Yes, Egypt is a safe destination for most travellers, and millions of tourists visit every year without any problem. The main tourist areas, Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts, are well protected, with tourist police at the sites and checkpoints on the main roads.
We live and work here, and our families do too. This guide tells you what we tell our own guests: where Egypt is easy, where to take care, and how to avoid the small annoyances that are far more common than real danger.
Check your government's travel advice first
Before you book, read the travel advice from your own government, such as the UK Foreign Office or the US State Department. These pages are updated often. Most advise normal care in the tourist areas and warn against travel to a few remote border areas, such as North Sinai and the far western desert near Libya. Classic tours do not go to these areas.
How safe are Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea?
- Cairo and Giza: a huge, busy city, but violent crime against visitors is rare. The bigger challenges are the traffic and persistent sellers around the Pyramids.
- Luxor and Aswan: relaxed, friendly towns that have welcomed travellers for over a century. Aswan in particular is known as one of the calmest places in Egypt.
- Nile cruises: among the most comfortable ways to travel, with security on board and at every mooring.
- Red Sea resorts: Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam and Sharm el Sheikh are designed for tourism, and very safe.
The real problem: touts and small scams
The most likely trouble in Egypt is not danger but pressure. At busy sites you may meet camel and horse owners, "helpful" strangers and sellers who will not take no for an answer. Common tricks include a camel ride with a price that changes at the end, or someone saying a site is closed and offering to take you elsewhere.
How to avoid them:
- Agree any price clearly before you start, in Egyptian pounds.
- A polite but firm "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and walking on works best.
- Do not accept a "free" gift or guide; it rarely stays free.
- Use pre-booked transport and a licensed guide at the big sites.
This is where a private tour helps most. Your guide handles tickets, keeps sellers at a distance and knows fair prices.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling alone?
Many women travel in Egypt alone, and many do so with us. Unwanted comments in the street can happen, especially in busy areas of Cairo. Dressing modestly, covering shoulders and knees, reduces attention. On a private tour your guide and driver are with you at every visit, which makes the experience far more relaxed.
Health and everyday safety
- Drink bottled water, which is cheap and everywhere.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat, and drink often, even in winter.
- Cross roads with care; traffic does not always stop. Your guide will help.
- Get travel insurance that includes medical cover.
- Pharmacies are well stocked, and good private hospitals exist in Cairo, Luxor and the resorts.
Why travelling with a local company is safer
A licensed local agency knows which routes are open, which hours are quiet and which drivers are reliable. Our team is reachable 24 hours a day during your trip, by phone or WhatsApp. If plans need to change, for weather, a flight delay or anything else, we change them for you.
If you have a specific question about safety for your dates or route, contact us and we will give you an honest answer. You can also read our Egypt travel FAQ, or start with our private Egypt tours.
