10 Most Dangerous Cities in Egypt

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Egypt is a fascinating and beautiful country known for its rich history, including ancient civilizations and modern marvels like the Egyptian Sphinx.

It is located in Africa’s northeastern corner and bordered by many famed middle eastern countries.

While most of the cities in Egypt are safe and fun to visit, there are some cities that tourists should beware of.

US tourists are regularly targeted by thieves, scammers, and con artists looking to steal from unsuspecting visitors to some of Egypt’s most sacred sites. 

The areas around some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations have proven to be a hotbed of crime and a haven for thieves.

Beware of strangers offering or asking for information or valuables when traveling to sacred sites and avoid congested areas. 

What are the Most Common Crimes Reported in Egypt?

Egypt’s most commonly reported crimes typically involve crimes against property, not people.

There are high instances of theft, burglary, pickpocketing, and scamming tourists in most major metropolitan areas. 

Tourists traveling to Egypt should be aware of the crimes in major cities and take steps to protect themselves from crime while traveling abroad. 

What Makes Visiting Egypt Dangerous for US Tourists?

Most cities in Egypt are safe for US tourists to visit and for residents.

However, areas of concern include those with high crime rates against property and people.

Therefore, US travelers should take care to avoid traveling to areas designated as high crime.  

10 Most Dangerous Cities in Egypt

A report by the World Population Review lists the following as ten of the most dangerous cities in Egypt. 

1. Arish
2. Suez
3. Port Said
4. Ismailia
5. Luxor
6. Aswan
7. Hurghada
8. Sharm El Sheikh
9. Alexandria
10. Cairo

#1. Arish, Egypt

Arish, in the North Sinai Governorate of Egypt, is in an area known for high violence, crime, and terrorist activity.

Numerous reports have been of attacks on police and military officers attempting to secure the area.

In addition, local officials reported over 100 terrorist attacks (that led to the same number of deaths) in this region in 2020. 

Latest Population Estimate: 165,000

#2. Suez, Egypt

Suez is home to one of the most famously known canals on the planet — the Suez Canal.

Along with being home to this famous shipping lane that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, the town of Suez has seen its share of crime in the form of drug trafficking, human trafficking, robberies, and assaults.

Local officials reported just over three-thousand crimes reported in Suez in 2020. 

Latest Population Estimate: 744,189

#2. Port Said, Egypt

Port Said sits along the coast of Northeastern Egypt at one end of the Suez Canal.

The crime rate in Port Said was reported to be higher than in the nearby town of Suez, with almost five-thousand crimes reported. 

Latest Population Estimate: 780,515

#3. Ismaila, Egypt

Ismaila, Egypt, is a town on the western bank of the Suez Canal.

According to local authorities, the town of Ismaila has a very high crime rate, increasing the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime for residents and travelers alike.

In addition, there have been at least two terrorist attacks in the city that resulted in fatalities. 

#4. Luxor, Egypt

Many tourists visit the city of Luxor, Egypt, for access to its ancient archeological sites, including world-famous temples and monuments.

Unfortunately, this area is highly trafficked by tourists, which makes it a massive target for local scam artists.

Local cons regularly scam tourists out of cash via petty theft and con games perpetrated in and around the city’s sacred sites. 

#5. Aswan, Egypt

Like many ancient monuments and sites in Egypt, Aswan borders the famous Nile River and attracts tons of tourists each year.

However, tourists traveling in and around Aswan should beware of local pickpockets that prey on tourists and unsuspecting residents.

Local officials say pickpocketing and petty theft incidents are high in this area. 

#6. Hurghada, Egypt

The town of Hurghada is another popular tourist destination in Egypt.

People visit the clear waters of the Red Sea and sandy beaches bordering some of history’s greatest treasures.

Unfortunately, despite its beauty and proximity to ancient historical sites, Hurghada is a haven for petty thieves and crooks.

Therefore, tourists in this area should be wary of pickpockets posing as kind strangers or beggars. 

#7. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

According to local reports, Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula has undergone occasional terrorist attacks and bombings, making it a potentially unsafe destination for residents and tourists.

Along with the potential for ongoing attacks, this area has a high number of petty thieves.

Local authorities reported just over one thousand crimes in this area in 2020. 

#8. Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria is one of the most well-known cities in Egypt along the Mediterranean coastline.

It is the third-largest city in Egypt and receives over five million visitors annually.

However, people visiting Alexandria should stay vigilant in the face of many petty thieves, scam artists, and pickpockets in the region. 

#10. Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is not only the capital of Egypt.

It is the largest city in Egypt and the Arab world.

As such, Cairo has its fair share of high-crime areas where thefts, robberies, and sexual assaults are prevalent.

Local authorities reported almost 50,000 crimes in the region in 2020.

Travelers in this area should beware of crimes that happen in and near tourist attractions.

Local thieves in Cairo won’t hesitate to pick your pocket while visiting sacred temples, marketplaces, or even the world-famous Pyramids.

5 Safety Tips for Traveling in Egypt

While millions of excited tourists travel to Egypt each year to marvel at the Red Sea, and the Sphinx and bask in the glory of the pyramids, there are important safety precautions to take.

Keep you and your family safe when traveling in Egypt by researching in advance and following the five safety tips below. 

#1. Terrorist Attacks Happen Frequently 

While not all Egyptian cities are volatile, there have been many instances of terrorist attacks and bombings in the country.

Therefore, people traveling to high-crime or terrorist-prone areas should avoid traveling if possible.

If you cannot avoid traveling, exercise extreme caution in regions with known terrorist activity. 

#2. Dress Modestly to Avoid Being Singled Out or Embarrassed in Public

Regardless of your country of origin, men and women should dress modestly when traveling in Egypt.

This means keeping your shoulders, knees, and midriff covered when traveling in Egypt.

Be especially careful of how you dress when visiting sacred sites and monuments with a stricter dress code. 

#3. Do Your Research on Transportation and Accommodations — Before You Travel

Many dangerous cities in Egypt have high numbers of petty thieves and con artists who target unsuspecting tourists.

Therefore, research in advance to verify that your accommodations are in a safe, secure location with well-lit pathways. 

#4. Beware of Scammers – They Are Everywhere! 

Millions of tourists visit Egypt each year, and local scammers take full advantage of unwitting travelers who aren’t paying attention.

Avoid talking to strangers or giving money to beggars approaching you on the street.

Egyptian monuments attract tons of local scam artists. 

#5. Stay in Well-Lit Areas

If you must venture out at night while traveling in Egypt, stay in well-lit areas to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a crime.

Cunning thieves often wait just out of sight for unsuspecting tourists who wander off of well-lit pathways at night. 

Source

Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) (Egypt) | GHDx. (n.d.). Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) (Egypt) | GHDx. https://ghdx.healthdata.org/organizations/central-agency-public-mobilization-and-statistics-capmas-egypt

Egypt Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Egypt Safety Review

Safety Index:

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• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH