Is Egypt Still Safe to Travel?
Please note: This page has not been updated since January 2012
Powerful, motivating, inspiring, breathtaking and at times frightening, the images beamed from Tahrir Square in January and February 2011 captured the world's attention (read more about the Egyptian Revolution).
With uncertainty about the country's political and economic future, it's hardly surprising that you're asking this question.
So is Egypt safe?
In a word, yes! Whether you’re on a tour, travelling with children in Egypt, travelling as a woman alone, or backpacking in Egypt, Egyptians are friendly, helpful and largely honest people. The crime rate is minimal, and although there have been a number of terrorist related incidents; statistically the risk is still low.
Protests - The protests and demonstrations of recent times have been overwhelmingly peaceful. That said there have been flashes of violence (largely inflicted by the police and state forces) so if you're concerned about your safety, demonstrations are best avoided. Although tourism is down millions of visitors have continued to enjoy Dahab, sharm, Luxor, Aswan, and indeed Cairo and almost all enjoy a trouble free stay (read more about how Egypt has changed since the revolution).
Indeed the greater risks to one's personal health and wellbeing are as detailed below:
Traffic and Road Accidents – Statistically the most dangerous thing in Egypt are the roads with 6000 related deaths each year (twice that of the UK). Seemingly absent of order, cars overtake on all sides and everybody is in a hurry to get somewhere meaning that traffic is often at a standstill. At night headlights are kept ‘off’ and the sound of the horn being used is so ubiquitous that one quickly filters it out – or goes crazy! Where possible cross at walkways and tunnel, keep a good eye on your kids, or even take a taxi to the other side of the road to avoid crossing it yourself. Avoid taking buses between cities at night. The roads between Cairo and Sinai are pretty good, but the route from Luxor to Hurghada is treacherous after dark.
Heat and Sunshine – Underestimating the power of the Egyptian sun is a pretty quick way to ruin your trip. Wear a hat, drink lots of water, use high factor sunscreen etc Read more about staying healthy in Egypt
Food – Watch ‘what’ and ‘where’ you eat. Most visitors to Egypt experience some degree of tummy rumbling. There are a few ways to minimise the likelihood of this happening to you. Read more about typical Egyptian food and staying healthy in Egypt.
Women alone – Although street crime is virtually zilch there have been attacks on western women over the years. As in any foreign land, avoid the quieter parts of town after dark. A more common problem is the stealth groping attacks in busy market places where women are shocked to find their backsides pinched or slapped. Kan Al Khalili market is particularly notorious for this. Although not actually dangerous the experience is unpleasant enough and women should point and shout at their attacker to shame them. Trouble is most easily avoided by dressing modestly during your trip. Read more about how to dress in Egypt.
Money Scams in Egypt – Touts patrol the banks of the Nile in both Luxor and Aswan. Although most are genuinely trying to make a living there a few scammers and so should generally be avoided. In one scam they may ask you to change a few coins (Euros or pounds) for Egyptian money. When you hand over the agreed amount of Egyptian pounds they’ll switch the note for one of less value and insist you give them the rest. Read more about touts in Egypt
Don’t photograph police – Tempting as it may be, Egypt is officially in a state of emergency and has been since the shooting of the previous president Anwar Sadat in 1981. Photographing police can land you in a whole world of trouble. Read more about Police and checkpoint in Egypt
Adventure sports – The quality and standards of adventure sports outfitter (e.g. diving, quad biking etc) can vary greatly. Do some research and ensure you use a reputable adventure travel tour operator.
Travel Insurance – Ensure you are adequately covered. Read more about travel insurance for Egypt.
For More Information:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice - The official FCO answer to the question 'Is Egypt safe to travel?
