Is Egypt Secure To Journey? A Real looking 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 occasions and might let you know that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering by means of the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you ceaselessly.

But it surely’s additionally not a visit to take flippantly. Egypt is an intense and sometimes chaotic place that requires a distinct stage of consciousness than, say, a street journey by means of Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to widespread journey scams, and it’s vital to go in together with your eyes open.

We consider in sincere, real-world recommendation that will help you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every part you truly must find out about whether or not it’s secure to journey to Egypt. We’ll cowl the present state of affairs on the bottom, widespread 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 in search of a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the security state of affairs in Egypt.

• Total Threat: Medium. Whereas violent crime towards vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are widespread. Situational consciousness is important. Whereas the chance of terrorism exists, assaults concentrating on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.
• Widespread Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea resorts are closely policed and usually thought of secure.
• Solo Feminine Traveller Threat: Excessive. Solo girls will seemingly 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 worth beforehand.
• Faucet Water: Not secure to drink. Keep on 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 Repute for Being Unsafe?

It’s a sound query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our fundamental publicity to trendy Egypt has been by means of information experiences masking 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 essentially a home political occasion about the way forward for Egypt, the pictures 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 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 severe safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions have been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of danger within the minds of potential guests.

Nevertheless, you will need to place these occasions in at present’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, resorts, and alongside the primary journey routes.

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

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, usually utilizing cautious language. It’s their job to tell you of each potential danger, from petty crime to political instability.

Verify the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The bottom line is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for your complete nation and don’t all the time replicate the state of affairs in the primary vacationer areas. There’s an enormous distinction between the favored journey hall (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea) and the areas which can be explicitly suggested towards, 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 one in all pleasure, not worry. It’s reminder that whereas advisories are an vital 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 typically secure, however it’s vital to do not forget that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise might be very completely 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 folks, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent lots of time navigating its streets, and whereas the power can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The principle considerations listed here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild visitors. Use widespread 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 “trouble issue.” You’ll be approached continuously by folks making an attempt to promote you a carriage experience, a felucca experience, or a tour.

In Aswan, we will need to have been supplied a ship experience 100 occasions 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 completely 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 usually move by means of a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Throughout the resorts themselves, the ambiance is relaxed and the most important security considerations 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 are usually not 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 finest defence. Most of those are extra of an annoyance than a hazard, however realizing what to search for will make your journey a lot smoother and prevent some cash. For instance, when somebody presents picture ‘help’ at a vacationer web site, they usually anticipate a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed below 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 may inevitably invite you to their cousin’s or brother’s store for a “particular worth.” It is 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

It is a basic journey rip-off worldwide. A driver may let you know their meter is damaged after which quote you a ridiculous worth on the finish of your experience. 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 mounted and tracked within the app.

The Papyrus or Fragrance Store Detour

Our information in Giza was incredible, however he was very eager for us to go to a “government-approved” papyrus institute. We went together with it and it was an fascinating, if prolonged, gross sales pitch. Many guides or drivers obtain a fee for bringing vacationers to those particular outlets. It’s completely high quality to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the provide, however we’d want to spend extra time on the temple.” An excellent information will all the time respect your needs.

Photograph “Help” for a Payment

At main websites, somebody might provide to take a photograph of you from a “excellent spot.” After they’ve taken a number of pictures together with your digital camera, they may 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. Slightly little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a great distance in ensuring you’re feeling your finest 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 incorporates completely different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.

At all times persist 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 reside in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely high quality by following a number of easy guidelines.

• Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall common with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing elements.
• Select cooked meals. Sizzling, freshly cooked dishes are all the time a safer wager 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 resort, it’s finest to ask on your drinks with no ice, as it could be produced from faucet water.

What vaccinations do I want 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 can provide you customized recommendation based mostly in your well being historical past.

Typically, they may guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They might additionally suggest further vaccinations reminiscent of Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are widespread for journey in lots of elements 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 completely different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The principle challenge is the excessive stage 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 continuously must have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is nearly all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring reasonably than a bodily menace, it may be mentally exhausting over time and might 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 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 high tip. By masking your shoulders and knees and carrying 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 awesome device to have readily 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 lets you 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 venture confidence, even in case you are feeling a bit of 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 Pretend Wedding ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however carrying a plain band in your ring finger might help deter some undesirable advances.
• Use Trip-Sharing Apps. Keep on with Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It gives a digital document of your journey and driver, and the value is ready upfront.

Prime 10 Security Ideas for Egypt

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

1. Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. An excellent information is value their weight in gold. They won’t solely deliver the traditional websites to life however will even deal with logistics and hold touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra fulfilling.
2. Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by masking your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is essentially the most snug and acceptable choice for each the local weather and the tradition.
3. By no means Drink the Faucet Water. It is a non-negotiable rule. At all times persist with sealed bottled water for consuming 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 approach to cope with persistent sellers and touts.
5. At all times Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage experience, affirm the value with the motive force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
6. Hold Valuables Safe. Use widespread sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and hold 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 incorrect whenever you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is important for peace of thoughts.
8. Be Conscious of Your Well being. Keep on with freshly cooked sizzling meals and fruit you may peel your self to reduce your danger of abdomen points.
9. Share Your Itinerary. At all times go away a replica of your journey plans with somebody again house so that they know your basic 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 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 Problem. That is the only greatest 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 truly 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 means no guidebook can.
• It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation might be intimidating. Having an area information who is aware of the customs and a small group of fellow travellers gives a welcome sense of safety and assist.
• It’s Extra Environment friendly. Tour operators know the most effective occasions to go to websites to keep away from the worst of the crowds and the noon warmth. You’ll seemingly see extra, and in better consolation, than when you have been arranging every part by yourself.

This doesn’t imply you may’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nevertheless, it requires an excessive amount of persistence and planning. For a primary journey, we consider the advantages of an organized tour far outweigh the prices. It streamlines the expertise and lets you give attention to the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We frequently 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 non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will aid you mix in and might considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Suppose linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses reasonably than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is essentially the most helpful accent you may pack, excellent for solar safety, a bit of heat on a cool night, or for ladies to make use of as a head masking 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: it’s a must to be a ready and aware traveller.

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

However from our expertise, the reward massively outweighs the challenges. The will to welcome travellers again is one thing you may really feel from the folks you meet. Accountable tourism is extremely vital 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 data, we consider you need to completely go. It’s a journey that may problem you, awe you, and persist with you lengthy after you might have come house.

Regularly Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security