Is Egypt Secure To Journey? A Lifelike Information for 2026

Let’s get proper to the massive 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 let you know that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering via the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you without end.

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

We consider in sincere, real-world recommendation that will help you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down all the things you really have to learn about whether or not it’s protected to journey to Egypt. We’ll cowl the present scenario 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 on the lookout for a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the security scenario 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 danger of terrorism exists, assaults concentrating on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.

Fashionable Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Purple Sea resorts are closely policed and customarily thought of protected.

Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo ladies will probably face persistent and undesirable consideration. We advocate 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. All the time agree on a value beforehand.

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

Our High 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 major publicity to trendy Egypt has been via information experiences 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 essentially a home political occasion about the way forward for Egypt, the pictures of mass protests and instability had been broadcast globally. This era of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism trade, which is an important a part of the nation’s financial system, took a large hit.

We had been in Egypt simply after the revolution, and sure, there have been quite a lot of 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 severe safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions had been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of danger within the minds of potential guests.

Nevertheless, it is very important place these occasions in at the moment’s context. The scenario 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, inns, and alongside the primary journey routes.

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

Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety Scenario

Earlier than any journey, we all the time advocate 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 potential danger, from petty crime to political instability.

Verify the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The bottom line is to know that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t all the time mirror the scenario in the primary vacationer areas. There’s an enormous distinction between the favored journey hall (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Purple 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 had been on the bottom in Luxor, surrounded by native households and different travellers exploring the temples, the sensation was considered one of pleasure, not concern. It’s a great reminder that whereas advisories are an necessary instrument, 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, nevertheless it’s necessary to keep in mind 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 Purple 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 quite a lot of time navigating its streets, and whereas the vitality can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The primary considerations listed below 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 “trouble issue.” You’ll be approached continuously by individuals making an attempt to promote you a carriage experience, a felucca experience, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should have been provided a ship experience 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, nevertheless it’s extra of an annoyance than a real security risk.

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

The Purple Sea resorts are a very completely 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 go via a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Throughout the resorts themselves, the environment is relaxed and the largest security considerations are the identical as some other seaside vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.

Once 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 impartial 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 understanding what to search for will make your journey a lot smoother and prevent some cash. For instance, when somebody gives photograph ‘help’ at a vacationer web site, they usually count on a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here are just a few 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 value.” It is 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

It is a traditional journey rip-off worldwide. A driver may let you know their meter is damaged after which quote you a ridiculous value 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 fastened and tracked within the app.

The Papyrus or Fragrance Store Detour

Our information in Giza was implausible, 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 outlets. It’s completely wonderful to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the supply, however we’d want to spend extra time on the temple.” A superb 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 just a few pictures along 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 gives for assist along with your images from the beginning.

Well being & Hygiene in Egypt

Staying wholesome is a big a part of having fun with your journey. Just a little 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 accommodates completely different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.

All the time persist with sealed bottled water. We even advocate utilizing bottled water to brush your enamel as an additional precaution. It may appear overly cautious, nevertheless 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 must stay in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with road meals, and had been completely wonderful by following just a few easy guidelines.

Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall in style 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 neglect it. Solely eat fruit you could peel your self, like bananas and oranges.

Watch out with ice. Except you’re in a high-end lodge, it’s finest to ask to your drinks with no ice, as it might be constituted of 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 along with your physician or a journey clinic earlier than your journey. They may give you customized recommendation primarily based in your well being historical past.

Usually, they may guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally advocate extra vaccinations reminiscent of Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are frequent 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 may be travelled safely by following just a few key precautions. It’s a very completely different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary difficulty is the excessive degree of verbal harassment and undesirable consideration you’re prone to obtain.

Talking from my (Deb’s) perspective, it’s a nation the place you continuously have to have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is nearly all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring somewhat than a bodily risk, 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 via 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:

Gown Conservatively. That is our prime tip. By overlaying 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 also be an excellent instrument to have readily available to cowl your head when getting into mosques.

Take into account 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 deal with the historical past and great 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 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 Wedding ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however sporting a plain band in your ring finger will help deter some undesirable advances.

Use Experience-Sharing Apps. Stick with Uber or Careem as a substitute of hailing taxis on the road. It offers a digital file of your journey and driver, and the value is about upfront.

High 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt

Here’s a fast abstract of our most necessary security suggestions for visiting Egypt. Following these will make it easier to keep protected, keep away from hassles, and deal with the unbelievable expertise of your journey.

Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. A superb information is value their weight in gold. They won’t solely carry the traditional websites to life however may also deal with logistics and hold touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra pleasing.

Gown 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 possibility for each the local weather and the tradition.

By no means Drink the Faucet Water. It is a non-negotiable rule. All the time persist with sealed bottled water for consuming and even for brushing your enamel to keep away from getting sick.

Be taught to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the simplest solution 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 experience, affirm the value with the driving force. This easy step prevents arguments and scams later.

Maintain 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 unsuitable once you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is important for peace of thoughts.

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

Share Your Itinerary. All the time depart a duplicate of your journey plans with somebody again residence so that they know your normal whereabouts.

Belief Your Intestine Instincts. That is the golden rule of journey. If a scenario or an individual feels off, it in all probability is. Don’t be afraid to take away your self from any scenario 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 advocate utilizing a good tour operator. Whereas we frequently journey independently, for a rustic like Egypt, we extremely advocate 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 when it comes to each enjoyment and peace of thoughts is gigantic.

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

It Eliminates the Trouble. That is the only largest benefit. A superb 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 method 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 offers a welcome sense of safety and help.

It’s Extra Environment friendly. Tour operators know the very 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 when you had been arranging all the things by yourself.

This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nevertheless, it requires a substantial 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 deal with the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We frequently e-book day excursions via 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 advocate light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that covers your shoulders and knees.

This isn’t nearly getting into non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will make it easier to mix in and may considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for girls. 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 girls to make use of as a head overlaying when visiting a mosque.

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

So in any case that, we come again to the massive query: do you have to journey to Egypt? Our reply is a particular sure, however on one situation: it’s important 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 primary 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 necessary 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 prospect to face within the shadow of monuments constructed hundreds 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 must completely go. It’s a journey that may problem you, awe you, and follow you lengthy after you’ve gotten come residence.

Regularly Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security