Is Egypt Secure To Journey? A Reasonable Information 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 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.

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

We imagine in sincere, real-world recommendation that can assist you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every little thing you truly 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 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.

• General Threat: 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.
• Standard Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea resorts are closely policed and customarily thought-about protected.
• Solo Feminine Traveller Threat: Excessive. Solo ladies will doubtless 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. 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 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 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 stories 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 photographs 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 economic system, took a large hit.

We had been in Egypt simply after the revolution, and sure, there have been a number 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 critical safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions had been broadly reported and additional solidified the notion of threat within the minds of potential guests.

Nonetheless, you will need to 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 army presence in any respect main websites, motels, 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 wherever on the 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 International 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.

Examine the Present Journey Advisories right here:

The hot button is to know that these warnings are sometimes for the 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 are explicitly suggested towards, 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 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 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 typically protected, however it’s necessary to keep in mind that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise will 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 a number of time navigating its streets, and whereas the power 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: maintain 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 can be approached consistently by folks attempting to promote you a carriage trip, a felucca trip, or a tour.

In Aswan, we should have been supplied 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 simplest ways to deal with it. It may be tiring, however it’s extra of an annoyance than a real security risk.

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

The Crimson 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 typically go 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 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 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 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 understanding 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 typically anticipate a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here are a couple of of the most typical 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.” This can be 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

This can be a traditional journey rip-off worldwide. A driver would possibly let you know 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 worth is mounted and tracked within the app.

The Papyrus or Fragrance Store Detour

Our information in Giza was improbable, 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 tremendous to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the supply, however we’d choose to spend extra time on the temple.” An excellent information will all the time respect your needs.

Picture “Help” for a Payment

At main websites, somebody could supply to take a photograph of you from a “good spot.” After they’ve taken a couple of pictures together with your digital camera, they may then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. For those who don’t need 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 big a part of having fun with your journey. Somewhat 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 follow 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 must reside in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with road meals, and had been completely tremendous by following a couple of easy guidelines.

• Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall common with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing substances.
• 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 that you could peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
• Watch out with ice. Until you might be in a high-end lodge, 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 consultants, not medical professionals, so it’s important that you just seek the advice of together with your physician or a journey clinic earlier than your journey. They may give you personalised recommendation primarily based in your well being historical past.

Typically, they may guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally suggest further vaccinations comparable to 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 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 situation is the excessive degree 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 consistently must have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is sort of all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring fairly than a bodily risk, it may be mentally exhausting over time and may 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:

• Gown Conservatively. That is our high tip. By overlaying 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 also be an incredible instrument 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 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 venture confidence, even if you’re 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 Journey-Sharing Apps. Persist with Uber or Careem as a substitute of hailing taxis on the road. It offers a digital document of your journey and driver, and the worth is about upfront.

Prime 10 Security Ideas 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 unimaginable expertise of your journey.

1. Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. An excellent information is price their weight in gold. They won’t solely carry the traditional websites to life however may even deal with logistics and maintain touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra satisfying.
2. Gown Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by overlaying 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. 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 take care of persistent sellers and touts.
5. All the time Agree on a Value First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage trip, affirm the worth with the motive force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
6. Hold Valuables Safe. Use frequent sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and maintain 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 once you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is important for peace of thoughts.
8. Be Aware of Your Well being. Persist with freshly cooked scorching meals and fruit you possibly can peel your self to reduce your threat of abdomen points.
9. Share Your Itinerary. All the time go away a duplicate of your journey plans with somebody again dwelling 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 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 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 big.

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

• It Eliminates the Trouble. 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 really 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 approach no guidebook can.
• It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation will 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 doubtless see extra, and in larger consolation, than in case you had 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 persistence 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 deal with 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 make it easier to mix in and may considerably cut back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Suppose linen trousers, lengthy skirts or clothes, and t-shirts or blouses fairly 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 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: must you journey to Egypt? Our reply is a particular sure, however on one situation: you must be a ready and aware traveller.

Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a vacation spot the place you possibly can utterly swap 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 a powerful 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 necessary right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} protected and constructive expertise for guests is essential for the nation’s future.

For us, the prospect 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 info, we imagine you need to completely go. It’s a journey that can problem you, awe you, and persist with you lengthy after you’ve gotten come dwelling.

Regularly Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security