Is Egypt Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Guide Based on 12+ Visits - Xplrverse

My Personal Safety Experience in Egypt

The first time I stepped off the plane at Cairo International Airport in 2010, I was immediately overwhelmed. The cacophony of voices, the press of people offering taxi services, and the intense summer heat hit me like a wall. I clutched my passport tightly, convinced I’d made a terrible mistake coming alone. Fast forward to my 12th visit last month, and I navigated Cairo’s streets with the confidence of someone returning to a second home. The truth about safety in Egypt exists somewhere between the media’s occasional alarming headlines and the tourism board’s perfectly curated imagery.

Having spent over 18 months in Egypt across more than a decade of visits, I’ve experienced everything from political protests to peaceful evenings sailing the Nile. This guide reflects my honest assessment, updated for 2025, to help you make informed decisions about traveling to this magnificent ancient land.

Current Safety Situation in Egypt (Updated for 2025)

Egypt’s safety situation has stabilized significantly since the 2011 revolution and subsequent political changes. In 2025, most tourist areas maintain robust security measures, making them generally safe for travelers who exercise reasonable caution.

Government Travel Advisories

As of my last visit in March 2025, most Western governments classify Egypt as a “Level 2” destination, suggesting “increased caution” rather than recommending against travel. Here’s how major countries currently rate Egypt:

Country	Advisory Level	Key Concerns
United States	Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)	Terrorism, border areas
United Kingdom	Advises against travel to specific regions only	North Sinai, western desert borders
Australia	Exercise a high degree of caution	Terrorism risk, avoid North Sinai
Canada	Exercise a high degree of caution	Terrorism, regional instability

I always recommend checking your home country’s latest travel advisories before booking, but understand these advisories tend to be cautious.

Areas to Avoid in 2025

Based on my experiences and current security assessments, these areas require extra consideration:

North Sinai Governorate: Still experiencing occasional militant activity; not a tourist area
Remote Western Desert: Border areas with Libya remain unstable
Certain parts of Cairo at night: While much of Cairo is perfectly safe, areas like Helwan and some parts of Giza can be unpredictable after dark

Insider Tip: Most tourist destinations like Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Alexandria have seen significant security improvements since 2020, with visible police presence and security checkpoints protecting major attractions.

Common Safety Concerns for Travelers

Terrorism Risk

The terrorism threat in Egypt has diminished significantly since 2018-2019. The government has invested heavily in counter-terrorism efforts, especially around tourist sites. During my visit in January 2025, I noticed security scanners at every major attraction, and tourist police were visible throughout popular areas.

The last major incident targeting tourists occurred in December 2018 near the Giza Pyramids. Since then, authorities have implemented a comprehensive security strategy that includes:

Armed guards at major monuments and museums
Metal detectors and bag checks at attractions
Increased surveillance in tourist districts
Security convoys for certain desert excursions

Street Crime and Scams

Violent crime against tourists is rare in Egypt, but petty theft and scams are common, particularly in crowded areas. I’ve encountered these situations myself and seen how they typically unfold.

Common scams to watch for:

“Free” guides at the pyramids who demand payment later
Rigged taxi meters that run at inflated rates
“Special entrance” offers that are actually regular entrances at inflated prices
Camel ride operators who quote one price for mounting and another for dismounting
Alabaster and papyrus shops selling fake antiquities

Last year, I watched a family being charged 2000 EGP ($40) for a camel photo at the pyramids that should have cost 200 EGP ($4). When they refused to pay, the situation became uncomfortable until a tourist police officer intervened.

Transportation Safety

Egypt’s traffic can be chaotic and intimidating. Road safety is a legitimate concern, with Egypt having a higher-than-average traffic accident rate.

Safer Transportation Options:

Uber and Careem: Available in major cities and generally safer than hailing taxis
Pre-arranged hotel transfers: Often worth the extra cost for peace of mind
Official airport taxis: Look for white taxis with airport logos at Cairo International
Cairo Metro: Clean, affordable, and efficient for getting around central Cairo

I typically use Uber for most city transportation needs. The app shows your route, provides driver information, and sets prices in advance, eliminating haggling and route confusion.

