’s necessary to go in together with your eyes open.

We imagine in sincere, real-world recommendation that will help you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every thing you truly must learn about whether or not it’s secure to journey to Egypt. We’ll cowl the present state of affairs on the bottom, frequent scams to keep away from, particular recommendation for solo feminine travellers, and our greatest sensible suggestions from our personal journeys.

Is Egypt Secure To Journey Proper Now: Fast Abstract

For these searching for a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the security state of affairs in Egypt.

• General Danger: Medium. Whereas violent crime towards vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are frequent. Situational consciousness is important. Whereas the chance of terrorism exists, assaults concentrating on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.
• In style Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea resorts are closely policed and customarily thought-about secure.
• Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo ladies will doubtless face persistent and undesirable consideration. We suggest hiring a trusted information or becoming a member of a small group tour.
• Frequent Scams: Be ready for scams involving taxis, bazaar retailers, and unofficial guides. At all times agree on a value beforehand.
• Faucet Water: Not secure to drink. Stick with bottled or filtered water always.
• Our Prime Tip: Rent a licensed information or be part of a good tour, particularly for main historic websites. It drastically reduces hassles and enhances the expertise.

Why Does Egypt Have a Repute for Being Unsafe?

It’s a sound query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our principal publicity to trendy Egypt has been by information studies protecting a decade of intense political change and remoted safety incidents.

The 2011 Revolution, a part of the broader Arab Spring, was a pivotal second of political unrest for the nation. Whereas it was basically a home political occasion about the way forward for Egypt, the photographs of mass protests and instability had been broadcast globally. This era of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism business, which is an important a part of the nation’s financial system, took an enormous hit.

We had been in Egypt simply after the revolution, and sure, there have been lots of safety forces and Egyptian police round, however we did really feel secure.

Within the years that adopted, there have been additionally a number of remoted however critical safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions had been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of threat within the minds of potential guests.

Nonetheless, it is very important place these occasions in as we speak’s context. The state of affairs on the bottom has stabilized considerably. In response to previous incidents, there’s now an enormous emphasis on vacationer safety, with a visual police and navy presence in any respect main websites, motels, and alongside the principle journey routes.

Whereas no nation is 100% free from threat, the occasions of the previous have led to a number of the most stringent safety measures you’ll discover wherever on the earth.

Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety State of affairs

Earlier than any journey, we all the time suggest checking the official journey advisories out of your authorities, like International Affairs Canada or the U.S. Division of State. These advisories can sound intimidating, usually utilizing cautious language. It’s their job to tell you of each attainable threat, from petty crime to political instability.

Test the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The secret is to know that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t all the time mirror the state of affairs in the principle vacationer areas. There’s an enormous distinction between the favored journey hall (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea) and the areas which might be explicitly suggested towards, just like the North Sinai Peninsula or the western desert on the border with Libya.

We bear in mind studying the advisories earlier than our first journey, and to be sincere, it gave us a second of pause. However as soon as we had been on the bottom in Luxor, surrounded by native households and different travellers exploring the temples, the sensation was one among pleasure, not concern. It’s a superb reminder that whereas advisories are an necessary device, they don’t all the time seize the complete, on-the-ground expertise.

Is Cairo, Egypt Secure? What About Different Cities?

Sure, Cairo and different main cities on the vacationer path are usually secure, however it’s necessary to keep in mind that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise could be very totally different from one place to a different. The vibe in bustling Cairo is a world away from the relaxed tempo of a Nile-side city or a Crimson Sea resort.

Security in Cairo

Cairo is without doubt one of the world’s nice megacities. With greater than 20 million individuals, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent lots of time navigating its streets, and whereas the vitality can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The primary issues listed here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild visitors. Use frequent sense: maintain your valuables safe, and look each methods (three or 4 instances) earlier than crossing the road.

Security in Luxor and Aswan

When you journey south to Luxor and Aswan, the tempo slows down significantly. Life revolves across the Nile, and these cities really feel extra manageable than Cairo. The first problem right here isn’t crime, however the “trouble issue.” You can be approached consistently by individuals making an attempt to promote you a carriage journey, a felucca journey, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should have been supplied a ship journey 100 instances simply strolling alongside the river. A agency however pleasant “La, shukran” (No, thanks) and persevering with to stroll is the easiest way to deal with it. It may be tiring, however it’s extra of an annoyance than a real security menace.

Security in Crimson Sea Resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada)

The Crimson Sea resorts are a totally totally different world. Locations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy deal with tourism and safety. You’ll usually move by a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Throughout the resorts themselves, the ambiance is relaxed and the most important security issues are the identical as every other seashore vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.

