Egypt : Safety by City
Egypt is a transcontinental country located in North Africa extending into Asia due to it holding the Sinai Peninsula.
Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Gaza Strip to the north-east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west.
The country is also surrounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas and the gorgeous Nile river isn’t only a tourist attraction: it is an important economic factor for Egypt as well as its fertile well-watered valley.
If you’re planning on visiting Egypt, you already know that it is the cradle of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
You can enrich your Egyptian experience by visiting its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and pyramids.
Its capital Cairo offers a unique view into the original Egyptian feel with landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum.
This country keeps surprising tourists and travelers by offering them much more than they expected which is why it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Warnings & Dangers in Egypt
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Given the recent events, you might say that the situation in Egypt isn’t the safest for a visit, but it is a safe country when it comes to violence and serious crimes. Still, you should exercise vigilance at every step.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transport is not Egypt’s strong point either. You can count on poorly maintained roads and reckless drivers with little concern about other people’s safety. There have also been reports of assault happening in microbuses. Use trains as they are the safest option.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpockets and purse snatching are the norm in Egypt, especially in crowded places, around tourist landmarks, and on the metro, train stations, or airports. Be very careful and keep your belongings tightly by your side.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Egypt is located in a seismically active zone, with earthquakes that cause severe damage. The last major one was in 1996. Also common are the sand storms that occur between March and May every year.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Kidnappings do occur in more isolated areas, but given that these areas have now been backed up with extra security due to terrorist attacks, this shouldn’t be too big of a concern. When it comes to mugging, it exists in the form of carjacking, with muggers usually holding some kind of weapon to get you to leave your car. If you find yourself in such a situation – do not resist. These people are usually only after your car and don’t plan on hurting you.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorism is one of the biggest concerns for tourists. Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks, and the main threat comes from the extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai. Remain vigilant at all times.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Scams are Egypt’s biggest problem. There is so many of them that they cannot all be listed, but to name a few most prominent ones – never enter a taxi without negotiating the price first as they may and will overcharge you ridiculously; if you want to enter a museum, you might get stopped by someone telling you that you have to wait for the museum to open and that you can enter their shop and have some tea while you wait – this is a scheme to pressure you into buying something in their store; at amusement parks, don’t trust people that act like your friends as they often befriend people and then offer to hold their belongings while they’re on a ride only to disappear the moment you get on the ride.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Many women have traveled safely to Egypt, without having any problems. However, many women will have a problem with being cat-called on the streets, while they might find whistles and comments directed at them offensive. Avoid parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, and visit them alone, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people, and wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and chest in order to minimize unwanted attention.
So... How Safe Is Egypt Really?
Egypt is generally safe to visit.
You might have problems with petty crime and scams, but that’s the extent of crime in this country.
Pickpockets definitely are a problem in Egypt’s major cities, especially in Cairo.
When it comes to violent crime, it is rare, and you shouldn’t worry too much about being mugged or robbed.
If you do end up in such a situation, don’t hesitate to yell “Harami” (which means criminal) and chasing the person who robbed you.
People on the streets will probably jump to your aid.
However, the biggest problems in Egypt are scams.
Scams are virtually everywhere around you in Egypt.
You will cross paths with Egyptians who starts a conversation with you in Cairo and Luxor, wanting to befriend you and show you around and then asking money for their services.
Basically, whatever the locals tell you, take it with a grain of salt.
And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
The biggest concern for the travelers is terrorism that has recently been occurring in this country.
However, you shouldn’t panic or delay your trip to Egypt as the odds of actually being affected by terrorism or low, and the areas that might be a reason for skepticism are backed up with extra security.
You can also see police officers armed with AK-47s patrolling and riding on camels in the Giza plateau, ensuring safety to tourists that come to see the crown of Egypt.
How Does Egypt Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 38 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Czech Republic | 88 |
| Latvia | 80 |
| Cyprus | 75 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Egypt, but the procedure of acquiring one isn’t too complicated: you can get a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport for $25 USD. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the day of entering Egypt. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Egyptian pound is the official currency in Egypt. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted by most establishments.
Weather
Egypt has a hot desert climate characterized by generally dry weather year round and throughout the country, except on the northern Mediterranean coast that receives plenty of rainfall in winter.
Airports
Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt, serving as the primary hub for EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air. It is located in Heliopolis, to the northeast of Cairo around 15 km from the business area of the city.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Egypt, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
Egypt Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 19 | 21 | 24 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 21 |
| Low °C | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 11 |
| High °F | 66 | 70 | 75 | 84 | 91 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 93 | 86 | 77 | 70 |
| Low °F | 50 | 52 | 55 | 61 | 66 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 72 | 68 | 59 | 52 |
Egypt - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Alexandria | 49 |
| Cairo | 39 |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 46 |
I love it
I feel very safe in Egypt and would just like to point out judging my family is Egyptian that the trains is the worst and the most dangerous way of transportation
trains ? hahah. have you not read about passengers who burned to death . transportation should be high risk in Egypt
All the infrastructure are being renewed
Hello Khaled, hope you are doing great, first off all I respect your opinion, but now a days Egypt is changing all its infrastructure and such cases are not happening any more, Egypt real ways have been totally renewed in last few years,
Amazing cuisine
I think I like Egypt’s food more than their pyramids haha #foodlover Chicago has a lot of Egyptian restaurants but nothing that compared to the real deal. I was in a food coma the whole trip, I’m not even kidding!
Watch your pockets!
Unfortunately I ended as just another number in their pickpocketing statistics. I barely landed and while struggling to find a cab I noticed my portable charger was not in my pocket anymore. I was lucky they didn’t took my phone or wallet, it could have ended way worse for me but hey, lesson learned…
Phone stolen as soon as I was at Giza Pyramids
They got my phone at the Pyramids and they put a security guard especially on me, almost no one was around me at the time so I wonder if my tour guide and the “security “ were not in on it! They sure didn’t look interested in helping me find it! I bet they didn’t expect me to cry half the day making the tour company look bad!
Egypt is Safe
Since 2019 such cases has been disappear as the police are covering all the country and all people are safe with their protection specially the tourists trips, every bus is protected by a police car, and to be fair such cases may happen in most civilized countries like USA
Watch out for scams
I find Egypt very similar to Turkey when it comes to their taxis; you have to negotiate before and make sure you were understood otherwise you will get scammed. Otherwise, great country and they do know how to do tourism the right way.
Try to visit us again and you will see the change
You can use UBER or Kareem Apps and will not need to negotiate the delivery fees also not all the taxi drivers do the same behaviour 🙂
Wish to see you again in our country 😉
One of the best places to visit
Egypt is great. people are very nice and honest, best restaurants ever and top notch hotels and its so cheap for what you get
Great place to visit!
While there is some danger here in Egypt I wouldn’t say it’s as dangerous as it is portrayed here. We had a good time when we were there and nothing very bad or out of the ordinary happened. Of course there are pickpockets like in any big place but the place is wonderful overall. Don’t even get me started on the food which is amazing!
Need reviewing
Please review your opinion on the roads, massive renovation happened
Also pickpocket is not common in Egypt
great country but needs reviewing
I went to Egypt last month It was a nice experience even tho my phone got stolen we managed to get it back, the food there is amazing.
So many amazing cities and places to visit!
I think things in Egypt are getting better with each passing year. Pickpockets aren’t seen as much as they once were. I remember going there in 2017 and someone managed to steal my phone which was a bit of a catastrophe for me at that moment. And pickpockets could be seen operating in all crowded areas. Now, last time I was in Egypt, it seems like the police have a much bigger presence which discourages pickpockets.
I haven’t had anything else bad happen, like terrorism or muggings (which can occur, especially at night in dangerous areas). I’ve heard of someone being mugged in Cairo but honestly, this is not that common. If you just pay attention to your surroundings, don’t go into dangerous neighborhoods and avoid traveling at night, you will reduce the chances of anything bad happening. A guide is also very handy and will improve your overall experience so if you can afford it, get one.
As for places to visit of course, the Pyramids of Giza should be a must see if you go there for the first time, then the Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and then Abu Simbel. I would recommend cruising the Nile, which is a very special experience if you like water – a multi-day cruise might be something you remember for years to come. Or if you are very adventurous why not consider cruising the Nile by felucca which is a traditional Egyptian wooden boat.
Aswan is a beautiful city, where you will feel at peace as this city is very peaceful. It’s the perfect spot to drink tea and watch ships/feluccas drift along the water. Make sure to visit Aswan’s islands while here and also the many temples that are close-by.
And why not visit some temples underwater? Diving in the Red Sea is something many people like doing (myself included). You’ll find many cargo ships that lie at the bottom of the sea.
Overall Egypt is filled with many wonderful monuments and places awaiting to be explored. You just have to invest some time (like 2-3 weeks to get a chance to see more of what it has to offer).
we are supposed to buy a house over there when find out the country is not safe i changed my plan.
id say egypt overall is a good country. however public transportation may be a big problem for tourists. taxi drivers will 100% overcharge you. if you book a taxi/bus by uber or careem it is reliable and will not overcharge you. pyramid scams are something to keep your eye on as the people there will try and rinse any money out of you. the food is lovely, and the people are very welcoming. id say for women travelling alone to egypt, it wouldn’t be safe, and to be cautious.