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 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 endlessly.
But it surely’s additionally not a visit to take calmly. Egypt is an intense and infrequently chaotic place that requires a special degree of consciousness than, say, a highway journey via 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 imagine in trustworthy, real-world recommendation that can assist you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down all the things you truly 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 in search of a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the protection state of affairs in Egypt.
- General Danger: Medium. Whereas violent crime in opposition to vacationers is uncommon, petty crime, scams, and harassment are widespread. Situational consciousness is important. Whereas the chance of terrorism exists, assaults concentrating on vacationers are uncommon and safety has been elevated at main websites.
- Fashionable Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Crimson Sea resorts are closely policed and usually thought-about secure.
- Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo girls will doubtless face persistent and undesirable consideration. We suggest 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. At all times agree on a value beforehand.
- Faucet Water: Not secure to drink. Stick 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 Status for Being Unsafe?
It’s a sound query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our essential publicity to fashionable Egypt has been via information studies 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 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 an important 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 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 critical safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions have been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of threat within the minds of potential guests.
Nonetheless, you will need to place these occasions in at this time’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 principle journey routes.
Whereas no nation is 100% free from threat, the occasions of the previous have led to a number of the most stringent safety measures you’ll discover wherever on the earth.
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 all the nation and don’t all the time replicate 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 can 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 in every of pleasure, not worry. It’s 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 secure, however it’s necessary to do not forget that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise might 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 without doubt one of the world’s nice megacities. With greater than 20 million individuals, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent lots of time navigating its streets, and whereas the power can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The primary issues listed below are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas just like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild site 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 “trouble issue.” You may be approached consistently 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 the easiest way 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 totally different world. Locations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy concentrate on 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 issues are the identical as every other seashore vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.
Whenever you see journey warnings for Egypt, they’re nearly 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 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 figuring out 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 website, they typically anticipate a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed below 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 inform you 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 worth is fastened and tracked within the app.
The Papyrus or Fragrance Store Detour
Our information in Giza was unbelievable, 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 retailers. It’s completely tremendous to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the provide, however we’d want to spend extra time on the temple.” A great information will all the time respect your needs.
Photograph “Help” for a Payment
At main websites, somebody might provide to take a photograph of you from a “good spot.” After they’ve taken a number of pictures along with your digicam, they may then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. In case you don’t need to pay for this, simply politely refuse any presents for assist along with your images from the beginning.
Well being & Hygiene in Egypt
Staying wholesome is a large a part of having fun with your journey. Somewhat little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a good distance in ensuring you are 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 incorporates totally 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 enamel 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 dwell in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely tremendous by following a number of easy guidelines.
- Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall widespread with locals means excessive meals turnover and brisker components.
- 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 that you could peel your self, like bananas and oranges.
- Watch out with ice. Until you might be in a high-end resort, it’s finest to ask to your drinks with no ice, as it might be constructed 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 along 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.
Usually, they may guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally suggest 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, however it can be travelled safely by following a number of key precautions. It’s a very totally different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary difficulty is the excessive degree of verbal harassment and undesirable consideration you might be more likely 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 nearly 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 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 overlaying your shoulders and knees and sporting 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 awesome instrument to have readily available to cowl your head when getting 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 lets you concentrate on the historical past and great thing about Egypt with out having to navigate the hassles by yourself.
- Be Assured. Stroll with objective and undertaking 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 Marriage ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however sporting a plain band in your ring finger can assist deter some undesirable advances.
- Use Journey-Sharing Apps. Stick with Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It gives a digital document of your journey and driver, and the worth is about prematurely.
Prime 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt
Here’s a fast abstract of our most necessary security ideas for visiting Egypt. Following these will enable you keep secure, keep away from hassles, and concentrate on the unimaginable expertise of your journey.
- Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. A great information is price their weight in gold. They won’t solely deliver the traditional websites to life however may even deal with logistics and hold touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra pleasurable.
- Costume Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by overlaying your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is probably the most comfy and applicable 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 consuming and even for brushing your enamel to keep away from getting sick.
- Be taught to Say “La, Shukran”. A agency however well mannered “No, thanks” in Arabic is the best solution to take care of persistent sellers and touts.
- At all times Agree on a Value First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage experience, verify the worth with the driving force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
- Maintain 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.
- 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.
- Be Conscious of Your Well being. Stick with freshly cooked sizzling meals and fruit you may peel your self to attenuate your threat of abdomen points.
- Share Your Itinerary. At all times go away a duplicate of your journey plans with somebody again house so that they know your common whereabouts.
- Belief Your Intestine Instincts. That is the golden rule of journey. If a state of affairs or an individual feels off, it most likely is. Don’t be afraid to take away your self from any state of affairs 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 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 big.
Right here’s why we expect it’s a wise selection:
- It Eliminates the Problem. That is the only largest benefit. A great 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 professional 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 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 one of the 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 higher consolation, than if you happen to have been arranging all the things by yourself.
This doesn’t imply you may’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nonetheless, it requires a substantial amount 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 lets you concentrate on the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We frequently e-book 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 suggest light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that covers your shoulders and knees.
This isn’t nearly getting into spiritual websites; dressing extra conservatively will enable you mix in and might considerably cut back undesirable consideration, particularly for girls. Suppose linen trousers, lengthy skirts or clothes, and t-shirts or blouses moderately than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is probably the most helpful accent you may pack, good for solar safety, a bit of heat on a cool night, or for girls to make use of as a head overlaying when visiting a mosque.
The Verdict: So, Ought to You Journey to Egypt?
So in any case 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 must be a ready and aware traveller.
Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a vacation spot the place you may fully swap 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 posh 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 may really feel from the individuals you meet. Accountable 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 1000’s 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’ve gotten come house.
Ceaselessly 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 to 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 usually be obtained on arrival on the airport or prematurely via the official e-Visa portal.
We don’t suggest driving in Egypt. The site visitors, particularly in Cairo, is extraordinarily chaotic, and driving guidelines are very totally 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 is usually a unbelievable vacation spot for households. Egyptians adore kids, and your youngsters might act as an icebreaker. Nonetheless, the warmth, lengthy journey days, and chaotic cities might 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 isn’t the ultimate value. At all times be well mannered and hold a way of humour, and don’t be afraid to stroll away if you happen to can’t agree on a value you’re comfy with.
The official foreign money is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Whereas some tour operators or motels might settle for US {Dollars} or Euros, it’s finest to make use of Egyptian Kilos for each day bills like meals, taxis, and market purchases for one of the best charges. ATMs are extensively accessible in cities.