While you see journey warnings for Egypt, they’re virtually all the time referring to 2 particular areas: the Sinai Peninsula (however not the Sharm El Sheikh resorts) and the western desert. These will not be locations for unbiased journey, and any important journey there would require an armed escort for safety.

Frequent Scams and Annoyances in Egypt

A part of the journey expertise in Egypt is navigating the fixed gross sales pitches and customary scams. Foreknowledge is your greatest defence. Most of those are extra of an annoyance than a hazard, however figuring out what to search for will make your journey a lot smoother and prevent some cash. For instance, when somebody presents photograph ‘help’ at a vacationer website, they usually count on a small tip, identified regionally as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here are a number of of the commonest ones we’ve encountered.

The “Come See My Store” Strategy

You’ll be strolling close to a market or temple, and a pleasant native will strike up a dialog. After a couple of minutes of pleasantries, they are going to inevitably invite you to their cousin’s or brother’s store for a “particular value.” This can be a quite common and customarily innocent tactic. The very best response is a smile and a agency, “No, thanks” as you proceed strolling.

Aggressive Taxi Drivers

This can be a traditional journey rip-off worldwide. A driver would possibly let you know their meter is damaged after which quote you a ridiculous value on the finish of your journey. To keep away from this, all the time agree on the fare earlier than you get into the cab. Higher but, use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Careem the place the worth is mounted and tracked within the app.

The Papyrus or Fragrance Store Detour

Our information in Giza was unbelievable, however he was very eager for us to go to a “government-approved” papyrus institute. We went together with it and it was an attention-grabbing, if prolonged, gross sales pitch. Many guides or drivers obtain a fee for bringing vacationers to those particular retailers. It’s completely wonderful to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the supply, however we’d desire to spend extra time on the temple.” A very good information will all the time respect your needs.

Photograph “Help” for a Payment

At main websites, somebody might supply to take a photograph of you from a “good spot.” After they’ve taken a number of pictures together with your digicam, they are going to then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. If you happen to don’t wish to pay for this, simply politely refuse any presents for assist together with your pictures from the beginning.

Well being & Hygiene in Egypt

Staying wholesome is a large a part of having fun with your journey. A little bit little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a good distance in ensuring you’re feeling your greatest whereas exploring.

Are you able to drink the faucet water in Egypt?

Let’s be direct: no. You shouldn’t drink the faucet water in Egypt. The native water system isn’t handled to the identical requirements that guests are used to, and it accommodates totally different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.

At all times keep on with sealed bottled water. We even suggest utilizing bottled water to brush your tooth as an additional precaution. It may appear overly cautious, however it’s a easy step that may prevent from a day or two of discomfort.

Meals Security & Avoiding “Pharaoh’s Revenge”

The dreaded traveller’s abdomen is an actual concern for a lot of, however you don’t need to dwell in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and had been completely wonderful by following a number of easy guidelines.

• Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall fashionable with locals means excessive meals turnover and brisker substances.
• Select cooked meals. Sizzling, freshly cooked dishes are all the time a safer guess than meals that has been sitting out, like uncooked salads.
• Peel it or overlook it. Solely eat fruit you could peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
• Watch out with ice. Except you might be in a high-end lodge, it’s greatest to ask on your drinks with no ice, as it might be comprised of faucet water.

What vaccinations do I would like for Egypt?

We’re journey consultants, not medical professionals, so it’s important that you just seek the advice of together with your physician or a journey clinic earlier than your journey. They can provide you customized recommendation based mostly in your well being historical past.

Typically, they are going to guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They might additionally suggest further vaccinations resembling Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are frequent for journey in lots of components of the world.

Is Egypt Secure for Solo Feminine Travellers?

Egypt is a difficult vacation spot for solo feminine travellers, however it can be travelled safely by following a number of key precautions. It’s a very totally different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary challenge is the excessive degree of verbal harassment and undesirable consideration you might be prone to obtain.

Talking from my (Deb’s) perspective, it’s a nation the place you consistently must have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is sort of all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring quite than a bodily menace, it may be mentally exhausting over time and may detract from the unimaginable expertise of being there.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Many ladies journey solo by Egypt and have an incredible time. However being ready is the important thing to a profitable journey.

Right here is our greatest recommendation for solo feminine travellers:

• Costume Conservatively. That is our prime tip. By protecting your shoulders and knees and sporting looser-fitting clothes, you present respect for the native tradition and can entice far much less undesirable consideration. A light-weight scarf can be an incredible device to have readily available to cowl your head when getting into mosques.
• Think about a Tour or Information. Particularly for a primary go to, becoming a member of a small group tour or hiring a personal information could make a world of distinction. It means that you can deal with the historical past and great thing about Egypt with out having to navigate the hassles by yourself.
• Be Assured. Stroll with function and undertaking confidence, even if you’re feeling a bit misplaced. Keep away from extended eye contact and don’t be afraid to be agency and say “no” loudly if somebody is bothering you.
• Put on a Faux Marriage ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however sporting a plain band in your ring finger may also help deter some undesirable advances.
• Use Experience-Sharing Apps. Stick with Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It offers a digital report of your journey and driver, and the worth is about prematurely.

