24 Top Safety Tips for Travelling Safely to Egypt. May 2, 2014 a bomb on a tour bus in Sharm El Sheikh detonated, killing one and injuring four others. For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Consider taking a tour During my visit to Hilton Hurghada (now closed), the resort was at less than half capacity and I loved it. All travelers, including solo travelers and group tours are advised against traveling to areas within 50 kilometers of Egypts borders with Libya and Sudan. Egyptian police have been known to create fake profiles and use them to entrap individuals, so it's best to avoid them completely. Get the most up to date information about Egypt travel on the GOV.UK site. At the end of the day, only certain areas and places in Egypt are dangerous. Only eat cooked foods (unless its fruit or vegetables that have a shell or skin), Water is safe to brush your teeth but not for drinking, Avoid ice because its usually made from tap water. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Egypt. While Egypt is very tourist-friendly, it is also a deeply religious country so make sure youre appropriately dressed and you learn the nuances of its customs so you can travel with respect and empathy through the country. After all, anyone living in Western countries has likely seen repeated warnings via the government and news stories in the media. In addition to our pre-packaged tours, we also offer custom made Egypt tours so that you can see Egypt your way. Have a good money belt to protect your cash. Sexual harassment is sadly prevalent on subway trains around the world, but the Cairo metro always has at least one car reserved exclusively for female passengers. Egypt is an attractive tourist destination thanks to its rich history, which can be traced back to some of the earliest signs of communication. Remember, Egypt is a conservative country and tourist should consider dressing somewhat conservatively as well. All might not be the same, but it is a wise idea not to overtrust anyone when youre wandering alone in Egypt. So whilst there are stories about terrorist attacks, scuffles with the Egyptian authorities and tourist scams, the risks are still relatively low (especially if you stay out of the Sinai peninsula, refrain from insulting the Egyptian Government, and keep a sharp eye on your money). There aremore risks and challenges that you dont get elsewhere. I remember there was a little voice in my head telling me that I *really* wasnt in New York anymore (a little slow, a little late). Katie, Gypsy Soul Itchy Feet. We as travelers are not there to change a culture within a week of traveling. Recommended reading: Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt as a Woman? Top tips for female travellers visiting Egypt. Other popular destinations in Egypt include Abu Simbel, Aswan and Alexandria. I explored all alone in Alexandria, and the experience was not all good due to the losing money incident. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the winding Nile River, its not hard to understand why Egypt has managed to dominate the tourism industry since before the turn of the century. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Egypt. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Take a kindred soul to Al-Azhar Park for glorious sunset views over Cairo. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. But by following these tips youll have more freedom to have fun and hopefully avoid (or deal with) the most stressful situations. Be aware of pic-pocketing. March 6, 2020; Human Rights Watch. Yes, Egypt is safe to visit right now. Once you narrow down where youd like to go, you'll then have to decide how youll get there. There is even a selection of great Egyptian festivals to get involved with! If you attempt to bring one to the airport, it will be confiscated. . Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Egypt. The national rail system is outdated and not kept in the best condition. Safety and security The security situation in Egypt is unpredictable and certain regions of the country (for instance, North Sinai, Western Desert, etc.) Always travel with respect of local laws and traditions. Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due tothe Embassys limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. You can also know online about the entry fee of every place, along with its timings. Try group solo travel to Egypt with Flash Pack - designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group. Most of the time these are annoying rather than dangerous. Check government travel warnings regularly and make sure to heed their advice. Shadows in the light of the fire pointed. "Fleeing war, poverty, African migrants face racism in Egypt." From the shabbiest village bus (usually its just a locals beat-up truck) to the remnants of the British-founded rail system, youll have many options when it comes to getting around Egypt. Pay extra care to avoid dodgy-looking characters, and dont get stuck alone in large crowds. It is rare for female travelers to experience sexual harassment while traveling in Egypt. With so much scrutiny on safety and Egypt wanting to turn that image around, security is at an all-time high which can discourage further attacks. "Egypt: Security Forces Abuse, Torture LGBT People." This is mainly down to tourists avoiding the areas that have travel warnings in place. Despite Cairo and other major cities being very safe for tourists, exploring on foot after sunset is best avoided, especially for female travelers and people traveling alone. I packed my bags after checking the temperature range in Egypt. We, and many millions of others, believe that Egypt is a very safe destination for tourists, even if you are going to be traveling alone. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). The U.S. travel authorities list Egypt as a level 3 country due to terrorist threat. May 19, 2019 South African tourists on a tour bus injured by a roadside bomb next to the pyramids in Giza. Nafisa Habib loves nature and often got fascinated by old beautiful architecture. In our opinion, it is now very safe to visit these South Sinai resorts. Woman in temple looking at hieroglyphics. Well, it all depends on what other parts of the country you want to visit. Egypt is generally a very safe country for tourists, including tourists who are traveling alone. See Also: Do You Need a Visa to Go There? Keeping your wits about you, staying vigilant and keeping clear of any sort of mass gathering of people will definitely help keep you safe during your visit to Egypt. There was an excessive amount of security everywhere we went. Egypt's crime rates are low but be aware of scam artists and pickpockets which can be common. