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 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 perpetually.
However it’s additionally not a visit to take calmly. Egypt is an intense and sometimes chaotic place that requires a unique degree of consciousness than, say, a street journey by 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 imagine in trustworthy, real-world recommendation that can assist you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every little thing you truly have to 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 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.
- Fashionable Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Purple Sea resorts are closely policed and usually thought-about secure.
- Solo Feminine Traveller Threat: Excessive. Solo girls will seemingly 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. At all times agree on a value beforehand.
- Faucet Water: Not secure to drink. Persist with bottled or filtered water always.
- Our Prime 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 sound query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our predominant publicity to trendy Egypt has been by information reviews 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. 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 trade, which is a crucial a part of the nation’s financial system, took a large hit.
We have 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 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 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 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, accommodations, 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 anyplace on this planet.
Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety State of affairs
Earlier than any journey, we all the time suggest 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 potential danger, from petty crime to political instability.
Verify the Present Journey Advisories right here:
The secret is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for the complete nation and don’t all the time mirror the scenario in the principle vacationer areas. There’s an enormous distinction between the favored journey hall (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Purple Sea) and the areas which might be 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 trustworthy, 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 among pleasure, not concern. It’s a very good reminder that whereas advisories are an vital software, 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 do not forget that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise may 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 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 issues listed here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild visitors. Use widespread 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 “problem issue.” You’ll be approached continually by folks making an attempt to promote you a carriage journey, a felucca journey, or a tour.
In Aswan, we should have been provided a ship journey 100 occasions simply strolling alongside the river. A agency however pleasant “La, shukran” (No, thanks) and persevering with to stroll is the easiest way to deal with it. It may be tiring, but it surely’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 typically move by a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Throughout the resorts themselves, the environment is relaxed and the largest security issues are the identical as every other seaside 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 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 greatest defence. Most of those are extra of an annoyance than a hazard, however realizing what to search for will make your journey a lot smoother and prevent some cash. For instance, when somebody provides photograph ‘help’ at a vacationer website, they typically count on a small tip, recognized regionally as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed here are a number 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 may inevitably invite you to their cousin’s or brother’s store for a “particular value.” It is 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
It 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 journey. 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 nice to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the provide, however we’d favor to spend extra time on the temple.” A very good information will all the time respect your needs.
Picture “Help” for a Charge
At main websites, somebody could provide to take a photograph of you from a “excellent spot.” After they’ve taken a number of photographs along with your digicam, they may then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. When 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. Just a little little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a good distance in ensuring you’re 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 comprises completely different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.
At all times stick with sealed bottled water. We even suggest 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 must dwell in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely nice by following a number of easy guidelines.
- Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall fashionable with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing components.
- Select cooked meals. Scorching, freshly cooked dishes are all the time a safer wager than meals that has been sitting out, like uncooked salads.
- Peel it or neglect it. Solely eat fruit that you may peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
- Watch out with ice. Except you might be in a high-end lodge, it’s greatest to ask on your drinks with no ice, as it could 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 simply seek the advice of along with your physician or a journey clinic earlier than your journey. They may give you customized recommendation based mostly in your well being historical past.
Usually, they may guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally suggest extra vaccinations akin to 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, but it surely can be travelled safely by following a number 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 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 continually have to have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is sort of all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring moderately than a bodily risk, it may be mentally exhausting over time and might detract from the unbelievable expertise of being there.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Many ladies journey solo by 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 prime tip. By protecting 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 important software to have readily available to cowl your head when coming into mosques.
- Contemplate 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 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 function and venture confidence, even if you’re feeling somewhat 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 Pretend Wedding ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however carrying a plain band in your ring finger may also help deter some undesirable advances.
- Use Experience-Sharing Apps. Persist 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 prematurely.
Prime 10 Security Ideas for Egypt
Here’s a fast abstract of our most vital security ideas for visiting Egypt. Following these will assist you keep secure, keep away from hassles, and deal with the unbelievable expertise of your journey.
- 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 maintain touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra satisfying.
- Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by protecting your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is probably the most snug and acceptable possibility for each the local weather and the tradition.
- By no means Drink the Faucet Water. It is a non-negotiable rule. At all times stick with sealed bottled water for ingesting and even for brushing your tooth to keep away from getting sick.
- Be taught to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the best approach to cope with persistent sellers and touts.
- At all times Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or conform to a carriage journey, verify the value with the driving force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
- Preserve Valuables Safe. Use widespread sense. Don’t flash costly jewelry or money, and maintain 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 Aware of Your Well being. Persist 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. At all times go away a duplicate of your journey plans with somebody again dwelling so that they know your basic 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 suggest utilizing a good tour operator. Whereas we regularly 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 when it comes to each enjoyment and peace of thoughts is gigantic.
Right here’s why we expect it’s a wise selection:
- It Eliminates the Problem. That is the only 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 approach no guidebook can.
- It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation may be intimidating. Having a neighborhood information who is aware of the customs and a small group of fellow travellers offers a welcome sense of safety and assist.
- 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 seemingly see extra, and in better consolation, than in case you have been arranging every little thing by yourself.
This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nonetheless, it requires quite a lot 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 lets you deal with the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly e-book day excursions by 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 non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will assist you mix in and might considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Suppose linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses moderately than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is probably the most helpful accent you’ll be able to pack, excellent 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, Ought to You Journey to Egypt?
So in spite of everything 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’ll be able to 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 will to welcome travellers again is one thing you’ll be able to really feel from the folks 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 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 data, we imagine you need to completely go. It’s a journey that can problem you, awe you, and keep on with you lengthy after you’ve come dwelling.
Often Requested Questions on Egypt Journey Security
Sure, taking a Nile cruise is taken into account one of many most secure methods to see the most important historic websites between Luxor and Aswan. The boats are safe, and all journey is finished throughout the closely protected vacationer hall.
For police, dial 122. For an ambulance, dial 123. It’s a good suggestion to avoid wasting these in your telephone, together with the contact data on 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 suggest driving in Egypt. The 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.
Sure, Egypt could be a implausible vacation spot for households. Egyptians adore youngsters, and your youngsters could act as an icebreaker. Nonetheless, the warmth, lengthy journey days, and chaotic cities may be difficult for little ones, so we suggest becoming a member of a family-focused tour with a slower tempo.
Completely. Haggling is part of the tradition in markets and bazaars just like the Khan el-Khalili. The primary value you might be quoted is never the ultimate value. At all times be well mannered and maintain a way of humour, and don’t be afraid to stroll away in case you can’t agree on a value you’re snug with.
The official foreign money is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Whereas some tour operators or accommodations could settle for US {Dollars} or Euros, it’s greatest to make use of Egyptian Kilos for every day bills like meals, taxis, and market purchases for the very best charges. ATMs are extensively accessible in cities.
