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.
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.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
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
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
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.
Standard travel advice
Hurghada and the Red Sea Governorate coast are rated as safe for tourism. Take normal precautions and follow Egyptian law.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
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
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial Dive Guide Scam
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists on the beach or marina offering cheap diving without proper equipment or certifications
How to avoid: Book only through PADI/SSI-certified dive centers with visible certification plaques. Never enter the water with an unverified guide.
Taxi Overcharging
Taxis near airports and resort entrances frequently charge tourists 3-5x the local rate
How to avoid: Negotiate the price in EGP before getting in. Use Uber where available. Ask your hotel for the fair rate before taking a taxi.
Island Trip Bait and Switch
Budget boat operators advertise premium island trips (Giftun, Mahmya) but take passengers to inferior nearby reefs
How to avoid: Book through licensed operators recommended by your hotel. Ask specifically which islands and reefs you will visit and get it in writing.
Souvenir Inflated Pricing
Souvenir shops near tourist attractions quote prices 5-10x what the item is worth
How to avoid: Research fair prices before shopping. Start counter-offers at 25-30% of the asking price. Walk away if the negotiation stalls — prices drop immediately.
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
How to avoid: Do not engage with anyone offering free gifts, tours, or scratch cards near resort entrances.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) should be up to date. No mandatory vaccinations for Egypt entry.
- Water
- 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
- Cooked food at licensed restaurants is generally safe. Be cautious with raw salads at very cheap local eateries. Fruit you peel yourself is safe.
- Sun
- UV radiation is intense year-round. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay out of the midday sun (11am-3pm) especially June-September.
- 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.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
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 travellers
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+ travellers
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.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 122
- Medical
- 123
- Fire
- 180
- Tourist Police
- 19564
- Coast Guard
- 16816
- Diver Emergency
- +20-65-344-0820 (DAN Hyperbaric Chamber Hurghada)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Cairo: +20-2-2797-3300 | UK Embassy Cairo: +20-2-2791-6000