Egypt Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Egypt trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Egypt is generally safe for tourists in established tourist areas including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. The most significant safety concern is the North Sinai region bordering Gaza and the eastern desert near the Libyan border, where the UK, US, and Australian governments advise against all travel.
Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Avoid North Sinai, the Libya border region, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a registered guide.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism. Do not travel to North Sinai Governorate due to terrorism.
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Avoid all travel to North Sinai and border areas with Libya. Exercise caution throughout Egypt due to risk of terrorism.
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.
Fake papyrus shops
Touts lead tourists to shops selling cheap printed paper claiming to be authentic hand-made papyrus. Genuine papyrus papyri are made from papyrus plant reeds.
Camel/horse overcharging
Operators at Giza offer 'free' camel photo opportunities or short rides that result in demands for very high payments and threats when tourists try to dismount.
Felucca price disputes
Felucca operators on the Nile agree to one price before the ride and demand a higher price or threaten to not return to shore until paid more.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed white taxis without meters charge tourists 5-10x the fair price. Drivers claim meters are broken.
Temple guide scams
Unofficial 'guides' outside temple sites offer help, then demand payment. Inside sites, guards may open restricted areas and then demand money.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Stay in established tourist areas
Use reputable tour operators
Keep copies of passport and travel documents
Dress modestly to respect local customs
Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water
Register your trip with your country's embassy in Cairo before travelling
Avoid travelling to the North Sinai region, the Libya border area, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a local guide
Negotiate and agree taxi fares before entering the vehicle; use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem when possible
Be alert to common tourist scams including fake papyrus shops, inflated felucca prices, and 'free' camel rides that charge on dismount
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Egypt is generally safe for solo travelers in tourist areas and major cities. Exercise normal urban precautions: keep valuables secure, stay in well-lit areas at night, use Uber/Careem rather than hailing taxis, and register with your embassy upon arrival. Male solo travelers face minimal issues; female solo travelers should take additional precautions.
Female Travelers
Female travelers should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) outside beach resorts to minimize unwanted attention. Verbal harassment can occur in crowded public areas, particularly in Cairo's older districts. Wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) reduces some attention. Use Uber/Careem rather than hailing taxis, avoid isolated streets after dark, and consider female-only metro cars during rush hour in Cairo. Red Sea resorts, Luxor, and Aswan are generally more relaxed than central Cairo.
Families
Egypt is a highly family-friendly destination — Egyptians adore children and families receive warm treatment everywhere. Red Sea resorts offer safe, controlled environments ideal for families with young children. Major historical sites are safe though require vigilance about uneven surfaces and intense heat. Keep children hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen. Medical facilities adequate in major tourist cities.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relations are not explicitly criminalized but are prosecuted under 'debauchery' laws. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples can result in arrest. The LGBTQ+ community maintains a low profile. Travelers who exercise discretion are unlikely to face issues. Do not disclose sexual orientation to authorities or in public settings. Red Sea resort areas are more relaxed than urban centers.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies (if animal contact likely)
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks. $0.30-0.50 for 1.5L bottle.
Food Safety
Traveler's diarrhea (bring Imodium), dehydration, sun exposure, air pollution in Cairo
Medical Facilities
Widely available in cities. Many medications available without prescription that require one at home.
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 Egypt
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide