Red Sea Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Red Sea trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
The Red Sea Governorate is generally safe for tourists and is visited by millions of European and Middle Eastern visitors annually without serious incident. The most common risks are diving-related injuries (from equipment failure or operator incompetence), heat-related illness, and petty scams near tourist areas. The tourist police maintain a strong presence throughout resort areas.
The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.
Current Advisory
The US State Department rates Egypt at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). The Red Sea Governorate resort areas are considered safe for tourism. The main travel warnings relate to terrorism risks in remote border areas and the Sinai Peninsula, which do not apply to the Red Sea resort coast. Exercise normal tourist vigilance in resort areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to terrorism risk. Red Sea resort areas including Hurghada, El Gouna, and Marsa Alam are not subject to specific terrorism warnings.
UK FCDO
Hurghada and the Red Sea Governorate coast are rated as safe for tourism. Take normal precautions and follow Egyptian law.
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.
Unofficial Dive Guide Scam
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists on the beach or marina offering cheap diving without proper equipment or certifications
Taxi Overcharging
Taxis near airports and resort entrances frequently charge tourists 3-5x the local rate
Island Trip Bait and Switch
Budget boat operators advertise premium island trips (Giftun, Mahmya) but take passengers to inferior nearby reefs
Souvenir Inflated Pricing
Souvenir shops near tourist attractions quote prices 5-10x what the item is worth
Timeshare and Property Scam
Resort agents offer 'free gifts' or scratch cards to lure tourists into multi-hour timeshare presentations for Red Sea property investments
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Use only PADI or SSI-certified dive centers with valid certification plaques — unqualified operators do exist and present real safety risks
Never dive alone — always dive with a buddy and stay within sight of your dive guide
Respect marine life — do not touch, feed, or disturb coral, fish, or any sea creature; sea urchin spines and stonefish are venomous hazards near the reef
Negotiate taxi fares before entering any vehicle — agree on the price in EGP and confirm it covers the complete journey
Stay hydrated in the desert heat — the Red Sea region experiences temperatures above 40°C in summer and dehydration occurs rapidly
Use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen only — traditional chemical sunscreens are prohibited or strongly discouraged in marine parks and are harmful to coral
Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers scuba diving activities — standard travel insurance policies often exclude diving
Drink only sealed bottled water throughout your stay — tap water is not safe for visitors
Do not enter the sea within 30 minutes of eating — strong currents and cramps are real risks in the Red Sea
Follow your dive computer and never ignore decompression stop requirements — the nearest hyperbaric (recompression) chamber is in Hurghada
Keep passport, credit cards, and bulk cash in your hotel safe — carry only what you need daily
Be aware of strong currents when snorkeling from boats — always stay within the designated snorkeling area and near the boat
Dress modestly outside resort areas — in Hurghada's old town and in smaller towns like Quseir and Safaga, women should cover shoulders and knees
Book monastery day trips through reputable operators — the desert road to St. Anthony's and St. Paul's monasteries is remote and requires a reliable vehicle
Photography of military installations, checkpoints, bridges, and government buildings is strictly prohibited in Egypt
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
The Red Sea is generally safe for solo travelers. Stay in well-reviewed hotels, use Uber/negotiated taxis, and book diving through certified centers. Join group tours for desert excursions rather than arranging private drivers alone. Hurghada's marina area is safe to walk in the evening.
Female Travelers
Female travelers should dress modestly outside resort areas (cover shoulders and knees in the old town and smaller towns). Within resort areas and beaches, normal beach attire is fine. Verbal attention from men can occur in markets — firm, confident responses work best. Solo female travelers are advised to use organized tours for desert excursions.
Families
The Red Sea is highly family-friendly. Calm resort beaches are ideal for young children. Snorkeling day trips to Giftun Island are safe for children over 8. Apply generous reef-safe sunscreen on children. Jellyfish season (April-June) requires more caution in the water.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized in Egypt but is effectively prosecuted under public indecency laws. LGBTQ travelers should exercise significant discretion and avoid public displays of affection. The Red Sea resort areas are more liberal than inland Egypt but the legal and social environment remains conservative.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) should be up to date. No mandatory vaccinations for Egypt entry.
Water Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Drink only sealed bottled water. Ice at reputable hotels and restaurants is generally made from purified water.
Food Safety
Cooked food at licensed restaurants is generally safe. Be cautious with raw salads at very cheap local eateries. Fruit you peel yourself is safe.
Medical Facilities
Hurghada has two adequate hospitals: Dr. Ragab Hospital and Nasser Hospital. El Gouna has its own hospital. For serious issues, medical evacuation to Cairo is available.
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 Red Sea
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide