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 instances and may let you know that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering by the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you eternally.
But it’s additionally not a visit to take flippantly. Egypt is an intense and infrequently chaotic place that requires a distinct degree of consciousness than, say, a highway journey by Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to widespread 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. In this information, we’re breaking down every part 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 suggestions from our personal journeys.
Is Egypt Safe To Travel Right Now: Quick Summary
For these trying for a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the protection state of affairs in Egypt.
Overall Risk: Medium. While violent crime in opposition to vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are widespread. Situational consciousness is crucial. While the danger of terrorism exists, assaults concentrating on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.
Popular Tourist Areas: Major vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are closely policed and usually thought-about secure.
Solo Female Traveller Risk: High. Solo ladies will doubtless face persistent and undesirable consideration. We advocate hiring a trusted information or becoming a member of a small group tour.
Common Scams: Be ready for scams involving taxis, bazaar retailers, and unofficial guides. Always agree on a value beforehand.
Tap Water: Not secure to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water always.
Our Top Tip: Hire 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 Reputation for Being Unsafe?
It’s a sound query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our important publicity to fashionable Egypt has been by information stories protecting 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. While it was basically a home political occasion about the way forward for Egypt, the photographs of mass protests and instability have been broadcast globally. This interval of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism trade, 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 a whole lot of safety forces and Egyptian police round, however we did really feel secure.
In 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 broadly reported and additional solidified the notion of danger within the minds of potential guests.
However, it is very important place these occasions in right now’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 navy presence in any respect main websites, motels, and alongside the primary journey routes.
While no nation is 100% free from danger, the occasions of the previous have led to among the most stringent safety measures you’ll discover anyplace on the earth.
Current Egypt Travel Advisory & Security Situation
Before any journey, we at all times advocate checking the official journey advisories out of your authorities, like Global Affairs Canada or the U.S. Department of State. These advisories can sound intimidating, usually utilizing cautious language. It’s their job to tell you of each attainable danger, from petty crime to political instability.
Check the Current Travel Advisories right here:
The secret is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t at all times mirror the state of affairs in the primary vacationer areas. There’s an enormous distinction between the favored journey hall (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red 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. But as soon as we have 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 reminder that whereas advisories are an necessary software, they don’t at all times seize the total, on-the-ground expertise.
Is Cairo, Egypt Safe? What About Other Cities?
Yes, Cairo and different main cities on the vacationer path are typically secure, nevertheless it’s necessary to do not forget 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 Red Sea resort.
Safety 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 a whole lot of time navigating its streets, and whereas the vitality can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The important considerations listed here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild site visitors. Use widespread sense: maintain your valuables safe, and look each methods (three or 4 instances) earlier than crossing the road.
Safety in Luxor and Aswan
Once 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 major problem right here isn’t crime, however the “hassle factor.” You will probably be approached consistently by individuals attempting to promote you a carriage trip, a felucca trip, or a tour.
In Aswan, we should have been supplied a ship trip 100 instances 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 will be tiring, nevertheless it’s extra of an annoyance than a real security menace.
Safety in Red Sea Resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada)
The Red Sea resorts are a totally completely different world. Places like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy give attention to tourism and safety. You will usually cross by a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Within the resorts themselves, the environment is relaxed and the most important security considerations are the identical as every other seaside vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.
When you see journey warnings for Egypt, they’re virtually at all times referring to 2 particular areas: the Sinai Peninsula (however not the Sharm El Sheikh resorts) and the western desert. These will not be locations for impartial journey, and any important journey there would require an armed escort for safety.
Common Scams and Annoyances in Egypt
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 realizing what to look for will make your journey a lot smoother and prevent some cash. For instance, when somebody provides picture ‘assistance’ at a vacationer website, they usually anticipate a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Here are a couple of of the most typical ones we’ve encountered.
The “Come See My Shop” Approach
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 “special price.” This is a quite common and usually innocent tactic. The greatest response is a smile and a agency, “No, thank you” as you proceed strolling.
Aggressive Taxi Drivers
This is 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 trip. To keep away from this, at all times agree on the fare earlier than you get into the cab. Better but, use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Careem the place the worth is mounted and tracked within the app.
The Papyrus or Perfume Shop 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 is completely high quality to politely decline by saying, “Thank you for the offer, but we’d prefer to spend more time at the temple.” A good information will at all times respect your needs.
Photo “Assistance” for a Fee
At main websites, somebody could provide to take a photograph of you from a “perfect spot.” After they’ve taken a couple of photographs along with your digicam, they are going to then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for their service. If you don’t need to pay for this, simply politely refuse any provides for assist along with your images from the beginning.
Health & Hygiene in Egypt
Staying wholesome is a big a part of having fun with your journey. A little little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a great distance in ensuring you’re feeling your greatest whereas exploring.
Can you 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.
Always stick with sealed bottled water. We even advocate utilizing bottled water to brush your tooth 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.
Food Safety & Avoiding “Pharaoh’s Revenge”
The dreaded traveller’s abdomen is an actual concern for many, however you don’t need to dwell in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with road meals, and have been completely high quality 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 substances.
Choose cooked meals. Hot, freshly cooked dishes are at all times a safer guess than meals that has been sitting out, like uncooked salads.
Peel it or neglect it. Only eat fruit you can peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
Be cautious with ice. Unless you might be in a high-end resort, it’s greatest to ask for your drinks with no ice, as it might be created from faucet water.
What vaccinations do I would like for Egypt?
We are journey consultants, 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 may give you customized recommendation primarily based in your well being historical past.
Generally, they are going to guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They might also advocate extra vaccinations comparable to Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are widespread for journey in lots of components of the world.
Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Egypt is a difficult vacation spot for solo feminine travellers, however it may be travelled safely by following a couple of key precautions. It is a really completely different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The important problem is the excessive degree of verbal harassment and undesirable consideration you might be more likely to obtain.
Speaking from my (Deb’s) perspective, it’s a nation the place you consistently must have your guard up. While this consideration is sort of at all times a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring relatively than a bodily menace, 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 Egypt and have an incredible time. But being ready is the important thing to a profitable journey.
Here is our greatest recommendation for solo feminine travellers:
Dress Conservatively. This is our high tip. By protecting 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 a terrific software to have available to cowl your head when getting into mosques.
Consider a Tour or Guide. Especially 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 lets you give attention to the historical past and fantastic thing about Egypt with out having to navigate the hassles by yourself.
Be Confident. Walk with goal and undertaking confidence, even if you’re feeling a bit misplaced. Avoid extended eye contact and don’t be afraid to be agency and say “no” loudly if somebody is bothering you.
Wear a Fake Wedding Ring. It’s a easy trick, however sporting a plain band in your ring finger will help deter some undesirable advances.
Use Ride-Sharing Apps. Stick to 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 prematurely.
Top 10 Safety Tips for Egypt
Here is a fast abstract of our most necessary security suggestions for visiting Egypt. Following these will make it easier to keep secure, keep away from hassles, and give attention to the unimaginable expertise of your journey.
Hire a Licensed Egyptologist/Guide. A good information is price their weight in gold. They won’t solely deliver the traditional websites to life however may even deal with logistics and maintain touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra fulfilling.
Dress Conservatively. Show respect for the native tradition by protecting 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.
Never Drink the Tap Water. This is a non-negotiable rule. Always stick with sealed bottled water for ingesting and even for brushing your tooth to keep away from getting sick.
Learn to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thank you” in Arabic is the best method to take care of persistent sellers and touts.
Always Agree on a Price First. Before you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage trip, affirm the worth with the driving force. This easy step prevents arguments and scams later.
Keep Valuables Secure. Use widespread 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.
Purchase Travel Insurance. Things can and do go improper once you journey. Having good journey insurance coverage from a supplier like World Nomads or SafetyWing is crucial for peace of thoughts.
Be Mindful of Your Health. Stick to freshly cooked scorching meals and fruit you possibly can peel your self to attenuate your danger of abdomen points.
Share Your Itinerary. Always go away a replica of your journey plans with somebody again dwelling so that they know your common whereabouts.
Trust Your Gut Instincts. This 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.
Should You Use a Tour Operator or Group Tour?
Yes, for most first-time travellers to Egypt, we extremely advocate utilizing a good tour operator. While 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 by way of each enjoyment and peace of thoughts is gigantic.
Here’s why we predict it’s a sensible selection:
It Eliminates the Hassle. This is the only greatest benefit. A good information and operator will deal with all of the logistics, from shopping for tickets to arranging transportation. Most importantly, 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 approach no guidebook can.
It Adds a Layer of Security. Navigating a brand new nation will 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 help.
It’s More Efficient. 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 larger consolation, than in the event you have been arranging every part by yourself.
This doesn’t imply you possibly can’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. However, 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 give attention to the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We usually guide day excursions by websites like GetYourGuide or Viator to vet native operators.
What Should I Wear 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 ladies. Think linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses relatively 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 protecting when visiting a mosque.
The Verdict: So, Should You Travel 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: you need to be a ready and conscious 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 is a rustic with a fancy current in addition to an impressive previous.
But from our expertise, the reward massively outweighs the challenges. The want to welcome travellers again is one thing you possibly can really feel from the individuals you meet. Responsible tourism is extremely necessary 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. If you’re a traveller who’s resilient, affected person, and armed with good info, we consider you need to completely go. It is a visit that can problem you, awe you, and persist with you lengthy after you may have come dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt Travel Safety
Yes, taking a Nile cruise is taken into account one of many most secure methods to see the main historic websites between Luxor and Aswan. The boats are safe, and all journey is completed throughout the closely protected vacationer hall.
For police, dial 122. For an ambulance, dial 123. It’s a good suggestion to save lots of these in your cellphone, together with the contact info for your nation’s embassy in Cairo.
Most travellers, together with these from Canada, the USA, and the UK, want a visa to enter Egypt. These can sometimes be obtained on arrival on the airport or prematurely by the official e-Visa portal.
We don’t advocate driving in Egypt. The site visitors, particularly in Cairo, is extraordinarily chaotic, and driving guidelines are very completely different from what most guests are used to. For transport, it’s a lot safer to depend on respected tour operators, home flights, trains, or ride-sharing apps like Uber.
Yes, Egypt could be a improbable vacation spot for households. Egyptians adore kids, and your children could act as an icebreaker. However, the warmth, lengthy journey days, and chaotic cities will be difficult for little ones, so we advocate becoming a member of a family-focused tour with a slower tempo.
Absolutely. Haggling is part of the tradition in markets and bazaars just like the Khan el-Khalili. The first value you might be quoted isn’t the ultimate value. Always be well mannered and maintain a way of humour, and don’t be afraid to stroll away in the event you can’t agree on a value you’re snug with.
The official forex is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While some tour operators or motels could settle for US Dollars or Euros, it’s greatest to make use of Egyptian Pounds for every day bills like meals, taxis, and market purchases for the perfect charges. ATMs are broadly out there in cities.