Is Egypt Safe To Travel? A Realistic Guide for 2026

Let’s get proper to the large query: Is Egypt protected 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 occasions and may inform you that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering by means of 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 special stage of consciousness than, say, a street journey by means of Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to frequent journey scams, and it’s essential to go in together with your eyes open.

We consider in sincere, real-world recommendation that can assist you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every little thing you really must find out about whether or not it’s protected 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 ideas 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 Threat: Medium. Whereas violent crime in opposition to vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are frequent. Situational consciousness is crucial. Whereas the chance of terrorism exists, assaults focusing 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 usually thought-about protected.

Solo Feminine Traveller Threat: Excessive. Solo girls will probably face persistent and undesirable consideration. We suggest hiring a trusted information or becoming a member of a small group tour.

Widespread Scams: Be ready for scams involving taxis, bazaar retailers, and unofficial guides. All the time agree on a value beforehand.

Faucet Water: Not protected to drink. Persist with bottled or filtered water always.

Our Prime Tip: Rent a licensed information or be a part of a good tour, particularly for main historic websites. It drastically reduces hassles and enhances the expertise.

Why Does Egypt Have a Status for Being Unsafe?

It’s a legitimate query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our essential publicity to trendy Egypt has been by means of information reviews overlaying 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 have been broadcast globally. This era of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism business, which is a crucial a part of the nation’s economic system, took a large hit.

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

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

Nonetheless, you will need to place these occasions in right this moment’s context. The state of affairs on the bottom has stabilized considerably. In response to previous incidents, there may be now an enormous emphasis on vacationer safety, with a visual police and army 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 anyplace on this planet.

Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety Scenario

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

Verify the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The hot button is to know that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t all the time replicate 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 in opposition to, just like the North Sinai Peninsula or the western desert on the border with Libya.

We keep 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 have been on the bottom in Luxor, surrounded by native households and different travellers exploring the temples, the sensation was considered one of pleasure, not worry. It’s an excellent reminder that whereas advisories are an essential software, 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 protected, but it surely’s essential to do not forget that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise might 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 likely one of the world’s nice megacities. With greater than 20 million individuals, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent numerous time navigating its streets, and whereas the vitality can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The primary considerations listed here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild site visitors. Use frequent sense: hold your valuables safe, and look each methods (three or 4 occasions) 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 “problem issue.” You may be approached always by individuals making an attempt to promote you a carriage trip, a felucca trip, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should have been provided a ship trip 100 occasions simply strolling alongside the river. A agency however pleasant “La, shukran” (No, thanks) and persevering with to stroll is one of the best ways to deal with it. It may be tiring, but it surely’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 very totally different world. Locations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy give attention to tourism and safety. You’ll typically cross by means of a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Inside the resorts themselves, the environment is relaxed and the largest security considerations are the identical as another seashore vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.

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

Widespread 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 typically count on a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here are a couple 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 usually innocent tactic. The perfect response is a smile and a agency, “No, thanks” as you proceed strolling.

Aggressive Taxi Drivers

This can be a basic journey rip-off worldwide. A driver would possibly inform you their meter is damaged after which quote you a ridiculous value on the finish of your trip. 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 value is fastened 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 superb to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the provide, however we’d desire to spend extra time on the temple.” An excellent information will all the time respect your needs.

Photograph “Help” for a Price

At main websites, somebody could provide to take a photograph of you from a “good spot.” After they’ve taken a couple of photographs together with your digital camera, they are going to then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. In the event you don’t wish to pay for this, simply politely refuse any presents for assist together with your images from the beginning.

Well being & Hygiene in Egypt

Staying wholesome is a big a part of having fun with your journey. A bit little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a good distance in ensuring you are 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 comprises totally different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.

All the time follow sealed bottled water. We even suggest utilizing bottled water to brush your enamel as an additional precaution. It may appear overly cautious, but it surely’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 must dwell in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely superb by following a couple of easy guidelines.

Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall common with locals means excessive meals turnover and brisker substances.

Select cooked meals. Scorching, 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 which you can peel your self, like bananas and oranges.

Watch out with ice. Until you’re in a high-end lodge, it’s greatest to ask to your drinks with no ice, as it might be comprised of faucet water.

What vaccinations do I would like for Egypt?

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

Typically, they are going to guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally suggest further vaccinations akin to 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 may be travelled safely by following a couple of key precautions. It’s a very totally different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary subject is the excessive stage of verbal harassment and undesirable consideration you’re more likely to obtain.

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

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Many ladies journey solo by means of Egypt and have a tremendous 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 overlaying your shoulders and knees and carrying looser-fitting clothes, you present respect for the native tradition and can appeal to far much less undesirable consideration. A light-weight scarf can be an excellent software to have available to cowl your head when coming into mosques.

Contemplate 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 give attention to the historical past and fantastic thing about Egypt with out having to navigate the hassles by yourself.

Be Assured. Stroll with goal and mission confidence, even if you’re feeling just a little 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 carrying a plain band in your ring finger will help deter some undesirable advances.

Use Trip-Sharing Apps. Persist with Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It offers a digital file of your journey and driver, and the value is about prematurely.

Prime 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt

Here’s a fast abstract of our most essential security ideas for visiting Egypt. Following these will enable you keep protected, keep away from hassles, and give attention to the unbelievable expertise of your journey.

Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. An excellent information is price their weight in gold. They won’t solely convey the traditional websites to life however will even deal with logistics and hold touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra pleasing.

Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by overlaying your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is essentially the most comfy and applicable choice for each the local weather and the tradition.

By no means Drink the Faucet Water. This can be a non-negotiable rule. All the time follow sealed bottled water for consuming and even for brushing your enamel to keep away from getting sick.

Study to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the simplest technique to take care of persistent sellers and touts.

All the time Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage trip, verify the value with the driving force. This easy step prevents arguments and scams later.

Preserve Valuables Safe. Use frequent sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and hold your pockets and telephone in a safe entrance pocket or a zipped bag, particularly in crowded markets.

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 crucial for peace of thoughts.

Be Conscious of Your Well being. Persist with freshly cooked sizzling meals and fruit you’ll be able to peel your self to attenuate your threat of abdomen points.

Share Your Itinerary. All the time go away a replica of your journey plans with somebody again residence so that they know your common whereabouts.

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 are 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 frequently 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 gigantic.

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

It Eliminates the Trouble. That is the one largest benefit. An excellent 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 really benefit from the websites.

You Get Invaluable Context. Exploring a 4,000-year-old temple is spectacular, however having a professional Egyptologist clarify what you’re seeing brings the historical past to life in a manner no guidebook can.

It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation might 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 one of the best occasions to go to websites to keep away from the worst of the crowds and the noon warmth. You’ll probably see extra, and in better consolation, than in case you have been arranging every little 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 endurance and planning. For a primary journey, we consider the advantages of an organized tour far outweigh the prices. It streamlines the expertise and means that you can give attention to the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly e-book day excursions by means of 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 coming into spiritual websites; dressing extra conservatively will enable you mix in and may considerably cut back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Assume linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses somewhat than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is essentially 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 overlaying when visiting a mosque.

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

So in spite of everything 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: you need to be a ready and conscious traveller.

Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a vacation spot the place you’ll be able to utterly 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 a powerful 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 essential right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} protected 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. In case you are a traveller who’s resilient, affected person, and armed with good data, we consider it’s best to completely go. It’s a journey that may problem you, awe you, and keep on with you lengthy after you’ve got come residence.

Incessantly Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security