Is Egypt Safe To Travel? A Realistic Guide for 2026

Let’s get proper to the massive 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 inform you that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering via the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you perpetually.

However it’s additionally not a visit to take evenly. Egypt is an intense and infrequently chaotic place that requires a distinct stage of consciousness than, say, a highway journey via Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to widespread journey scams, and it’s vital to go in along 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 learn 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 ideas 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 protection state of affairs in Egypt.

• Total Threat: Medium. Whereas violent crime in opposition to vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are widespread. Situational consciousness is important. Whereas the danger of terrorism exists, assaults focusing on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.
• Common 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 ladies will possible face persistent and undesirable consideration. We advocate 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 worth beforehand.
• Faucet Water: Not secure to drink. Stick with bottled or filtered water always.
• Our High 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 via 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 basically 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 financial system, took an enormous hit.

We have been in Egypt simply after the revolution, and sure, there have been loads 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 have been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of danger within the minds of potential guests.

Nonetheless, it is very important place these occasions in immediately’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, inns, and alongside the principle 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 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 doable danger, from petty crime to political instability.

Verify the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The hot button is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for all the 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 are explicitly suggested in opposition to, 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 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 concern. It’s a very good reminder that whereas advisories are an vital device, they don’t all the time seize the total, 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, but it surely’s vital 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 likely one of the world’s nice megacities. With greater than 20 million individuals, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent loads of time navigating its streets, and whereas the vitality can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The principle considerations listed below 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 “problem issue.” You’ll be approached continuously by individuals attempting to promote you a carriage experience, a felucca experience, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should 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 one of the simplest 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 deal with tourism and safety. You’ll typically cross via a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Inside the resorts themselves, the ambiance is relaxed and the most important security considerations are the identical as some other seaside vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.

Whenever 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 should not locations for impartial 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 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 provides picture ‘help’ at a vacationer website, they typically count on a small tip, identified domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed below are a couple of of the commonest ones we’ve encountered.

The “Come See My Store” Method

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 worth.” This can be a quite common and usually innocent tactic. One of the best 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 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 worth is mounted 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 fascinating, 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 desire to spend extra time on the temple.” information will all the time respect your needs.

Picture “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 couple of photographs along with your digital camera, they are going to then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. Should you don’t need to pay for this, simply politely refuse any provides 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. Somewhat little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a good 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 totally different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.

All the time follow sealed bottled water. We even advocate utilizing bottled water to brush your tooth 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 need to dwell in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely wonderful by following a couple of easy guidelines.

• Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall well-liked with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing 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 neglect it. Solely eat fruit you can peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
• Watch out with ice. Except you’re in a high-end resort, it’s finest to ask to your drinks with no ice, as it might be produced from faucet water.

What vaccinations do I would like for Egypt?

We’re journey specialists, not medical professionals, so it’s important that you just seek the advice of along 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.

Usually, they are going to guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally advocate further vaccinations corresponding to 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, but it surely can 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 principle 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 continuously must have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is sort of all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring slightly than a bodily menace, it may be mentally exhausting over time and might detract from the unimaginable expertise of being there.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Many ladies journey solo via 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 high tip. By masking 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 amazing device to have 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 non-public information could make a world of distinction. It permits you to 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 mission confidence, even in case you are 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 Wedding ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however carrying a plain band in your ring finger can assist deter some undesirable advances.
• Use Trip-Sharing Apps. Stick with Uber or Careem as a substitute of hailing taxis on the road. It gives a digital report of your journey and driver, and the worth is about upfront.

High 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt

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

1. Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. information is price their weight in gold. They won’t solely carry the traditional websites to life however can even deal with logistics and hold touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra pleasant.
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 possibility for each the local weather and the tradition.
3. By no means Drink the Faucet Water. This can be a non-negotiable rule. All the time follow sealed bottled water for ingesting and even for brushing your tooth to keep away from getting sick.
4. Study to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the best option to cope with persistent sellers and touts.
5. All the time Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage experience, verify the worth with the motive force. This easy 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 telephone in a safe entrance pocket or a zipped bag, particularly in crowded markets.
7. Buy Journey Insurance coverage. Issues can and do go fallacious while 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. Stick with freshly cooked sizzling meals and fruit you possibly can peel your self to attenuate your danger of abdomen points.
9. Share Your Itinerary. All the time depart a replica of your journey plans with somebody again residence so that they know your common whereabouts.
10. Belief Your Intestine Instincts. That is the golden rule of journey. If a state of affairs or an individual feels off, it in all probability 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 advocate utilizing a good tour operator. Whereas we regularly 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 expect it’s a sensible alternative:

• It Eliminates the Problem. That is the only largest benefit. 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 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 possible see extra, and in higher consolation, than in case you have been arranging every little thing by yourself.

This doesn’t imply you possibly can’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nonetheless, it requires a substantial 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 permits you to deal with the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly ebook 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 spiritual websites; dressing extra conservatively will provide help to mix in and might considerably cut back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Assume linen trousers, lengthy skirts or clothes, and t-shirts or blouses slightly than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is essentially the most helpful accent you possibly can pack, good 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 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 possibly can 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 fancy 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 possibly can really feel from the individuals you meet. Accountable tourism is extremely vital right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} secure and constructive expertise for guests is essential for the nation’s future.

For us, the possibility to face within the shadow of monuments constructed hundreds 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 follow you lengthy after you’ve gotten come residence.

Steadily Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security