Health and Medical Concerns

“Cairo belly” is still a genuine concern. In my experience, these precautions help:

Stick to bottled water (even for brushing teeth)
Avoid raw vegetables unless at high-end establishments
Be cautious with street food (though some is perfectly safe)
Carry hand sanitizer and use it regularly
Consider probiotics before and during your trip

My Embarrassing Mistake: During my second visit, I foolishly accepted ice in my drink at a café near Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The resulting 48 hours were spent largely in my hotel bathroom instead of exploring the Islamic quarter as planned. Now I always specify “no ice” (bidoun talg in Arabic).

Medical facilities vary widely in quality. International hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria provide good care but at higher costs. I recommend:

As-Salam International Hospital in Cairo (Maadi district)
Andalusia Hospital in Alexandria
Dara Hospital in Hurghada for Red Sea emergencies

Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential for Egypt travel.

Women’s Safety in Egypt

As a woman who has traveled both solo and with groups in Egypt, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges female travelers can face. Harassment remains an unfortunate reality, though the situation has improved with new laws and changing attitudes.

What to Expect as a Female Traveler

Unwanted attention can range from persistent staring and comments to following and, occasionally, touching. However, violent crimes against female tourists are rare. My experiences have varied dramatically by location:

Location	Harassment Level	Notes
Upscale Cairo neighborhoods (Zamalek, Maadi)	Low	More accustomed to Western visitors
Downtown Cairo	Moderate to High	Especially during evening hours
Tourist sites (Pyramids, Luxor)	Moderate	Mostly verbal harassment from vendors
Red Sea resorts	Low	Staff trained for international tourism

Strategies That Have Worked For Me

Dress modestly – While not legally required, covering shoulders and knees reduces unwanted attention
Project confidence – Walk purposefully, avoid appearing lost
Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and invent a husband if necessary
Use transportation apps rather than hailing taxis
Sit in women’s cars on the Cairo Metro (first two cars of each train)
Learn key Arabic phrases like “leave me alone” (sib-ni fi hali)

Personal Anecdote: During my fourth visit, I experimented with wearing more conservative dress one day and Western clothing the next while visiting the same areas. The difference in treatment was remarkable – unwanted comments decreased by at least 70% when I wore looser clothing with shoulders covered.

LGBTQ+ Safety Considerations

Egypt presents significant challenges for LGBTQ+ travelers. Same-sex sexual activity, while not explicitly illegal, is prosecuted under “debauchery” laws. During my visits with LGBTQ+ friends, we’ve had to navigate a complex social landscape.

Key points to understand:

Public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided
Dating apps should be used with extreme caution or avoided entirely
Hotels rarely question opposite-sex couples, but same-sex couples may face scrutiny
Being discreet is unfortunately necessary for safety

A close friend who visited with me in 2023 said that Egypt required him to “step back into the closet” during his visit – an unfortunate reality that hopefully will change in the future.

Region-Specific Safety Guide

Cairo and Giza

Cairo is generally safe but overwhelming for first-time visitors. The city’s 20+ million residents create constant noise, traffic, and sensory overload. Key safety considerations:

Safer Areas:

Zamalek: Upscale island neighborhood with embassies and fine dining
Maadi: Expat-friendly district with tree-lined streets
New Cairo: Modern developments with gated communities
Garden City: Historic diplomatic quarter

Exercise More Caution:

Downtown after dark: While vibrant, parts can be unpredictable
Informal areas like Manshiyat Naser (Garbage City)
Around the Giza Pyramids where tourist harassment is common

At the pyramids, I recommend hiring an official guide through your hotel or a reputable agency. When I visited without one in 2015, I spent more energy deflecting aggressive vendors than appreciating the monuments.

Luxor and Aswan

The tourist cities of Upper Egypt feel significantly safer than Cairo, with economies centered around tourism and stronger security presence.

In Luxor, the East Bank (main city) is well-patrolled and accustomed to tourists. The West Bank (where many tombs are located) is quieter and more rural. Both areas have seen significant security improvements since 2019.

Aswan feels even more relaxed, with a smaller tourist footprint and less aggressive vending. The Nubian villages offer warm hospitality with minimal safety concerns beyond the usual precautions.

Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh)

Egypt’s beach destinations operate almost as separate entities from the rest of the country, with security prioritized to protect the vital tourism industry.

These resort towns feature:

Security checkpoints on access roads
Hotel compounds with private beaches
International-standard facilities
Multi-lingual staff trained for European tourists

My stays in Hurghada in both 2018 and 2024 felt comparable to any Mediterranean resort area in terms of safety and comfort.

Money-Saving Safety Tips

Safety and budget considerations often overlap in Egypt. These insider tips will help protect both your wallet and your well-being:

Negotiation Strategies

Haggling is expected but can lead to uncomfortable situations if not handled properly. My time-tested approach:

Start at 30-40% of the initial asking price (this isn’t rude, it’s the expected dance)
Be friendly but firm – maintain a smile throughout
Set your maximum price in your mind beforehand and stick to it
Be willing to walk away (often they’ll call you back with a better price)
Settle all details before services (especially for taxis and camel rides)

Last year, I was quoted 450 EGP ($9) for a short taxi ride from Tahrir Square to Zamalek. By politely countering with 100 EGP and slowly working up to 150 EGP, I paid the fair local price.

Hidden Money-Saving Tips

Use the Fawry payment system at local markets to get better prices on groceries and essentials
Visit the Egyptian Museum on Sunday mornings when local school groups are absent
Take the public ferry to Luxor’s West Bank for 5 EGP instead of private boats charging 100+ EGP

Sustainable Options That Save Money

Refillable water bottles with UV purifiers – I’ve saved hundreds on bottled water using my LARQ bottle with built-in purification
Local markets instead of tourist shops – Rod al-Farag market in Cairo has fresh produce at 1/4 the price of hotel shops
Community-based tourism in Nubian villages – staying with families in Aswan area costs less than hotels while supporting local communities

Pro Tip: I now carry a small notebook where I write down agreed prices before services begin. This prevents the “I said 200, not 20” confusion that happened to me with a felucca captain my first visit.

Cultural Awareness for Safety

Understanding Egyptian cultural norms not only enriches your experience but significantly increases your safety by helping you avoid unintentional offense.

Religious and Social Customs

Egypt is predominantly Muslim with a significant Coptic Christian minority. Religious observance affects daily life in ways that may impact your travel:

Dress modestly at religious sites (covered shoulders, knees)
Remove shoes before entering mosques
Women should bring a scarf for mosque visits
Avoid eating in public during Ramadan daytime
Public displays of affection are frowned upon

I once accidentally entered a mosque courtyard in shorts and immediately felt the atmosphere change from welcoming to uncomfortable. A quick outfit change and respectful return made all the difference.

Useful Arabic Phrases

Learning a few key phrases shows respect and can help in uncomfortable situations:

English	Arabic (Pronunciation)	When to Use
Hello/Peace be upon you	As-salamu alaykum (as-sa-LAM-u a-LAY-koom)	General greeting
Thank you	Shukran (SHOOK-ran)	After any service
No, thank you	La, shukran (LA shook-ran)	Refusing offers politely
Leave me alone, please	Min fadlak, sib-ni fi hali (min FAD-lak, SIB-nee fee HA-lee)	When harassment persists
I’ll call the police	Ha-kallim el-bolis (ha-KAL-lim el-bo-LEES)	In threatening situations

Photography Etiquette

Camera use can create tense situations if you’re not careful:

Always ask before photographing people
Avoid photographing military installations, bridges, or security checkpoints
Be prepared for requests for money after taking photos, especially in tourist areas
Exercise discretion near government buildings

In 2019, I innocently snapped a photo of a police checkpoint near the Suez Canal and was detained for 45 uncomfortable minutes while officers reviewed my camera roll. Lesson painfully learned.

Emergency Preparation

Despite Egypt’s overall safety for tourists, being prepared for emergencies is essential:

Important Contact Information

Emergency Need	Number/Contact
Tourist Police	126
Ambulance	123
Fire Department	180
US Embassy Cairo	+20-2-2797-3300
UK Embassy Cairo	+20-2-2791-6000
Tourist Help Line	19654

I keep these numbers saved in my phone and written on a card in my wallet. During a minor medical issue in Luxor, having the tourist help line handy connected me with an English-speaking doctor within an hour.

Emergency Arabic Phrases

“Help!” – Ilhaqūni! (il-ha-KOO-nee)
“I need a doctor” – Ana muhtāj tabīb (AH-na muh-TAG ta-BEEB)
“Call an ambulance” – Itlub il-is’āf (IT-lub il-is-AF)
“Police!” – Shurta! (SHOOR-ta)

Helpful Apps for Egypt

These smartphone tools have proven invaluable during my visits:

Careem – Alternative to Uber, sometimes better in certain locations
GeoSurf VPN – For secure internet access
Egypt Earthquake Alert – Government-issued warning system
Sahel – Emergency services app with location sharing
Egypt Offline Map – Works without data connection

Your 5-Step Safety Action Plan for Egypt

After twelve visits spanning more than a decade, I’ve distilled my safety approach into this straightforward action plan:

Before You Go:

Register with your embassy’s traveler program – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for Americans or equivalent services let officials know you’re in-country
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes evacuation coverage – I use World Nomads for most trips
Download essential apps including offline maps, translation tools, and transportation options
Make copies of important documents including passport, insurance details, and embassy contacts
Research current situation in specific regions you plan to visit, not just country-wide advisories

While in Egypt:

Trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
Use reputable transportation arranged through your hotel or reliable apps
Keep valuable items secured and avoid conspicuous displays of wealth
Stay connected with regular check-ins to family or friends
Embrace local customs respectfully while maintaining appropriate boundaries

My most important safety advice? Balance awareness with openness. During my last visit, I watched sadly as a family refused all interaction with locals, missing the genuine warmth and hospitality that makes Egypt special. Reasonable caution shouldn’t prevent meaningful cultural exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Egypt in 2025?

Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists in 2025, especially in established tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. The Egyptian government prioritizes tourist safety with visible security measures at major attractions and hotels. However, certain areas should be avoided, including the North Sinai region and remote desert areas near Libya and Sudan.

Is Egypt safe for female travelers?

Female travelers can safely visit Egypt but should expect some degree of unwanted attention and occasional harassment, particularly in crowded urban areas. Dressing modestly, projecting confidence, using reputable transportation, and considering group tours for certain activities can significantly improve the experience. Many women (myself included) have traveled solo in Egypt without significant issues by taking appropriate precautions.

What are the biggest safety concerns in Egypt?

The primary safety concerns for tourists in Egypt are petty theft, scams, traffic accidents, and unwanted attention/harassment rather than violent crime. Terrorist incidents targeting tourists have decreased significantly since 2019, though the threat hasn’t disappeared entirely. Health concerns including food safety and water quality require standard precautions.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?

No, tap water in Egypt is not safe for tourists to drink. Always use bottled water (check that seals are intact) or filtered/purified water. Also avoid ice in drinks unless you’re certain it’s made from purified water, and be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water.

Should I avoid public transportation in Egypt?

Cairo’s metro system is generally safe, efficient and has women-only cars. Microbuses and regular city buses can be chaotic and difficult for tourists to navigate. For most visitors, using Uber/Careem or hotel-arranged transportation provides the best balance of safety, convenience and reasonable cost. Long-distance trains between cities are generally reliable, especially first-class service.

How should I handle money safely in Egypt?

Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than street-facing machines. Carry limited cash, with the rest secured in your hotel safe. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent card blocks. Keep small bills handy for tips and minor purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and upscale establishments but less so in markets and smaller businesses.

Is it safe to visit the pyramids?

The Giza pyramid complex is very safe from a security perspective, with substantial police presence. The main challenges are aggressive vendors and potential scams. Visiting with a reputable guide, through a hotel arrangement, or as part of an organized tour can significantly improve the experience by reducing harassment from camel operators and trinket sellers.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

For serious emergencies, contact the tourist police (126) who can communicate in English. Your country’s embassy or consulate should be contacted for lost passports or legal issues. Keep your hotel’s contact information handy – they can often provide immediate assistance and translation. For medical emergencies, international hospitals in major cities offer better standards of care than public facilities.