Prime 10 Security Ideas for Egypt

Here’s a fast abstract of our most necessary security suggestions for visiting Egypt. Following these will allow you to keep secure, keep away from hassles, and deal with the unimaginable expertise of your journey.

1. Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. A very good information is value their weight in gold. They won’t solely convey the traditional websites to life however may even deal with logistics and maintain touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra gratifying.
2. Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by protecting your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is probably the most comfy and acceptable possibility for each the local weather and the tradition.
3. By no means Drink the Faucet Water. This can be a non-negotiable rule. At all times keep on with sealed bottled water for ingesting and even for brushing your tooth to keep away from getting sick.
4. Be taught to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the simplest option to take care of persistent sellers and touts.
5. At all times Agree on a Value First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage journey, verify the worth with the motive force. This easy step prevents arguments and scams later.
6. Preserve Valuables Safe. Use frequent sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and maintain your pockets and cellphone in a safe entrance pocket or a zipped bag, particularly in crowded markets.
7. Buy Journey Insurance coverage. Issues can and do go fallacious once you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is important for peace of thoughts.
8. Be Aware of Your Well being. Stick with freshly cooked scorching meals and fruit you’ll be able to peel your self to attenuate your threat of abdomen points.
9. Share Your Itinerary. At all times depart a duplicate of your journey plans with somebody again residence in order that they know your normal whereabouts.
10. Belief Your Intestine Instincts. That is the golden rule of journey. If a state of affairs or an individual feels off, it most likely is. Don’t be afraid to take away your self from any state of affairs that makes you’re feeling uncomfortable.

Ought to You Use a Tour Operator or Group Tour?

Sure, for many first-time travellers to Egypt, we extremely suggest utilizing a good tour operator. Whereas we regularly journey independently, for a rustic like Egypt, we extremely suggest utilizing a good tour operator or becoming a member of a small group tour, particularly for a primary go to. The worth it provides to your journey by way of each enjoyment and peace of thoughts is big.

Right here’s why we predict it’s a sensible selection:

• It Eliminates the Problem. That is the one largest benefit. A very good information and operator will deal with all of the logistics, from shopping for tickets to arranging transportation. Most significantly, they act as a buffer between you and the persistent touts, permitting you to truly benefit from the websites.
• You Get Invaluable Context. Exploring a 4,000-year-old temple is spectacular, however having a certified Egyptologist clarify what you’re seeing brings the historical past to life in a method no guidebook can.
• It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation could be intimidating. Having a neighborhood information who is aware of the customs and a small group of fellow travellers offers a welcome sense of safety and help.
• It’s Extra Environment friendly. Tour operators know the very best instances to go to websites to keep away from the worst of the crowds and the noon warmth. You’ll doubtless see extra, and in higher consolation, than for those who had been arranging every thing by yourself.

This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nonetheless, it requires an excessive amount of persistence and planning. For a primary journey, we imagine the advantages of an organized tour far outweigh the prices. It streamlines the expertise and means that you can deal with the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly e-book day excursions by websites like GetYourGuide or Viator to vet native operators.

What Ought to I Put on in Egypt?

Deciding what to put on in Egypt is about balancing consolation for the warmth with respect for the conservative tradition. For each women and men, we suggest light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that covers your shoulders and knees.

This isn’t nearly getting into non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will allow you to mix in and may considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Assume linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses quite than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is probably the most helpful accent you’ll be able to pack, good for solar safety, a bit of heat on a cool night, or for ladies to make use of as a head protecting when visiting a mosque.

The Verdict: So, Ought to You Journey to Egypt?

So in any case that, we come again to the large query: do you have to journey to Egypt? Our reply is a particular sure, however on one situation: it’s a must to be a ready and aware traveller.

Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a vacation spot the place you’ll be able to fully change off your mind. There are areas to keep away from, because the official journey advisories level out, and the hassles in the principle vacationer areas are actual. It’s a nation with a posh current in addition to an impressive previous.

However from our expertise, the reward massively outweighs the challenges. The need to welcome travellers again is one thing you’ll be able to really feel from the individuals you meet. Accountable tourism is extremely necessary right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} secure and optimistic expertise for guests is essential for the nation’s future.

For us, the possibility to face within the shadow of monuments constructed 1000’s of years in the past is a real privilege. If you’re a traveller who’s resilient, affected person, and armed with good info, we imagine you must completely go. It’s a journey that can problem you, awe you, and follow you lengthy after you’ve gotten come residence.

Continuously Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security