Is Egypt Safe to Travel? 7 Essential Safety Tips for Your Trip
Okay, so you’re totally obsessed with those jaw-dropping pyramid pics on Instagram and you’re daydreaming about floating down the Nile, but there’s this little voice in your head going “but wait… is Egypt safe to travel to right now?”
I totally get it! I’ve been exactly where you are – scrolling, dreaming, then googling scary headlines at 2am. But here’s the thing: I’ve actually been to Egypt a bunch of times, done my homework, and I’m gonna give you the honest scoop about whether is Egypt safe to travel to (spoiler alert: it mostly is, but you gotta be smart about it).
Here’s the deal: is Egypt safe to travel? Yeah, it can be! But just like you wouldn’t walk around downtown at night flashing your iPhone, you need some common sense and a game plan. Let me spill everything you need to know to have the most epic Egyptian adventure without your mom losing sleep.
Table of Contents
What’s Actually Going On in Egypt Right Now?
Alright, let’s cut through the dramatic news headlines for a sec. When people ask is Egypt safe to travel, they usually expect some doom and gloom, but the real numbers are way less scary than you’d think.
Get this – the U.S. State Department gives most of Egypt’s tourist spots a Level 2 rating, which basically means “hey, just pay attention.” That’s literally the same warning level as France and the UK. Not exactly terrifying, right?
And here’s a fun fact that’ll blow your mind: over 13 million people visited Egypt in 2023! That’s like… a LOT of people who clearly weren’t too worried about whether is Egypt safe to travel. Plus, the incident rates in touristy areas are super low.
The Egyptian government isn’t messing around either – they’ve got tourist police everywhere (and I mean EVERYWHERE), beefed up security at all the big attractions, and they’re constantly upgrading stuff. Why? Because tourism is huge for them, so keeping visitors safe and happy is literally their job.
But yeah, there are definitely some sketchy areas you’ll wanna skip. I’ll break those down in a bit.
The Good, The Okay, and The “Nope, Don’t Even Think About It” Places
The “Totally Fine, Go Crazy” Zones
These are the spots where I’d send my own sister without batting an eye when she asks is Egypt safe to travel:
Cairo and Giza: Look, the traffic is absolutely insane (like, video game level chaos), and you’ll get approached by vendors every five seconds, but safety-wise? You’re good. The pyramids have more security than a celebrity wedding.
Luxor: This place is like Disney World for history nerds. Everyone’s super friendly because they want you to have an amazing time (and come back with your friends).
Aswan: Honestly my favorite spot! It’s got this super relaxed vibe, the locals are genuinely sweet, and you can actually chill without constantly looking over your shoulder.
Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh): These places are basically like staying in a really nice bubble. Think all-inclusive resort vibes with killer diving and zero drama.
The “Just Use Your Brain” Areas
Alexandria: Pretty safe, but don’t wander off the beaten path. Stick to where the other tourists are hanging out.
Dahab: Backpacker central! Great for diving and meeting people, but maybe don’t stumble home alone at 3am, ya know?
The “Hard Pass” Zones
Okay, real talk – there are some places where is Egypt safe to travel gets a big fat NO:
- North Sinai (except those fancy resorts)
- Weird border areas in the Western Desert
- Random remote spots near Sudan
Don’t worry though – the government literally won’t let you accidentally wander into these places. They’re pretty locked down.
My 7 “Don’t Be an Idiot” Safety Tips
1. Hit Up Your Embassy (It’s Free Insurance!)
First thing when you land – register with your embassy. Takes like two minutes, costs nothing, and if stuff hits the fan, they’ll know you’re there. Plus they’ll text you if anything sketchy is happening that might make you wonder is Egypt safe to travel right now.
Oh, and get a local SIM card. The coverage is surprisingly decent, and you’ll want to stay connected.
2. Dress Like You Actually Want to Blend In
So Egypt’s mostly Muslim, and dressing appropriately isn’t just about being respectful – it’s about not sticking out like a sore thumb. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Cover your shoulders and knees (especially at mosques and stuff)
- Grab a lightweight scarf – trust me, it’s a lifesaver
- Save your crop tops for the hotel pool
I learned this one the hard way. When I started dressing more conservatively, suddenly way fewer people bothered me and I could actually enjoy exploring instead of constantly dealing with unwanted attention.
3. Don’t Fall for the Oldest Tricks in the Book
Egyptian hustlers are basically PhD-level experts at separating tourists from their money. But once you know their moves, your is Egypt safe to travel stress level drops big time:
- “Free” bracelet scam: Just keep walking. Seriously, don’t even make eye contact.
- Everything’s overpriced: Negotiate like your life depends on it, and don’t be scared to walk away
- “Ancient” artifacts: If some guy on the street is selling “real” pharaoh stuff, it’s fake as your ex’s apology
Pro tip: Figure out what you’re willing to pay before you start haggling, then stick to your guns.
4. Don’t Get Into Random Cars (Like, Duh)
Getting around Egypt safely is all about picking the right ride:
- Long trips: Stick to official buses or just fly
- City hopping: Use official taxis or Uber (yep, they’ve got Uber!)
