Contents
- 1 Is Egypt still dangerous for tourists?
- 2 How safe is Egypt at night?
- 3 Is Egypt dangerous for tourists 2023?
- 4 Can you bring a girl to your hotel in Egypt?
- 5 What is considered rude in Egypt?
- 6 Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?
- 7 Is Sharm el Sheikh safe 2023?
- 8 How safe is Cairo for tourists now?
- 9 Is it safe to travel to Hurghada 2023?
- 10 Is Egypt becoming safer?
Is Egypt still dangerous for tourists?
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism, Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Do not travel to:
The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism, The Western Desert due to terrorism, Egyptian border areas due to military zones,
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities.
Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).
For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices, Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces.U.S.
Citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies. The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Egypt. If you decide to travel to Egypt:
Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, Review the Country Security Report for Egypt. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist,
Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S.
Is Egypt safe for girls?
Unwanted attention in Egypt – Thankfully, it’s not always that bad, but some Egyptian men are flirtatious. They’ll tell you you’re beautiful, they’ll say they love your eyes, as long as they don’t take it beyond that, they’re quite harmless. Ninety nine percent of the time they’ll leave it at that.
However, if someone seems to be hounding you or making you feel uncomfortable, don’t feel bad about raising your voice. “Stop!” is a universal command, as is walking away quickly. Try to stay in public areas. Try and avoid going to bars alone or walking alone at night. Statistically, Egypt is a very safe country.
Egyptians are, by and large, very friendly and welcoming to travelers and will do anything to try and show you the best side of their nation. No time is this more apparent than in the wake of burgeoning Egyptian democracy and similar occurrences in neighboring countries.
How safe is Egypt at night?
Egypt is generally safe at night, however it is important to take precautions. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
Is it safe to visit Egypt Pyramids?
Are the Pyramids in Egypt Safe to Visit on Your Own? – Nearly every first-time visitor to Egypt visits the famous Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, Many of them visit the site on their own without encountering any problems or stressful situations. Of course, Egypt is not without crime, and acts of petty crime, such as pickpocketing does occasionally occur.
- It is more likely to occur during peak tourist season when there are large crowds of tourists going about.
- Scams are another reason for concern.
- Usually, a little bit of common sense can go a long way in helping you to avoid scams.
- We also recommend that you keep your valuables close to your side, not only at the pyramids, but also on your way there if you are using public transport.
If your budget allows for it, we highly recommend visiting by way of a professional Egypt Pyramids tour package. A good quality Egypt Pyramids from Cairo tour package will include clean and modern air-conditioned transport, an experienced private driver and a profession Expert guide.
Is Egypt dangerous for tourists 2023?
Is it safe to travel to Egypt in 2023? – Traveling to Egypt in 2023 is completely safe. Of course, the country experienced a revolution in 2011, there was a certain instability that scared travelers, but now Egypt is quite safe and a very popular resort.
- After the end of the revolution, for several years, the Egyptian authorities worked actively to stabilize the situation in the country, and, in particular, the number of tourists began to grow at the resorts of the Red Sea.
- In 2017, Bloomberg stated that Egypt had “survived its years of social and political unrest” and made it into the top 20 best travel destinations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s authorities took appropriate measures and Egypt was not even among the 75 countries with the highest number of COVID-19 infections. Currently, there are no quarantine restrictions in the state. So, a trip to Egypt will be completely safe if a tourist plans a trip with a proven tour operator, stays only in tourist places and follows basic safety rules.
Is it safe to walk around Cairo?
All that considered, we can say that Cairo is generally a safe city to visit. It has low rates of crime that are actually better than many major cities in Europe and North America. What’s more, it’s visited by millions of travelers each year, the vast majority of which will come and go without a single hitch.
Can I kiss my girlfriend in Egypt?
Even in response to insistent offers or demands, try to avoid being rude or aggressive in refusing. Intimate behaviour in public (kissing and cuddling) is a no-no, and even holding hands is disapproved of.
Can tourists kiss in Egypt?
DO – Do spend time chatting with people. Egyptians are known for their great sense of humour, kindness and hospitality. It is always a fruitful cultural exchange so don’t miss out on that. Do learn some basic Egyptian Arabic during your trip, This will not only help you get around more easily, but locals will also appreciate your effort.