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. With that said, solo travelers should avoid exploring quiet areas on foot after sunset. So if youre the sort of person who loves this sort of thing anyway, go for it! The more relaxed you are, the better a time you are likely to have. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Egypt. I turned my head over my shoulder and saw. ), I asked my friend and fellow blogger Katie Foote of Gypsy Soul . Everyone always thinks it wont happen to me! but thats how you end up in a foreign hospital with an upset stomach and no way to pay for the IV thats stuck in your arm. Egyptians are naturally warm and friendly, although that friendliness can turn into unwanted attention for female travelers. But things can change in an instant, so the best thing you can do is research the current state of the country before you go to Egypt. Wear clothes that go at least past your knees, do not show any cleavage and make sure to cover your shoulders, especially at holy sites. Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit. Egypt's reputation as a travel destination has taken some hits with travelers and travel professionals over the last several years, making some people wonder: Is it safe to travel to Egypt in? Thefts or assaults in taxis are rare, but a taxi driver might take advantage of a solo foreigner by driving around to run up the meter, which is why Uber or a private car are generally considered the safest way to get around. Youll even love the beach time in Egypt with the extreme Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea beauty. Contents Solo Travel in Egypt Places To Visit in Egypt Things To See in Cairo Seeing The Pyramids Things To Do in Sharm el Sheikh Things To Do in Luxor River Nile Cruise Abu Simbel Other Places To See in Egypt Tours To Egypt Accommodation in Egypt Stay Eco in Egypt Getting Around Egypt Recommended Egypt Itinerary In the northern parts of North Sinai in particular, and especially near Egypts border with Israel, where there is a very real threat of terrorism. After all, you deserve all the fun while traveling solo. Reconsider travel to Egypt due toterrorism. While packing your travel pouch, please make a list of essentials and pack them first to avoid fuss while traveling. Despite being a predominantly Muslim nation where many locals abstain from drinking alcohol, Egypt produces its own wine and beer, so you'll have a few alcoholic options to choose from. Since there was an army base nearby, the whole night we were monitored by snipers on a hill protecting the ruins. At Egypt Tours Plus, you will find a fantastic selection of high quality Egypt tour packages. A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. My friends were concerned for my safety and I started to consider changing my flight to somewhere like Italy or Greece. Egypt is quite a safe destination and you should not let the media coverage scare you. However, Egypt is definitely not safe for a first-time traveller. Know how to handle this kind of scenario! It wont DEFLECT attention, but it will help you to fit in. The majority of protests and strikes take place in a very small region of Egypt that can easily be avoided during your Egyptian trip. First, be careful of stray animals. In fact, its been very safe to visit for the last couple of years, so youll be in for a treat. It is so important that you bring with you an open mind and sense of humor. During my two days trip to Bahariya Oasis, the local guide didnt take to visit the natural hot spring of the Valley of El Haize on the first day. You dont need to fear public transit though because theres no pattern of location for street harassment. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and don't repeat my mistake of wearing cute sandals while temple hopping in Luxor. Egypt Tours Plus recommends that people traveling alone should rather use taxis for getting around after sunset. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! How about a solo trip to Egypt? If a stranger approaches you outside the popular tourist sites or along the Nile and offers some insights into the location, or offers to snap a quick photo of you, be wary as everything comes with a price tag in Egypt. Is Egypt safe to travel alone if you are going to be traveling to a place like Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab? If you are a solo female traveler, Egypt can be a challenge because I faced harassment on the street, taxi drivers who had other intentions, even people working in the temples who put me in uncomfortable situations. However, be wary of scams and being overcharged. Here are some quick tips for staying safe in Egypt: 1. Is it safe to travel Egypt now in 2023? Check the joints where you can calm your hunger pangs and get some delicious meals that energize you for the next destination. Get this solo travel guide to Egypt to explore the best with all top travel tips. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. When you are traveling solo, it goes without saying that you must stay in touch with your family and friends. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In short, yes, despite what you may have heard Egypt is a safe place for tourists to keep on their bucket lists. If it looks like things are about to kick off again politically, postpone that trip. There are areas of Egypt that you should avoid travelling to, and you should be aware at all times that you are not a local, and this makes you a target. Please remember these people are just trying to earn a living and mean you no harm. Many hotels keep a list of important telephone numbers, including numbers of local police stations and English speaking female police officers. I guess you can take it both ways but the sense I got was that the government really doesnt want more incidents with tourists and are doing what they can to mitigate those risks. While you may want to brush up on your Arabic it's the national language there and check to see if you need any vaccinations (like one for yellow fever, which is required if you're not traveling directly to Egypt from the U.S.), these preparations are more than worth the effort to visit this culturally and historically rich destination. Skip to content Welcome to My Own Way To Travel! Lola, Lola Akinmade. As long as you practice general safety