- Tours: Book with real companies, not that guy who approached you at the airport
I once made the mistake of getting in a sketchy taxi in Cairo and ended up on an “extended tour” that cost me way more than I planned. Learn from my fail.
5. Your Stomach Isn’t As Tough As You Think
“Pharaoh’s Revenge” is a real thing, people! Here’s how to keep your digestive system happy while figuring out is Egypt safe to travel health-wise:
- Bottled water ONLY (even for brushing teeth at first)
- Street food is tempting, but stick to places packed with locals
- Find restaurants with good reviews
- Pack Imodium – it’s your new best friend
The good news? Egyptian food is absolutely incredible when you eat at the right spots.
6. Don’t Make Yourself a Target
Basic travel safety 101, but worth repeating for anyone asking is Egypt safe to travel:
- Use hotel safes like they’re going out of style
- Make copies of all your important stuff
- Spread your cash around (don’t keep it all in one place)
- Money belts might look dorky, but they work
I always carry a “dummy wallet” with just enough cash for daily stuff, and keep the real money hidden.
7. Listen to Your Gut (It’s Usually Right)
This sounds super obvious, but it’s honestly the most important thing: if something feels weird, it probably is. Most Egyptians are incredibly welcoming and kind, but there are always a few bad apples.
- Skip isolated areas, especially when it’s dark
- Stick with your group when you can
- Don’t take drinks from random people
- Keep your embassy’s number in your phone
Different Types of Travelers, Different Concerns
Solo Ladies
Is Egypt safe to travel alone as a woman? It’s… complicated. Egypt can be tough for solo female travelers because of cultural stuff and persistent attention. But tons of women do it successfully by:
- Joining group tours for the big attractions
- Staying somewhere with good reviews and security
- Dressing super conservatively
- Being extra careful about who you chat with
Families with Kids
Actually, Egypt’s pretty great for families! Egyptians absolutely love kids, and you’ll find people going out of their way to help you out. Just watch out for:
- Food and water safety (kids’ stomachs are even more sensitive)
- Sun protection (that desert sun doesn’t mess around)
- Keeping little ones close in crowded tourist spots
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Gonna be straight with you here – when asking is Egypt safe to travel as an LGBTQ+ person, you gotta be extra careful. Egypt’s not super progressive on this front. Same-sex relationships aren’t legally recognized, and PDA should definitely be avoided. If you do go, discretion is key.
The Scary Stuff: Terrorism and Politics
I know, I know – this is what everyone’s really worried about when they ask is Egypt safe to travel. Here’s the real deal:
Yeah, Egypt has had some terrorism incidents, but they’ve mostly targeted government and military stuff, not tourist areas. That bus bombing in Giza in 2019 was awful, but it was literally the first major tourist-targeted thing in years.
Since 2013, security has been cranked up to 11. You’ll see tourist police everywhere – sometimes it feels like overkill, but honestly, it’s kinda reassuring when you’re wondering is Egypt safe to travel.
Political protests happen sometimes, but they’re usually in specific spots and the authorities keep a close eye on them.
Money Talk (Because Getting Ripped Off Sucks)
Financial safety counts too when you’re thinking is Egypt safe to travel! Here’s the money scoop:
- Egypt’s crazy cheap for tourists (seriously, your dollar goes far)
- Always have cash (Egyptian pounds) for small vendors
- Credit cards work at nice hotels and restaurants
- ATMs are everywhere, but tell your bank you’re traveling first
- Everyone expects tips (baksheesh) – just budget for it
Health Stuff (Don’t Panic, But Be Smart)
Is Egypt safe to travel health-wise? Mostly yeah, with some basic precautions:
- No weird shots needed for most people
- No malaria in tourist areas
- Decent private healthcare in big cities
- GET TRAVEL INSURANCE (seriously, just do it)
- Bring prescription meds in original bottles
Honestly, the biggest health risk is usually just traveler’s diarrhea or getting dehydrated.
So… Should You Actually Go?
Look, I’m not gonna lie to you – Egypt’s not like hopping on a flight to London. It takes more planning, more awareness, and definitely more street smarts. But here’s what I tell everyone who asks is Egypt safe to travel:
If you’re up for a little adventure, can roll with cultural differences, and you’re willing to stay alert, then Egypt is 100% worth it. We’re talking about seeing some of the most incredible historical sites on the planet, eating amazing food, meeting genuinely warm people, and having experiences you literally can’t get anywhere else.
The pyramids have been there for thousands of years – they’re not going anywhere. But your willingness to step outside your comfort zone? That might not always be there. Don’t let overblown fears stop you from having one of the most mind-blowing trips of your life.
Ready to Book That Flight?
So, is Egypt safe to travel? With some prep, cultural awareness, and basic street smarts? Absolutely! Millions of people visit safely every year and come home with incredible stories and photos that make everyone jealous.
The secret sauce is staying informed, keeping your wits about you, and respecting local customs. Follow these tips, trust your instincts, and you’ll be posting your own pyramid selfies before you know it.
Ready to start planning? Check the latest travel updates, book with legit tour companies, and maybe learn how to say “thank you” in Arabic. Your future self will be so glad you took the leap.
Still asking is Egypt safe to travel? Trust me on this one – Egypt’s waiting for you, and it’s going to blow your mind in the best possible way!
