Let’s get proper to the massive 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 inform you 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 surely’s additionally not a visit to take frivolously. Egypt is an intense and infrequently chaotic place that requires a unique degree of consciousness than, say, a street journey by Canada. The challenges are actual, from persistent touts to frequent journey scams, and it’s vital to go in along with your eyes open.
We consider in sincere, real-world recommendation that will help you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every part you really have to learn 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 searching for a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the protection state of affairs in Egypt.
Total Danger: Medium. Whereas violent crime in opposition to 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.
Well-liked Vacationer Areas: Main vacationer websites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Purple Sea resorts are closely policed and customarily thought-about protected.
Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo ladies will seemingly 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 worth beforehand.
Faucet Water: Not protected 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 foremost publicity to fashionable 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 photographs 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 economic 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 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 have been extensively reported and additional solidified the notion of threat within the minds of potential guests.
Nevertheless, you will need to place these occasions in right this moment’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, accommodations, and alongside the primary journey routes.
Whereas no nation is 100% free from threat, the occasions of the previous have led to among the most stringent safety measures you’ll discover wherever on the 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, usually utilizing cautious language. It’s their job to tell you of each attainable threat, from petty crime to political instability.
Test the Present Journey Advisories right here:
The secret is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t all the time 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 Purple 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. 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 concern. It’s a superb reminder that whereas advisories are an vital device, 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 protected, nevertheless it’s vital to do not forget that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise may 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 Purple Sea resort.
Security 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 lots of time navigating its streets, and whereas the power can really feel overwhelming, we by no means felt personally unsafe. The principle considerations listed here 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 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 one of the best 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 totally totally different world. Locations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy give attention to tourism and safety. You’ll usually go by a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Inside the resorts themselves, the environment is relaxed and the largest security considerations are the identical as every other seaside vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.
Once 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 will not be 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 realizing 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 usually count on a small tip, identified regionally as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed below are just a few 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 worth.” This can be a quite common and customarily innocent tactic. The most effective 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 inform you their meter is damaged after which quote you a ridiculous worth 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 mounted 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 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 desire to spend extra time on the temple.” A superb information will all the time respect your needs.
Photograph “Help” for a Charge
At main websites, somebody might provide to take a photograph of you from a “good spot.” After they’ve taken just a few pictures along with your digital camera, they’ll 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 along with your photographs 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 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 comprises totally different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.
At all times persist with sealed bottled water. We even suggest 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.
Meals Security & Avoiding “Pharaoh’s Revenge”
The dreaded traveller’s abdomen is an actual concern for a lot of, however you don’t should reside in concern of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and have been completely tremendous by following just a few easy guidelines.
Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall standard with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing elements.
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 neglect it. Solely eat fruit you can 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 on 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 simply seek the advice of along with your physician or a journey clinic earlier than your journey. They can provide you personalised recommendation primarily based in your well being historical past.
Usually, they’ll guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally suggest extra vaccinations corresponding 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 may be travelled safely by following just a few key precautions. It’s a very totally different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The principle concern 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 have to have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is sort of all the time a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring quite than a bodily menace, it may be mentally exhausting over time and may 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 high 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 be a terrific device 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 permits you to give attention to the historical past and fantastic thing about Egypt with out having to navigate the hassles by yourself.
Be Assured. Stroll with goal and challenge 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 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. Stick with Uber or Careem as a substitute of hailing taxis on the road. It gives a digital report of your journey and driver, and the value is ready prematurely.
Prime 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt
Here’s a fast abstract of our most vital security suggestions for visiting Egypt. Following these will enable you to keep protected, keep away from hassles, and give attention to the unbelievable expertise of your journey.
Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. A superb information is value 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.
Costume Conservatively. Present 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.
By no means Drink the Faucet Water. This can be a non-negotiable rule. At all times persist with sealed bottled water for consuming 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 technique to take care of persistent sellers and touts.
At all times Agree on a Value First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or conform to a carriage experience, affirm the value with the driving force. This straightforward step prevents arguments and scams later.
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.
Buy Journey Insurance coverage. Issues can and do go fallacious 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. Stick with freshly cooked scorching meals and fruit you’ll be able to peel your self to reduce 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 normal 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 by way of each enjoyment and peace of thoughts is gigantic.
Right here’s why we expect it’s a sensible selection:
It Eliminates the Trouble. That is the only largest benefit. A superb 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 method no guidebook can.
It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation may 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 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 higher consolation, than in the event you have been arranging every part by yourself.
This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nevertheless, it requires an excessive amount of endurance and planning. For a primary journey, we consider the advantages of an organized tour far outweigh the prices. It streamlines the expertise and permits you to give attention to 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 enable you to mix in and may considerably cut back undesirable consideration, particularly for ladies. Assume linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses quite than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is essentially the most helpful accent you’ll be able to 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, Ought to You Journey to Egypt?
So in any case that, we come again to the massive query: must you journey to Egypt? Our reply is a particular sure, however on one situation: it’s important 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 primary vacationer areas are actual. It’s a nation with a posh 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’ll be able to really feel from the individuals you meet. Accountable tourism is extremely vital right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} protected 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 info, we consider you must completely go. It’s a journey that can problem you, awe you, and follow you lengthy after you may have 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 foremost historic websites between Luxor and Aswan. The boats are safe, and all journey is finished inside 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 cellphone, together with the contact info 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 usually be obtained on arrival on the airport or prematurely by 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 implausible vacation spot for households. Egyptians adore youngsters, and your children might act as an icebreaker. Nevertheless, 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 worth you might be quoted is never the ultimate worth. At all times 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 worth you’re snug with.
The official forex is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Whereas some tour operators or accommodations might settle for US {Dollars} or Euros, it’s finest to make use of Egyptian Kilos for day by day bills like meals, taxis, and market purchases for the perfect charges. ATMs are extensively accessible in cities.