Let’s get proper to the large 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 instances and might let you know that standing earlier than the Pyramids of Giza or wandering by means of the temples of Luxor is an expertise that stays with you endlessly.
Nevertheless it’s additionally not a visit to take evenly. Egypt is an intense and sometimes chaotic place that requires a unique stage of consciousness than, say, a highway journey by means of 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 can assist you journey higher. On this information, we’re breaking down every little thing you truly must find out 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 ideas from our personal journeys.
Is Egypt Secure To Journey Proper Now: Fast Abstract
For these on the lookout for a fast reply, right here’s our abstract of the security 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 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 customarily thought of protected.
- Solo Feminine Traveller Danger: Excessive. Solo girls will possible face persistent and undesirable consideration. We advocate 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 protected 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 Popularity for Being Unsafe?
It’s a legitimate query, and the priority doesn’t come from nowhere. For many people, our predominant publicity to fashionable Egypt has been by means of information experiences 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 had 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 economic system, took an enormous hit.
We had been in Egypt simply after the revolution, and sure, there have been a whole lot 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 severe safety incidents that focused vacationer areas. These tragic occasions had been broadly reported and additional solidified the notion of threat within the minds of potential guests.
Nevertheless, you will need to place these occasions in at present’s context. The state of affairs 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, lodges, and alongside the principle 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 anyplace on the earth.
Present Egypt Journey Advisory & Safety State of affairs
Earlier than any journey, we at all times advocate 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 potential threat, from petty crime to political instability.
Examine the Present Journey Advisories right here:
The secret is to grasp that these warnings are sometimes for the whole nation and don’t at all times mirror 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 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 had 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 an excellent reminder that whereas advisories are an vital device, they don’t at all times 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 protected, but it surely’s vital to keep in mind that Egypt is a big nation, and the expertise will 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 likely one of the world’s nice megacities. With greater than 20 million individuals, it’s crowded, chaotic, and extremely vibrant. We’ve spent a whole lot 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 frequent sense: maintain your valuables safe, and look each methods (three or 4 instances) 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 can be approached always by individuals making an attempt to promote you a carriage journey, a felucca journey, or a tour.
In Aswan, we will need to have been provided a ship journey 100 instances 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 Crimson Sea Resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada)
The Crimson 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 cross by means of a safety checkpoint on the roads main into these areas. Throughout the resorts themselves, the ambiance is relaxed and the most important security issues are the identical as every other seaside vacation spot: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it within the solar.
Whenever you see journey warnings for Egypt, they’re nearly at all times referring to 2 particular areas: the Sinai Peninsula (however not the Sharm El Sheikh resorts) and the western desert. These should not locations for unbiased 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 web site, they usually count on a small tip, recognized domestically as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Listed below are a number of of the most typical 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 value.” This can be a quite common and customarily innocent tactic. The very best 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 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, at all times 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 incredible, 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 wonderful to politely decline by saying, “Thanks for the provide, however we’d want to spend extra time on the temple.” An excellent information will at all times respect your needs.
Photograph “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’ll then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for his or her service. If you happen to don’t wish 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 big a part of having fun with your journey. A bit of little bit of warning and pre-planning can go a great distance in ensuring you’re 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 accommodates totally different micro organism that may simply result in abdomen upset.
At all times follow sealed bottled water. We even advocate utilizing bottled water to brush your tooth as an additional precaution. It might sound 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 should stay in worry of the meals. We ate loads of scrumptious meals, together with avenue meals, and had been completely wonderful by following a number of easy guidelines.
- Eat at busy locations. A restaurant or meals stall well-liked with locals means excessive meals turnover and more energizing substances.
- Select cooked meals. Scorching, freshly cooked dishes are at all times a safer guess 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 constituted of faucet water.
What vaccinations do I want for Egypt?
We’re journey specialists, 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 personalised recommendation based mostly in your well being historical past.