precautions, you should be all set to have the time of your life. Today, I wish to discuss my experiences from the journey and the suggestions for solo travel to the wonderland, Egypt. There are microbuses, tuk-tuks, modern metro systems (in Cairo only), trams, large intercity buses; all this and more is present. Tourist areas are generally safe to visit, so tackling The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, a boat trip on theNile or any of the ancient wonders is certainly possible. All mostly understand some standard English terms. Foreign tourists already stand out in a crowd and women traveling alone may experience an increased volume of harassment, with catcalling and unsolicited compliments being the most common aggravations. But, even if you're only on your own during transit to and from Cairo airport, it really helps to be covered up as much as possible. Egypt is a country visited by millions of people each year, with a vested interest in continuing this lucrative and beneficial relationship with its tourists for years to come. If you're a woman traveling alone and you're uncomfortable hiring a male guide, don't fret: I was pleasantly surprised to find many female guides available for hire when I visited. Egypt is a relatively safe place to visit, as long as you keep your wits about you and adhere to the local cultural customs. That moment of breaking bread against the silence of a vast desert with people willing to share the little they had with strangers is one of the reasons why I love slow travel. If you plan on staying in a mid to high-end sort of resort, then you wont have to worry nearly as much about any of that. As a result, Russia stopped all flights to Sharm El Sheikh and had a ripple effect on tourism as a whole. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies. While classic sites like Cairo, Giza, and Luxor are still in the clear, you should avoid all travel to within 5 kilometres of the border with Libya, the Siwa Oasis, the Western Desert, including the oases of Bhariya, Bawati, Dakhla and Farafra, and the White and Black deserts, due to terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups, ongoing military operations and smugglers. Women travelers who have questions about safety should discuss any safety concerns they have with their tour guide and/or with staff at the hotel where they are staying. A majority of our time was spent outside of Cairo. Enjoy your travels! Trip-ruining? As is often the case, a bit of common sense can also go a long way in helping you to avoid problems regarding your personal safety. It is a beautiful land for solo travelers as the welcoming people, tasty cuisines, and historic interest keep them engrossed in its love. Some tombs are underground with a steep slope downward, so good footwear is essential. Violent crime is relatively rare even in Cairo, but it's still not a good idea to walk alone at night. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); In general, yes, travelling to Egypt is safe, but it is not straightforward. " Public displays of affection in Egypt are frowned upon for all types of relationships, but gay and lesbian couples should be particularly prudent. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. I had a good experience as they took care of my visits and destinations to enjoy my journey whole-heartedly. So we just have to do our best to protect our safety and sanity, while being respectful to . Design Your Custom Tour. The number of solo travelers, especially women solo travelers is increasing in Egypt. Remember to book a registered tour agency, which is only trustworthy. Tap water is not recommended for drinking here, so opt for a bottled beverage to wash down your meal. If youre an experienced traveller and youve been to similar countries like Egypt, then wed say it can be pretty safe right now. If you are a solo traveler and you want to visit this breathtaking site, you should consider doing so by way of a Lake Nasser cruise. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Egyptians are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience. The only caveat is you have to be younger than 26 to qualify for the Egyptian student discount. Guides help you navigate away from common scams. English speaking guides are there for a group or single tour. rock-hewn temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, Start planning your dream trip to Egypt today, 12 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise And Red Sea Stay, 10 Day Luxury Nile Cruise and Cairo Tours, 8 Day Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour w/ Nile Cruise, 8 Day Egypt Holiday Tour Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Train], 15 Day Morocco And Egypt Vacation w/ Nile Cruise. Walking around at night by yourself? Traveling throughout Egypt can be a bit tricky. Youre less likely to run into an issue if youre travelling with a local guide. Looking for some best travel guide books on Egypt? TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Uber can be a cheaper option to travel in comparison to other taxis all over Cairo. October 31, 2015 a Russian plane bombed leaving Sharm El Sheikh. January 2, 2020. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Planning an adventure for two weeks in Vietnam? These fees can add up over time, especially if youre trying to see several throughout your trip, as you should. At the time of publication, tour operators have chosen not to cancel any of their tours that travel to or through Egypt. Vigilance is crucial, as is following the directions of local security officials. However, it is super understandable if these stories have you wondering Is Egypt Safe?, and Im going to be addressing all of your travel concerns in this epic guide. Its a symbiotic relationship we want to see Egypt and its in Egypts best interest to keep things safe for tourists. That being said, Egypt might be victim to an exaggerated reputation for treating female tourists poorly. In conclusion, is Egypt safe for solo female travelers? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It was all safe but pricey. There are several ways to travel throughout the country, but youll need to narrow down where youd like to go before deciding how youll get there. Thanks for helping. If you look closely at the travel advisories, its primarily for regions that youll unlikely visit the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm el Sheikh), and the Western Desert bordering on Libya. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date.