Aswan Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Aswan trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Aswan is generally considered one of the safest tourist cities in Egypt, with a well-developed tourism infrastructure and a notably relaxed, friendly atmosphere compared to Cairo. The main risks are petty scams, touts near tourist sites, and the severe heat rather than violent crime.
Aswan is Egypt's southernmost governorate, a sun-drenched city on the banks of the Nile renowned for its ancient Nubian heritage, towering pharaonic monuments, and dramatic desert-island scenery. It serves as the gateway to iconic sites including Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the legendary Abu Simbel temples.
Current Advisory
Egypt is at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) per the US State Department, primarily due to terrorism risks in North Sinai and near the Libyan border. Aswan and Upper Egypt tourist sites are not under specific travel restrictions and are considered broadly safe for tourism with standard precautions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Due to terrorism risks in specific border regions. North Sinai is Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea resorts are open and generally safe for tourism.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against travel to North Sinai and within 50km of the Libya border. Aswan and Nile Valley tourism zones are not under restriction.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Felucca overcharging
Boat operators quote high prices to tourists then sometimes change the agreed route or demand extra money mid-trip
Papyrus/perfume shop 'free tours'
A friendly local offers a 'free tour' of their city that ends at a papyrus or perfume shop with hard-sell tactics and overpriced items
Temple 'helpers' demanding tips
Unofficial men at temple sites offer to show you around or take photos then demand payment — they have no official status
Taxi driver detour to shops
Taxi drivers take tourists to shops where they receive a commission before reaching the intended destination
Currency exchange scam
Unofficial money changers offer very favourable rates but use sleight of hand to short-change or provide counterfeit notes
Fake 'museum fees' or 'photography permits'
Unofficial individuals near sites claim that an extra fee or permit is required and collect cash
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Always negotiate and agree on taxi fares before getting in — unmetered taxis are standard in Aswan and prices can vary widely
Stay hydrated at all times — Aswan temperatures frequently exceed 40°C even outside summer; dehydration is a real risk
Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) and wear a hat when visiting outdoor sites; the Egyptian sun is intense year-round
Keep your passport, cash and bank cards in a concealed money belt rather than in a bag or back pocket near crowded areas like the souk
Only use marked, licensed boats with life jackets for Nile excursions; avoid unlicensed operators especially for Lake Nasser trips
Photograph people and especially women only with explicit permission; in conservative rural areas this is important for respect and safety
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches and rural Nubian villages — shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women
Be firm but polite with persistent vendors and touts in the souk and near temples — a clear 'la shukran' (no thank you) is respected
When visiting remote sites (desert, west bank tombs, monastery), carry at least 1.5 litres of water and let someone know your plans
Avoid tap water entirely — drink only bottled or filtered water; ice in tourist restaurants is usually safe but use judgment
Register your trip with your country's embassy or consular service before travelling to Egypt
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation — Egypt's public hospital care can be limited outside Cairo
Do not attempt to purchase or export genuine antiquities — it is illegal and penalties include imprisonment
Be cautious of 'free tours' to papyrus or perfume shops — these are commission-based and can involve high-pressure selling
Road convoys to Abu Simbel are mandatory and operated by tour companies — do not attempt to drive independently at the scheduled convoy hours
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Aswan is generally safe for solo travellers of all genders. The city is small and well-trafficked; most locals are helpful and hospitable. Tips: share your itinerary with someone at home; use hotel-recommended transport; avoid isolated desert areas after dark; stay alert in the souk especially at night.
Female Travelers
Female travellers report Aswan as more relaxed than Cairo or Luxor in terms of harassment, though unwanted attention is still possible. Tips: dress conservatively (covering shoulders and knees); avoid walking alone after midnight in the souk; respond to harassment with confident, clear 'la shukran' (no thank you); consider a female guide for village visits. Nubian areas are generally very welcoming to solo women.
Families
Aswan is an excellent destination for families. Temple sites are safe and manageable with children; boat trips on the Nile are enjoyable and low-risk with life jackets; Nubian villages are very welcoming to children. Carry plenty of water and sun protection — heat is the main concern for young children.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised in Egypt and public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract unwanted attention or legal risk. Aswan's smaller-city environment is more conservative than Cairo. Discretion is strongly advised. The broader LGBTQ+ community in Egypt faces significant social and legal challenges.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations recommended; Hepatitis B for longer stays; Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Aswan; drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice outside higher-end establishments
Food Safety
Peel fruits, avoid raw vegetables at budget street stalls; cooked food from high-turnover stalls is generally safe. Stomach upsets are common in the first few days — carry rehydration salts
Medical Facilities
Aswan University Hospital is the main public hospital; private clinics on the corniche provide better facilities for tourists. Serious cases may require medical evacuation to Cairo
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Aswan
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide