Is Egypt Safe to Visit? The Reality
Egypt has been on most travelers’ ‘is it safe?’ list since 2011. Here’s the honest assessment.
Tourist zones
Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, Nile Cruises, Red Sea resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada), all very safe with normal tourist precautions. Tourist police are visible everywhere.
Avoid zones
Sinai Peninsula interior (except Sharm + St. Catherine’s monastery), Western Desert oases (except Siwa via group tour), border areas with Libya + Sudan. Foreign Office advisories specify these.
Common annoyances
Persistent hassle for tips (baksheesh) at every site. Vendors hounding at pyramids/markets. Cab drivers quoting tourist prices. None are dangerous, just exhausting. Hire a guide for major sites — they shield you from hassle.
Health risks
‘Pharaoh’s Revenge’ is common: drink only bottled water, no ice from street vendors, no salads. Eat at restaurants in tourist hotels for first 2 days. Heat (40°C+) in summer is dangerous. Drink electrolytes, plan early morning/evening sightseeing.
Cultural safety
Conservative dress essential, especially for women (shoulders + knees covered). Women travelers report more verbal hassle than other regions, solo women may want a guide. Photography: ask people first; never photograph military, airports, bridges.