Is Egypt Secure To Journey? A Real looking Information 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 instances 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 without end.

However it’s additionally not a visit to take frivolously. Egypt is an intense and sometimes chaotic place that requires a special stage of consciousness than, say, a highway journey by means of Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to widespread journey scams, and it’s essential 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 all the things you really must find out about whether or not it’s secure to journey to Egypt. We’ll cowl the present scenario 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 searching 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 widespread. Situational consciousness is crucial. 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 Purple Sea resorts are closely policed and customarily thought of secure.
• Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo ladies will doubtless 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 secure to drink. Follow 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 Popularity for Being Unsafe?

It’s a legitimate query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our important publicity to trendy Egypt has been by means of information studies 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 had been broadcast globally. This era of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism trade, which is a crucial 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 severe 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 immediately’s context. The scenario 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, resorts, and alongside the primary journey routes.

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

Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety State of affairs

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 threat, from petty crime to political instability.

Examine the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The secret’s to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t all the time replicate 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 one among pleasure, not worry. It’s a great reminder that whereas advisories are an essential 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, nevertheless it’s essential 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 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 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 visitors. Use widespread sense: preserve 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 continually by folks attempting to promote you a carriage experience, a felucca experience, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should have been supplied a ship experience 100 instances 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, nevertheless it’s extra of an annoyance than a real security menace.

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 concentrate on tourism and safety. You’ll usually move by means of a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Inside the resorts themselves, the ambiance 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 virtually all the time referring to 2 particular areas: the Sinai Peninsula (however not the Sharm El Sheikh resorts) and the western desert. These usually are 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 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 affords photograph ‘help’ at a vacationer website, they usually anticipate a small tip, identified regionally as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here 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’ll 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. 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 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 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 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 provide, however we’d want to spend extra time on the temple.” A very good information will all the time respect your needs.

Picture “Help” for a Payment

At main websites, somebody could provide to take a photograph of you from a “excellent spot.” After they’ve taken a couple of pictures together with your digicam, they’ll then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. Should you don’t need to pay for this, simply politely refuse any affords for assist together with your images from the beginning.

Well being & Hygiene in Egypt

Staying wholesome is a large 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 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 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 might sound 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 reside in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and had been completely wonderful by following a couple of easy guidelines.

• Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall in style with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing elements.
• 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 you could peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
• Watch out with ice. Until you’re in a high-end resort, it’s greatest to ask on your drinks with no ice, as it could be constructed from faucet water.

What vaccinations do I want for Egypt?

We’re journey consultants, 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 primarily based in your well being historical past.

Typically, they’ll guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They might additionally advocate extra vaccinations resembling Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are widespread 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, nevertheless it can be travelled safely by following a couple of key precautions. It’s a very completely different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary concern 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 continually 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 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 prime tip. By masking 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 ideal device to have available to cowl your head when coming 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 means that you can concentrate on the historical past and great 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 a little 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 might help deter some undesirable advances.
• Use Experience-Sharing Apps. Follow Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It gives a digital report of your journey and driver, and the value is ready prematurely.

High 10 Security Ideas for Egypt

Here’s a fast abstract of our most essential security ideas for visiting Egypt. Following these will enable you to keep secure, keep away from hassles, and concentrate on 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 carry the traditional websites to life however can even deal with logistics and preserve touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra pleasing.
2. Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by masking your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is essentially the most comfy and acceptable choice 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 persist with sealed bottled water for consuming and even for brushing your enamel to keep away from getting sick.
4. Study to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the best strategy to take care of persistent sellers and touts.
5. All the time Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or conform to a carriage experience, affirm the value with the motive force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
6. Preserve Valuables Safe. Use widespread sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and preserve 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 unsuitable if you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is crucial for peace of thoughts.
8. Be Aware of Your Well being. Follow freshly cooked sizzling meals and fruit you possibly can peel your self to reduce your threat of abdomen points.
9. Share Your Itinerary. All the time depart a replica of your journey plans with somebody again house so that they know your normal whereabouts.
10. 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 are 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 big.

Right here’s why we expect it’s a wise 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 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 help.
• It’s Extra Environment friendly. Tour operators know the perfect 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 better consolation, than if you happen to had been arranging all the things by yourself.

This doesn’t imply you possibly can’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nonetheless, it requires quite a lot of endurance 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 concentrate on the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly ebook 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 advocate light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that covers your shoulders and knees.

This isn’t nearly coming into non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will enable you to mix in and might considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for girls. Suppose 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, excellent for solar safety, a bit of heat on a cool night, or for girls 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: you need 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 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 need to welcome travellers again is one thing you possibly can really feel from the folks you meet. Accountable tourism is extremely essential 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 prospect 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 imagine you must completely go. It’s a journey that can problem you, awe you, and stick to you lengthy after you will have come house.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security