If you’re planning to visit Egypt, you might hear people asking if it’s safe for tourists. This is due to the political struggles Egypt has faced and the ongoing challenges posed by radicals and other individuals with their own agendas in many parts of the region. However, the political situation in Egypt has stabilized, and tourism has been increasing every year. Therefore, it is safe for all travelers, including Americans, to visit Egypt.
According to the FCDO (The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, and Giza are considered safe places to visit in Egypt. Visitors can expect a pleasant and enjoyable experience without any unexpected events.
Egypt takes good care of its tourist attractions and makes sure that buses have police protection. This means that visitors can safely travel from one place to another without any problems.
When you visit Egypt, you will notice that there are many security measures in place to keep you safe. You will see security checkpoints in the streets, and hotels, at the entrance of cruise ships, and at the entrance of popular tourist attractions.
The security personnel will check your bags to ensure that everything is okay. You don’t have to worry about walking in the streets because the locals won’t steal from you. The Egyptian government takes care of tourists and strictly punishes anyone who tries to steal from them. Tourism is an essential source of income for the country, and that’s why the government takes tourists’ safety seriously.
How to Be Safe in Egypt’s Public Places
When traveling to Egypt, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while in public areas. Follow these tips to travel safely in Egypt:
Respect Egyptian customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting places of worship, to avoid drawing unwelcome attention. Shorts are acceptable near the coast but not when visiting a mosque or holy places.
In crowded areas, keep a close eye on your belongings as they may be targeted by pickpockets.
It’s important to be careful when someone you don’t know invites you for something or offers help, even though many people in Egypt are friendly and welcoming. Always meet in a public place and tell a trusted person about your plans.
It is better to avoid getting involved in or going near political gatherings or protests as they can become unpredictable and dangerous.
Observe cultural customs, such as abstaining from eating and drinking in public during the month of Ramadan.
Is it safe for women to travel in Egypt?
If you are a woman planning to visit Egypt, it is important to know some safety tips. Egypt is a traditional country. This means that you may need to dress modestly, especially when going to religious places. It is important to cover your knees and shoulders and wear loose clothes to show respect for our customs.
It is important to be careful when you are out in public, especially at night and in places where there are not many people. Some women have said that men on the street and in taxis have spoken badly to them or touched them. If you are traveling alone, it is common to get attention, but there are things you can do to avoid bad things happening.
Use safe transportation and go to places that are well-lit and have many people around. If you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to ask for help. Keep a list of important phone numbers, like the embassy or consulate, so you can get help quickly.
What are some ethical rules to follow in Egypt?
If you respect Egyptian customs and culture, you will find that the people there are welcoming to visitors. To travel to Egypt with ease, keep a few simple things in mind such as:
Dress code: In Egypt, it is important to dress conservatively, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. This means it’s polite to cover your legs, shoulders, and chest.
Common Decency: In Egypt, people don’t like it when you show love in front of others. This means you should not hold hands, hug, or kiss in public. If you want to take pictures of people, especially those who live there, you need to ask first because some may feel uncomfortable. In some places, taking pictures may not be allowed.
Religious Sensitivity: When you go to a mosque or other religious place, it’s important to dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, so it’s courteous to not eat, drink, or smoke in public.
Money Matters: In markets and shops in Egypt, people often bargain for goods. Additionally, in Egypt, it is customary to leave a small amount of extra money as a tip for people who provide services, such as hotel staff, waiters, and tour guides. When visiting Egypt, it is a good idea to bring some Egyptian money (EGP) and be aware of the local customs around tipping.