ENGLISH | ARABIC |
Hello | Salamo alaikom |
Good morning / evening | Sabah el foll / masaa el foll |
What’s your name? | (Male) Ismak aih? (Female) Esmik aih? |
My name is | Ana esmi |
Have a nice day | Atmana lak youm saeed |
Thank you | Shokran |
Where is the bathroom? | Fain el hammam? |
You | (Male) Enta, (Female) Enti |
Me / Him / Her | Ana / Howa / Heyya |
Please | (Male) Men fudluk, (Female) Men fudlik |
Where is.? | Fain el? |
How much is this? | Bkam dah? |
I’m hungry / thirsty | Ana awez akol, ana awez ashrab |
Very good | Helw awi |
Enough | Kifaya |
Cool! | Eshta! |
My Arabic is poor | Ana mesh bafham Arabi kwayyes |
Do ask when you don’t understand something. If you’re not sure what something means, just ask. Most Egyptians will be happy to assist you. Do savour as much Egyptian food as you can, There are delicious dishes to throughout Egypt, and you should try it all! No matter if it is from a street stall or at a formal restaurant, you’ll find scrumptious food cooked fresh and served with plenty of the renowned Egyptian hospitality.
Mahshi: stuffed vine leaves, cabbage, aubergine, sweet peppers and zucchini Fiteer Baladi: Egyptian filo pastry with sweet and savoury dips Hawawshi: baked minced beef sandwich Shawerma: shaved meat with garlic sauce Koshary: a rice and pasta mix with spicy red sauce (popular with vegans) Falafel: Egyptian ones are very green and crunchy (best falafel you’ll ever taste!) Foule: Fava beans with vegetables, cumin and oil Roz bel Laban: Cream Egyptian rice pudding (try it with ice-cream or fresh cream) Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding with nuts and raisins
Do stay in a central location. Most first time visitors to Cairo usually pick hotels near the Pyramids. That is fine if you don’t plan to visit any other district in Cairo, but the area around the Pyramids is pretty far from everything. Ideally, you should pick a more central location like Tahrir or Zamalek for better access to the rest of the city.
- Do dress modestly.
- Egypt is mostly an Islamic country, and even though they are quite tolerant, you will get looked at, etc.
- Which is not very pleasant.
- When entering religious sites, you may be required to cover your knees and shoulders.
- It’s a good idea for women to keep a scarf with them when visiting such places.
If you are going out at night to one of the posh places you can wear whatever you feel like without a worry. Do be careful of public displays of affection. That is looked down upon. Couples kissing on the street, even a kiss on the cheek might be unacceptable in some areas in Egypt.
Handholding and shaking hands is ok in general, but strict Muslims don’t shake hands with people of the opposite sex to avoid any physical contact. Do ask for directions from at least three different people (to be sure you have the right information). Sometimes people will give you directions even if they don’t know the place.
Do ask for help when crossing busy streets, Unless you’re very confident, in such situations wait for someone to cross with you, or ask someone to help you. Most Egyptians will be happy to oblige. This doesn’t apply for all streets, of course, but in cities like Cairo and Alexandria where traffic is congested and traffic signs may be hard to locate, cars won’t stop to let you cross, and you have to find a way between them.
- To foreigners, Egyptian drivers are suicidal.
- To Egyptians, leaving more than a few centimetres between cars is wasted space.
- Do take taxis rather than public transportation,
- Especially for women, if you have to travel by public transit, always try to sit next to other women.
- You can avoid unwanted attention if you, for example, take the first car on the underground train.
Do ask locals the fare for your destination before taking a taxi. Agree with the taxi driver on the fare before getting in. In Cairo they have the metered (“white taxi”), but always check the meter is working. Otherwise leave the taxi and take another. You can leave a three-pound tip at the end of your ride.
It is preferable to use Uber or Careem and they are available in most cities in Egypt. Do avoid off-road destinations. Unless you are travelling with a guide or someone who knows the area, you should not be there. Do carry small change and coins. Many places you’ll visit or want to buy something from don’t take credit cards.
