Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists in established tourist areas including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. The most significant safety concern is the North Sinai region bordering Gaza and the eastern desert near the Libyan border, where the UK, US, and Australian governments advise against all travel.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Avoid North Sinai, the Libya border region, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a registered guide.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism. Do not travel to North Sinai Governorate due to terrorism.
Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid all travel to North Sinai and border areas with Libya. Exercise caution throughout Egypt due to risk of terrorism.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Stay in established tourist areas
Use reputable tour operators
Keep copies of passport and travel documents
Dress modestly to respect local customs
Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water
Register your trip with your country's embassy in Cairo before travelling
Avoid travelling to the North Sinai region, the Libya border area, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a local guide
Negotiate and agree taxi fares before entering the vehicle; use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem when possible
Be alert to common tourist scams including fake papyrus shops, inflated felucca prices, and 'free' camel rides that charge on dismount
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake papyrus shops
Touts lead tourists to shops selling cheap printed paper claiming to be authentic hand-made papyrus. Genuine papyrus papyri are made from papyrus plant reeds.
How to avoid: Buy only from certified papyrus institutes (look for official certificate) or reputable Khan el-Khalili dealers
Camel/horse overcharging
Operators at Giza offer 'free' camel photo opportunities or short rides that result in demands for very high payments and threats when tourists try to dismount.
How to avoid: Agree on exact price, currency, and duration before mounting any animal. Confirm there are no extra charges.
Felucca price disputes
Felucca operators on the Nile agree to one price before the ride and demand a higher price or threaten to not return to shore until paid more.
How to avoid: Agree on clear price in writing before boarding. Use hotel-recommended boatmen.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed white taxis without meters charge tourists 5-10x the fair price. Drivers claim meters are broken.
How to avoid: Use Uber or Careem apps exclusively for transparent, metered pricing. Avoid hailing street taxis.
Temple guide scams
Unofficial 'guides' outside temple sites offer help, then demand payment. Inside sites, guards may open restricted areas and then demand money.
How to avoid: Only use licensed guides arranged through hotels or official tour operators. Politely decline unsolicited help.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies (if animal contact likely)
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks. $0.30-0.50 for 1.5L bottle.
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea (bring Imodium), dehydration, sun exposure, air pollution in Cairo
- Facilities
- Widely available in cities. Many medications available without prescription that require one at home.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Egypt is generally safe for solo travelers in tourist areas and major cities. Exercise normal urban precautions: keep valuables secure, stay in well-lit areas at night, use Uber/Careem rather than hailing taxis, and register with your embassy upon arrival. Male solo travelers face minimal issues; female solo travelers should take additional precautions.
Female travellers
Female travelers should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) outside beach resorts to minimize unwanted attention. Verbal harassment can occur in crowded public areas, particularly in Cairo's older districts. Wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) reduces some attention. Use Uber/Careem rather than hailing taxis, avoid isolated streets after dark, and consider female-only metro cars during rush hour in Cairo. Red Sea resorts, Luxor, and Aswan are generally more relaxed than central Cairo.
Families
Egypt is a highly family-friendly destination — Egyptians adore children and families receive warm treatment everywhere. Red Sea resorts offer safe, controlled environments ideal for families with young children. Major historical sites are safe though require vigilance about uneven surfaces and intense heat. Keep children hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen. Medical facilities adequate in major tourist cities.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are not explicitly criminalized but are prosecuted under 'debauchery' laws. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples can result in arrest. The LGBTQ+ community maintains a low profile. Travelers who exercise discretion are unlikely to face issues. Do not disclose sexual orientation to authorities or in public settings. Red Sea resort areas are more relaxed than urban centers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 122
- Medical
- 123
- Embassy
- Tourist Police