Usually, they’ll guarantee your routine vaccinations are updated. They could additionally advocate extra vaccinations similar to Hepatitis A and Typhoid, that are frequent 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 totally different expertise from travelling as a person or as a pair. The primary subject is the excessive stage 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 always must have your guard up. Whereas this consideration is nearly at all times a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring reasonably 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 means of 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:
- Gown Conservatively. That is our prime tip. By overlaying 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 fantastic device 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 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 slightly 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 Marriage ceremony Ring. It’s a easy trick, however carrying a plain band in your ring finger may also help deter some undesirable advances.
- Use Journey-Sharing Apps. Persist with Uber or Careem as an alternative of hailing taxis on the road. It offers a digital report of your journey and driver, and the value is ready upfront.
Prime 10 Security Suggestions for Egypt
Here’s a fast abstract of our most vital security ideas for visiting Egypt. Following these will provide help to keep protected, keep away from hassles, and give attention to the unbelievable expertise of your journey.
- Rent a Licensed Egyptologist/Information. An excellent information is value their weight in gold. They won’t solely carry the traditional websites to life however will even deal with logistics and maintain touts at bay, making your day infinitely extra gratifying.
- Gown Conservatively. Present respect for the native tradition by overlaying your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, light-weight clothes is probably the most snug and applicable 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 follow 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 simplest method to cope with persistent sellers and touts.
- At all times Agree on a Worth First. Earlier than you get in a taxi or comply with a carriage journey, affirm the value with the driving force. This easy step prevents arguments and scams later.
- Preserve 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 flawed while 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. Persist with freshly cooked scorching meals and fruit you may 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 dwelling 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’re feeling uncomfortable.
Ought to You Use a Tour Operator or Group Tour?
Sure, for many first-time travellers to Egypt, we extremely advocate utilizing a good tour operator. Whereas we frequently journey independently, for a rustic like Egypt, we extremely advocate 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 big.
Right here’s why we expect it’s a sensible alternative:
- It Eliminates the Trouble. That is the one largest benefit. An excellent 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 approach no guidebook can.
- It Provides a Layer of Safety. Navigating a brand new nation will 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 perfect instances to go to websites to keep away from the worst of the crowds and the noon warmth. You’ll possible see extra, and in larger consolation, than for those who had been arranging every little thing by yourself.
This doesn’t imply you may’t journey Egypt independently, as many individuals do. Nevertheless, it requires quite a lot of persistence and planning. For a primary journey, we consider the advantages of an organized tour far outweigh the prices. It streamlines the expertise and lets you give attention to the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We regularly e-book day excursions by means of 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 advocate light-weight, loose-fitting clothes that covers your shoulders and knees.
This isn’t nearly getting into non secular websites; dressing extra conservatively will provide help to mix in and might considerably scale back undesirable consideration, particularly for girls. Assume linen trousers, lengthy skirts or attire, and t-shirts or blouses reasonably than tank tops. A light-weight scarf is probably the most helpful accent you may pack, excellent 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 spite of everything that, we come again to the large query: must you journey to Egypt? Our reply is a particular sure, however on one situation: it’s a must to be a ready and aware traveller.
Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a vacation spot the place you may utterly 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 fancy 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 vital right here, and there’s a shared understanding {that a} protected 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 info, we consider it’s best to completely go. It’s a journey that may problem you, awe you, and stick to you lengthy after you’ve come dwelling.
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 completed inside the closely protected vacationer hall.
For police, dial 122. For an ambulance, dial 123. It’s a good suggestion to save lots of 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 sometimes be obtained on arrival on the airport or upfront by means of the official e-Visa portal.
We don’t advocate 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 generally is a incredible vacation spot for households. Egyptians adore kids, and your children could act as an icebreaker. Nevertheless, the warmth, lengthy journey days, and chaotic cities will be difficult for little ones, so we advocate 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 for those who can’t agree on a value you’re snug with.
The official foreign money is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Whereas some tour operators or lodges could settle for US {Dollars} or Euros, it’s finest to make use of Egyptian Kilos for every day bills like meals, taxis, and market purchases for the perfect charges. ATMs are broadly obtainable in cities.
