Is Egypt safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
The main tourist areas of Egypt (Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts) are visited by millions each year and are generally safe, with a visible police presence. The everyday risks are hassle from touts, overcharging and small scams, plus traffic. Some border regions, including much of North Sinai and areas near the Libyan border, are covered by government travel warnings and are not on tourist routes.
The real risks
Touts and overcharging
Camel and horse rides at Giza, felucca and carriage drivers, and 'helpful' strangers can be persistent. Agree a price and duration before you start, or say a polite no and keep walking.
Scams around sites
People may claim a site is closed and steer you to a shop, or sell fake tickets. Buy only at official ticket offices or online.
Traffic
Cairo traffic is chaotic and crossing roads is genuinely risky. Cross with locals and use Uber rather than walking long distances.
Heat
In summer the south passes 40°C. See sites from 6:00 to 10:00 and carry water.
Restricted regions
Check official advice for North Sinai, the Western Desert and border areas before any travel off the main routes.
Areas and times to take care
Downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Islamic Cairo, Giza, Luxor and Aswan are all normal tourist territory, busy until late. Khan el-Khalili and the Giza plateau are where hassle is most intense. Travel to some remote and border areas is restricted or advised against; tourist convoys and police checkpoints are normal on some desert roads, such as the road to Abu Simbel.
Getting around safely
Uber and Careem are the easiest, cheapest and least stressful option in Cairo and Alexandria. In Luxor and Aswan, agree taxi fares in advance or arrange a car and driver through your hotel. Use the official sleeper train company and licensed drivers for long journeys; avoid driving yourself.
Solo and women travellers
Solo women can travel Egypt, but unwanted attention, comments and occasionally touching are common in crowded places. Dress conservatively (shoulders and knees covered), sit in the back of taxis, use women-only metro carriages in Cairo, and consider a reputable guide for the busiest sites.
Health, water and heat
Drink bottled water and avoid ice and raw salads in cheap places at first. Heat stroke and sun exposure are serious from May to September. Travellers' diarrhoea is common, so carry rehydration salts. Private hospitals in Cairo are good; take travel insurance.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas are generally safe and well policed. The usual problems are hassle, overcharging and traffic; some border regions are under travel warnings.
How do I deal with touts at the pyramids?
Agree a price and duration before getting on any camel or horse, or politely refuse and keep walking.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling alone?
Many women travel solo, but unwanted attention is common. Dress conservatively, use Uber and consider a guide at busy sites.