Is Egypt Safe To Visit: Latest Information To Know

 

As many travellers, you might search for the safety status of the country you want to visit. And, “Is Egypt safe to visit?” can be your initial question if you are a fan of pharaohs and the Great Pyramids of Giza. 

While Egypt's ranking as the 38th most dangerous country in the world may catch your attention, don’t let such data deter you from discovering this destination.

Egypt has faced security challenges in the past, particularly in certain regions. Still, it’s also a country with a thriving tourism industry and a government that takes the safety of tourists seriously. Keep reading for more!

1. Is Egypt Safe To Visit Right Now?

Egypt is a great country with various unique attractions. Credit: ed hardy

Although nearly 1.4 billion tourists are travelling here in April 2023, you should reconsider visiting the country. 

When you look at advisories from governments like the UK, they provide "foreign travel advice" for Egypt, including warnings related to the Israel and Palestine conflict. Similarly, the US government's travel advisory suggests that travellers should "Reconsider Travel" due to concerns about terrorism.

CabinZero’s tip: Visit statista.com or world-report/2023 if you need more detailed information about the country to make a decision. 

Some spots to avoid include the Sinai Peninsula, known for its poradic terrorist incidents. If you go there, consider flying to Sharm El-Sheikh and stay alert.

Ismailiyah, especially in the eastern area, is also not recommended as there are military operations targeting terrorists and criminals.

The Western Desert, being remote, can also pose security challenges, so it's better to skip it. However, some exceptions, like Abu Simbel, Aswan, Luxor, and Qina, are safe and offer great attractions. Consider joining guided tours in these areas.

Lastly, steer clear of border regions with Sudan and Lybia, North Sinai, Israel, which are often military zones targeting criminal activities. Travellers should avoid these regions by at least 50 kilometres to prevent unintentional violations.

2. Where Can I Go In Egypt?

Understanding where to explore and where to exercise caution is pivotal in addressing the fundamental question, "Is Egypt safe to visit?" It is the cornerstone for you to have a secure travel experience.

There are still many wonderful attractions for tourists. Photo by Peggy Anke on Unsplash

Hurghada & Sharm El-Sheikh

The two safest places in Egypt, with a safety index of 74.41 and 69.16, respectively. These Red Sea resort areas are popular for diving as well as lots of tourist police around. 

Luxor

Known as the "world's greatest open-air museum," Luxor has incredible historical sites, such as the Valley of the Kings.

Aswan

Aswan is a serene setting along the Nile River, with a peaceful atmosphere and opportunities to explore Nubian culture and heritage. From here, you can visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and take a felucca boat ride. 

Cairo

The capital is home to attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. More than 14 million tourists come to visit these cool places every year.

What To Do In Case Of Emergencies

First, please dialling emergency services as follows: 

• 122 for the Egyptian police
• 126 for the Egyptian Tourist Police
• 123 for the Egyptian Ambulance Service
• 180 for fire

In case of emergency events involving US citizens, such as arrests, hospitalisations, welfare and whereabouts requests, deaths, child custody cases, repatriations, and lost/stolen passports, you can contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit via the main US Embassy Cairo switchboard by dialling (20-2) 2797-3300.

If you are a US citizen, enrolling on the Smart Traveller Enrollment  Program (STEP) for the latest warnings is necessary. It also helps the US Embassy contact you in case of an emergency. 

The British Embassy in Cairo and the British Consulate-General in Alexandria are there to assist British citizens in case of emergencies. They can provide information, support, and assistance in resolving issues.

• British Embassy in Cairo: +2 02 2791 6000
• British Consulate-General in Alexandria: +2 03 482 1377

3. Entry Requirements For Travellers

If you plan to visit Egypt, follow their rules to make your trip smooth. Here's what you should keep in mind:

Passport

You absolutely need a passport to go to Egypt. Make sure it's valid for at least six more months.

Visa

Depending on your nationality, the rules are different. People from Bahrain, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and other exceptions can visit Egypt for up to three months without needing a visa.

However, citizens of other countries can apply for an Egypt eVisa online, which is great because you don't have to go anywhere. The eVisa is mainly for tourists and lets you stay up to 30 days. 

You'll need a valid passport from an eligible country at least six months before it expires. Also, you'll have to fill out an online form, give your passport details, and upload a picture of the photo page in your passport.

If you're from France, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, or Italy, you can even use your national ID instead of a passport. The eVisa fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card. There are three processing options:

• Standard for 6 days of processing: $102.99
• Rush for 4 days of processing: $169.99
• Super Rush for 3 days of processing: $249.99 

Moreover, staying at Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba in the Sinai resorts, you might not need a visa for stays of up to 14 days. But you will need a visa if you're going elsewhere in Egypt.

Visa on Arrival

Are you in a hurry and can't get an eVisa in advance? There's an option to get a visa when you arrive in Egypt. You can do this at kiosks in the airport terminals. 