It is advisable to have exact change, especially when you’re in a market or buying street food but don’t carry a lot of money. Do leave tips in cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, shops and almost everywhere! Keep in mind that the Egyptian culture revolves around tipping.
- People will request a tip for simple tasks like holding a door or giving directions.
- This is expected for both visitors, and locals as well.
- Sometimes people won’t take tips, but usually, they will, as they have small salaries.
- Do bargain in souvenir shops and bazaars,
- Within reasonable limits, bargaining in souvenir markets is expected and is a good way of starting a conversation.
Do respect Egyptian temples and monuments. When both signs and personnel indicate that photos are not allowed PLEASE just follow the rules and don’t take photos in such places. Paintings on the walls of temples, tombs, and statues of Egypt are delicate and taking photos of them, especially using a flashbulb dulls the colours on the paintings, damaging artefacts that are over 5,000 years old.
Can you bring a girl to your hotel in Egypt?
In Egypt, it is technically illegal for unmarried couples to share a hotel room, and many hotels will require couples to provide proof of marriage upon check-in. However, some hotels in Cairo may be more lenient or discreet about enforcing these laws.
Why is Egypt so cheap?
Thursday September 14 2023 A lthough it has long been a good value destination, a massive currency devaluation in recent months, coupled with prices becoming more competitive due to a reduction in Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian and American tourists, has turned Egypt into the bargain of the season — provided you avoid big international brands and all-inclusive packages that have already fixed prices.
- Travel independently, eat, drink and shop locally, and you’ll not only be putting cash directly into the pockets of locals and making your own adventure, you’ll save a packet too.
- Most activities are priced in euros and dollars so are unaffected by currency changes, but locally purchased trips are usually better priced than booking through a UK tour operator.
Typical return flights over the next two months are from £369 to Sharm el-Sheikh with easyJet (easyjet.com), and £603 to Cairo with British Airways (ba.com). The Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo ALAMY
Can couples sleep together in Egypt?
19. Re: unmarried couples 6 years ago To be quite frank, I do not actually know if or where the rules are in Egyptian law that an unmarried couple can not share a room together, and whether, in Egyptian law, if it exists, that it only applies to Egyptians or Muslims.
There seems to be quite considerable grey area to that effect. But whether it is written in law or not, it is generally accepted, even dating back to colonial times, that such a practice is against the law for Egyptians, and also possibly against the law for other Arab nationals or Muslims. Common practice, however, has seen over the years, western and Asian tourists being exempted from such rules and I do not know of any such tourists who have experienced such a problem.
Arab tourists may be allowed and might not be. And even a few hotels will not blink an eye even for Egyptian unmarried couples, probably more so in the beach destinations than the city hotels. Yes, all guests are supposed to be recorded so that the tourist police can check whenever they want, and the tourist police advise hoteliers to take a photocopy of each guests passport or ID card.
- But it does not mean that the Tourist Police sit in their offices all night long scouring guest lists to see who is married and who is not.
- In such cases, if people are questioned or apprehended for sharing a room whilst not married then it is usually because they have been reported, by another guest or one of the hotel staff, and the front desk staff of the hotel can then face problems for “allowing it” to happen.
So, the only thing you can do, to be quite safe, is either email the hotels directly in advance and get their viewpoint on the matter or take two rooms and stay celibate those nights !!!!
What is considered rude in Egypt?
BASIC ETIQUETTE – Before any social interaction you must greet everyone present with a smile and good eye contact. In most cases, direct eye contact is acceptable. It is a sign of respect, sincerity and honesty. Sometimes, Egyptians will hold an intense stare, more than is typical in a western country.
- However, per Islamic principles, males and females may lower their gaze and avoid sustained eye contact with each other as a sign of respect.
- An arm’s length is the typical physical distance maintained between people of the same gender.
- Women will stand closer to each other but prefer to keep a distance from men.
The gesture to ask someone to wait a moment is done by touching all fingers to the thumb then moving the palm up and down. To point, you use your index finger. It is rude to point the heel or any part of the foot toward another person. Showing the sole of one’s shoe is also impolite.
