Is Egypt Safe for First-Time Travelers?
Safety Scores / Egypt
Travel verdict: Use Caution. The scores and risks below say why.
Key Risks
- Tourist scams at historical sites
- Harassment, especially toward solo female travelers
- Avoid Sinai Peninsula except resort areas
- Stick to major tourist destinations
Regional Safety
Cairo: Giza pyramids, Khan el-Khalili, Tahrir, Zamalek, Maadi; Luxor & Karnak; Aswan; Nile cruise corridor; Hurghada; Sharm el-Sheikh resort area; Alexandria (Corniche, Montazah)
Cairo outer districts and informal areas at night; Alexandria medina; Western Desert oases (generally safe but remote; go with registered guides)
North Sinai (active ISIS-affiliate conflict; do not travel); Libya border zone (Matrouh border area); Sudan border region; Gaza border strip
Stick to major tourist areas; avoid border regions
Drink only bottled water; travel insurance essential
Cash (EGP) widely used; USD and euros accepted at tourist sites
Emergency: 122
Latest for Egypt
Updates for Egypt will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.