Remember, you must pay for this visa in cash because they don't accept credit or debit cards. The visa on arrival also lets you stay for up to 30 days, but you can only use it once.

Possible Travel Risks & How To Avoid It

Egypt offers a moderate crime rate. However,  common types of crimes include petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional instances of more serious crimes like terrorist attacks still happen. 

Note: Whenever you have a problem, remember to call 122 for police rescue.

Petty Crime 

In Cairo, pickpocketing often occurs on crowded buses during rush hour. Or, there are reports of lost belongings on public beaches because of thieves.

Therefore, consider using a money belt or a secure bag to carry your valuables. Moreover, try not to flaunt expensive items in public, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. 

Common Scams

Firstly, let's mention the currency exchange scam. If you exchange your Euros or Dollars for local currency at a foreign exchange place, be cautious.

Always ask for a receipt and count the money you receive to ensure it matches what's on it. Sometimes, you might get shortchanged, and exchanging money at the airport is better when you first arrive in Egypt.

Another thing to be careful about is locals who offer to help you find your way but then ask for a lot of money in return. but then they ask for a lot of money in return. 

Moreover, they don't even know much about the place they're guiding you to. Even if they seem friendly, you had better stick to your planned destinations and trusted professional tour operators.  

When you take a taxi, ensure the metre works or agree on a fare before your ride starts. Some taxi drivers might try to charge you more by not using the metre or taking longer routes.

If you're shopping in local markets, keep an eye out for prices that seem way too high. Furthermore, be aware of “free” presents from vendors, or you will have to pay a costly price for them. 

There are also fake items being sold, such as counterfeit ancient artefacts or fake designer clothing, so be cautious. The pro tip is to inspect what you're buying to ensure you're not getting tricked.

Health Risks 

In some areas, tap water is not safe for drinking, so stick to bottled water. Also, be careful about eating raw or not fully cooked foods. 

Stay away from things like unpasteurised milk, cheese, and ice cream. Try not to eat food that's been sitting out in the heat and exposed to flies.

Ensure you've had the COVID-19 vaccine, which you usually get as part of your healthcare. Think about getting extra shots for diseases like Hepatitis A and Typhoid. These illnesses can happen if you eat or drink something that's not clean.

Road Safety

Driving in Egypt can be chaotic and unpredictable. Egypt has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in the world. This is a concerning statistic that emphasises the need for caution.

Moreover, traffic rules are often disregarded by drivers, and enforcement can be inconsistent. This means that you may encounter situations where drivers fail to adhere to basic traffic regulations.

Some simple tips you can follow:

• Stick to tour buses, but still be careful from petty crime.
• Avoid driving during peak hours if possible, from 8 AM ~ 9 AM and 4 PM ~ 6 PM.
• Be cautious when driving at night. Some vehicles may not have their headlights on, making them difficult to spot.
• Traffic lights sometimes fail. Sometimes, you will see police officers will signal motorists' right-of-way at intersections.

More Safety Tips To Know Before Travelling

The more well-prepared you are, the safer you will be. Let’s continue with some useful tips that you should know when deciding to travel to Egypt.

Alcohol Restrictions

In Egypt, public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. You can only purchase and consume alcohol at licensed restaurants. If you are still craving wine, you had better go to Cairo as there are more resorts and hotels serving hard liquor here.

H3. Avoid Political Engagement

Refrain from participating in protests, marches, or demonstrations in Egypt. Certain areas, such as Tahrir Square in Cairo, the al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace in Heliopolis, and Raba Al-Adawiya Square in Nasr City, have been common focal points for demonstrations in the past. 

If you find yourself in such a situation, leave immediately. Involvement in political activities causes you to be arrested by the authorities, as they ban more than ten people from gathering without notice and foreigners from participating in protests and demonstrations.

Respect Local Customs

Remember to dress modestly. Photo by DisobeyArt on stock.adobe.com

Travelling to an Islamic country means you also need to respect how they wear clothes. Women should dress modestly and conservatively when in public places in Egypt. 

During Ramadan, the month of fasting, be discreet when eating, drinking, or smoking in public areas to show respect for the locals.

LGBTQIA+ and Online Safety

In Egypt, it is common to see men kissing each other on the cheek and holding hands or linking arms as a form of greeting or friendship. However, this behaviour is a cultural norm and is generally considered a sign of friendship, rather than romantic interest.

Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Egypt, but it is a socially conservative country, and there are laws against "debauchery" and "immorality" that have been used to target LGBT individuals

Moreover, local authorities may monitor social media posts on public profiles. It is better to avoid making critical or controversial statements about the government or engaging in discussions that could attract unwanted attention.

Bottom Line

Is Egypt safe to visit?  Indeed, it’s a safe destination for travellers. However, there are also possible concerns that you should notice. 

Take note of all of the information above and remain vigilant, just as you would when visiting any foreign country. Then, you can confidently travel and enjoy your vacation here.

Join the conversation! Please share this article, and don't forget to leave a comment below. We're eager to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for reading!

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