Youngsters and youth show respect by not challenging their seniors and by using special verbal terms of address for aunts, uncles, grandparents and older non-relatives. Avoid talking to or walking in front of a Muslim while he is praying. When offered a compliment, show appreciation by responding with an equally respectful compliment on the same subject or, if they are Muslim, by wishing Allah’s (God’s) blessings. Acknowledging the history of Egypt and the country’s cultural heritage and showing an understanding of Egyptian history and contemporary culture will impress your local friends.
While Egyptians are proud of their cultural heritage, the modern Egyptian culture is dynamic and has significantly changed throughout history. Avoid pigeon-holing contemporary Egyptian culture against ancient Egypt.
Is Egypt cheap or expensive?
Is Egypt expensive? Not really. Compared to the US and most of Europe, Egypt is a very affordable destination. We’d estimate that most travelers will spend in the region of $985 for a full week here, which even includes the cost of return flights to a city like London.
Do you have to be careful in Egypt?
4. WATCH FOR PICKPOCKETS AND PURSE-SNATCHERS IN BIG CITIES – Egypt is nearly crime-free. Most crime is petty theft, with little violent crime. Still, you need to keep alert when walking through densely populated areas of Cairo or Alexandria, just as you would in other large urban areas around the world.
How safe is Cairo?
Crime in Cairo – Muizz street in cairo, Egypt in 21 June 2017/Mahmoud Haikal/Shutterstock English-language crime statistics for Cairo are not always the easiest to find. However, the ones we could find are optimistic. For such a big city, Cairo has a pretty low violent crime rate.
The yearly gun death rate in Cairo is 33 incidents per 100,000 people, This matches up with the overall violent crime rate for Egypt, which is only 2.55 incidents per 100,000 people. Crime statistics do not paint a complete picture of the risk of violence in Cairo. For one, these statistics don’t include state violence, such as dispersing protests with weapons and imprisoning dissidents, something that has become more common in Egypt in later years.
Most homicide and violent crime rates don’t include mass casualty events such as terrorist attacks, which do happen in Cairo. Outside of violent crime, the crime statistics for Cairo are a little less optimistic. According to an informal survey of Cairo residents by the site Numbeo, 50.36% of residents worry about being mugged or robbed.
Petty theft and scams are common, and it is hard to get an accurate count of how often these incidents occur as people don’t always report them. Another crime that is even harder to provide accurate statistics for is sexual harassment and assault. Anecdotal evidence shows that women face a lot of harassment while walking in Cairo.
But official statistics underreport the problem, both because women are ashamed to report the situation and because Egyptian officials take sexual harassment and assault less seriously than they should. According to the international NGO RAINN, 90% of Egyptian women report experiencing sexual harassment.
- In some ways, tourists are both more exposed and more protected than locals.
- Your foreign appearance will single you out for potential scammers, but tourists also get additional protection in the form of Tourism Police.
- Most popular tourist sites in and around Cairo are under heavy security protection, which deters violent crime or terrorist attacks.
Unless you are politically active or in a demonstration, you are more protected from any government overreach (unless you are a dual Egyptian citizen). Basic precautions can help you protect yourself from petty theft and scams, the most common problems that visitors to Cairo encounter.
Is Egypt becoming safer?
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- Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Egypt is a land of pyramids and the mighty Nile, understandably popular with tourists, and visitor numbers are on the rise. Traveller safety in the region is subject to change, with civil unrest, tourist scams and terrorism all presenting threats in recent years.
Is it worth going to Cairo?
3. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore the Egyptian Museum – The Egyptian Museum is world-renowned, and while you can’t possibly see everything in one visit, this is one of the top sites that makes Cairo worth visiting – trust me, it’s amazing! The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, and has the most pharaonic antiquities on earth! The best way to visit this museum is to research what they have to offer and plan what you want to see before you go – don’t miss the King Tut room! Here are my recommendations:
Mummified animals room Book of the dead room Amarna Letters Treasures of Tanis Narmer Palette Statues of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure (builders of the Giza pyramids) Amenhotep III and Tiye Colossal Statue Sarcophagus of Kawit Menkaura triads Masks of Yuya and Thuya
Note: The GEM is supposed to open at the end of 2023 (see more information about it later in this post), where many artifacts are being moved.
Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?
Alcohol in Egypt – The sale and consumption of alcohol in Egypt is complicated. As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighborhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol.
Is it safe for a woman to walk alone in Egypt?
3. Book Local Female Guides: The Best Way to Explore Egypt – While we appreciate your choice and bold attitude to travel the world on your own, it’s always a good idea to partner with a local female tour guide, While Egypt is mostly a safe and welcoming country, it is recommended not to stroll alone at some places after the sunset.
Is Sharm el Sheikh safe 2023?
5. Sharm El Sheik – Despite slight increases in terrorism in recent years, Sharm El Sheikh (or ‘Sharm’) remains one of the safest, most well-known resort cities in the Red Sea. In particular, the region is praised for its beautiful, scenic beaches, natural coral reefs and pleasant climate.
How safe is Cairo for tourists now?
Is Cairo Safe to Visit in 2023? – CAIRO, EGYPT – NOVEMBER 19, 2017: Monumental statues of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye in The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities/Africa Studio/Shutterstock If you’re visiting Cairo, you’ll want to be on higher alert than you normally would at home. Tourists in this large city are at high risk for theft and scams, especially in busy tourist attractions.
- Many governments also advise caution in case of terrorism, political demonstrations, and sexual harassment.
- That being said, if you take the right precautions, you will still have a great time in Cairo.
- It’s difficult to talk about the security situation in Cairo without talking about Egypt as a whole, as the situation in the country obviously affects what goes on in the capital.
The United States has a ” Level 3: Reconsider Travel ” advisory in place for Cairo. It warns tourists against dangers such as terrorism, civil unrest, and government repression. That being said, Cairo is one of the safer places to visit. When governments issue regional advisories for parts of Egypt where you shouldn’t travel, they include the more remote regions such as North Sinai and the Western Desert, not Cairo.
Nobody can predict with certainty where events such as terrorist attacks will occur, and they have happened in Cairo in the past. Cairo is one of the places that is safest from terrorism due to the high security presence around town, including a dedicated Tourism Police force whose only job is to protect foreigners.
However, Cairo has some other things you should watch out for. Many political demonstrations and protests occur in the capital, often unauthorized. The Egyptian government is very strict about unauthorized demonstrations and has come under attack for infringing on people’s civil liberties.
If you’re caught nearby, your embassy might not be able to help you. These are all extreme examples of what could happen in Cairo. Most visitors to Cairo are most endangered by petty theft and scams. The city has many popular tourist sites which get crowded, creating excellent conditions for pickpockets.
Scams targeting tourists, from gold scams to fake tour guides, are also very popular. Female visitors are at a higher risk than male visitors. Egypt is a very patriarchal society, which is reflected in the high levels of catcalling and street harassment.
Pickpocketing Scams Hotel break-ins Sexual harassment and assault Civil unrest Terrorism
We’ll go into detail about the most important of these threats in the rest of the article.
Is it safe to travel to Hurghada 2023?
Is Hurghada safe? – Yes, I would deem Hurghada to be safe. Lots of tourists visit each year and the locals are friendly and helpful. There’s a high presence of tourist police – which to be honest, seemed a bit over the top, but it should help to assure any anxious travellers.
- The dress code is slightly more liberal than in Cairo, although I’d still recommend being conservative anywhere but the beach, dive boats and a hotel resort.
- Diving here is generally safe too, as long as you go with a reputable provider.
- We dived for a week with Diving Star and they were probably the best diving school I’ve ever used! Don’t just take my word for it when it comes to Hurghada safety – this article details the results of a poll, where Egypt was shown to be safer than the U.S.
and the U.K. And, while there were a couple of situations that made me feel uncomfortable in Cairo, I agree that I’ve always generally felt safe in Egypt as a whole.
Is Egypt becoming safer?
- Home
- Destination
- Middle East
- Egypt
- Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Egypt is a land of pyramids and the mighty Nile, understandably popular with tourists, and visitor numbers are on the rise. Traveller safety in the region is subject to change, with civil unrest, tourist scams and terrorism all presenting threats in recent years.