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What Not to Do in Egypt – 16 Terrible Mistakes to Avoid (2024)

Planning a holiday in Egypt can be both an exciting and daunting experience. Trying to plan activities and places to go whilst making sure you have enough time in each place.

Believe me, I’ve been there. But, knowing what NOT to do in Egypt is just as important.

Egypt doesn’t have the best track record for safety and it is seriously one wild ride of an adventure.

I went here solo for around 5 weeks and got to know the place pretty well when I left. But, there were so many things I wish I knew before I went.

If it’s your first time visiting the country, it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into before and during your trip. Scams to avoid, what to pack, taboos etc.

So, this post will tell you what not to do in Egypt but also what you should do instead!

Table of Contents

Things to prepare before you visit Egypt

You will need a tourist visa to enter Egypt for travel. These cost $25USD and you can buy a visa at the immigration counter at the airport. I personally would recommend ordering in advance of travel to save time. I have written a whole guide here about how to acquire one for UK citizens which apply to most countries
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! It’s super easy to get sick in Egypt. World Nomad’s offers competitive rates and their policies cover lots of activities (sailing, camel riding etc).
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) previously Lira, and 1 British Pound = roughly 22 Egyptian pounds.
Hello = Salam Alaikum
Thank you = Shukran
How much? = Kam Althaman

This is what NOT to do in Egypt and mistakes to avoid

1. not researching the culture & country before you go.

This is probably the most important, which is why it’s a great thing you found this post!

Egypt is a predominantly Islamic Culture which means it’s also a conservative one.

Depending on where you’ve travelled from, it may be quite a culture shock. Egypt is hot, loud, raucous, full of traffic with people everywhere. It’s beautiful chaos.

Personally, I LOVED it. But, I understand it’s not for everyone.

The downside is you’ll have people shouting at you pretty much all the time, to catch a cab, buy something, hire them as a guide etc. it’s constant.

To avoid this, I would travel with a guide at a certain tourist attraction or politely say NO, or Lal Shukran which means no in Arabic.

Unfortunately, for women, this includes catcalling. On this front, I’d take the high road and ignore it completely. It will be easier if you’re travelling with a man. Also, blonde girls will receive a lot more attention than brunettes.

2. You don’t pack culturally appropriate clothing

Yes, it’s excruciatingly hot at most points of the year and covering up is not ideal in the heat. Also, as most temples are out in the open with little shade, you’ll be a sweaty mess.

But, as Egypt is an Islamic country it is to be expected. Remember, everyone is in the same boat.

Wearing shorts, strappy tops, mini skirts, clothing that reveals too much flesh is a big NO. It will draw a lot of attention and, most importantly, it’s seen as disrespectful to locals.

That doesn’t mean you have to wear a burqa, but packing loose, light, conservative clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and chest is best.

Some outfit ideas;

Cotton blouses and loose fitted trousers
Maxi dress and skirts
Strappy tops with your shoulders covered with a pashmina
Jumpsuits

Read more: a complete guide on what to pack for Egypt!

3. Not booking your Nile cruise first

If you’re keen on doing a bucket list Nile cruise while you’re in Egypt, it’s best to plan that first before you book the rest of your travels.

Nile cruises only run on certain days of the week. It’s not a show-up and book-on-the-day kind of deal.

It’s good to note at this point, no cruises from Cairo. Nile cruises run from Luxor to Aswan and back.

Most of the cruises will be 3 nights 4 days from Aswan to Luxor or Vice Versa or 6 nights and 7 days which will be Aswan to Luxor and back again.

Some cruises depart only on Mondays, or Wednesdays some only Fridays. So, to save you from getting disappointed always check out your cruise days, times, and prices before you plan anything else.

I cruised down the Nile on a premium cruise ship MS Mayfair. It was luxury at an affordable cost. Click here to see my full cruise review.

4. Not hiring a guide for certain tourist sites

Okay, so you don’t technically need a tour guide for the attractions. It’s more than easy to pay at the kiosks at the temples and guide yourself around.

But, having a tour guide will help you avoid a lot of harassment while you travel around the site. As a woman travelling solo, I felt this helped massively!

I saw a lot of tourists losing their temper at the temples as people were bugging them the whole time, trying to sell them stuff or offer guide services. I didn’t have any of that.

At the pyramids, I hired a guide and felt like I had a much better time than if I went solo. I mean, you only get to see a wonder of the world for the first time once and I didn’t want it to be spoiled by people annoying me all the time haha.

Unless you’re booking a tour guide for the whole of Egypt, I would recommend booking a guide once you’re in Egypt. Guide services booked online can be double or even triple the price.

5. Travelling without a currency converter app

I never travel without a currency converter app so I can check the prices of things. This is especially important in Egypt.

As most people that travel to Egypt will be converting their pounds or dollars while they’re here, it’s important to check the current currency rate of the day before you trade your money.

This doesn’t apply to everyone, but some Egyptians can be masters of scamming you out of your doe and anyone, who is anyone, can set up a currency exchange.

My advice would be to do so at a reputable currency exchange like a bank. Not your five-star hotel or a random guy in a bazaar. But, saying that, if the currency exchange there is good and it’s genuine money, go for it.

6. You forget to tip

A tip or a ‘baksheesh’ in Egypt is part of the culture. You’ll be tipping EVERYONE here.

A Cleaner tidied your room? tip. Used the toilets? tip. Someone took your photo? tip.

You get the picture! But, it’s to be expected.

Now, how much do you tip while you’re here? Well, while I was travelling in Egypt, my first hotel told me to reserve bigger tips for tour guides, cabin crew, drivers, and hotel staff. But, save the smaller change for toilet attendants, photo takers etc.

I would personally budget for tips in your travel spending and make sure you always have small notes and coins at your disposal for these situations.

7. Not haggling for shopping and taxis

I get it, haggling isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t feel comfortable about it, or they just don’t do it out of principle. But, I would highly recommend doing it in Egypt.

Egypt has had a decline in tourism in the last ten years due to multiple terrorist threats and political issues. So, money is tight and business is suffering.

But, you also don’t want to be paying £12 for a ten-minute taxi journey when a local would pay a fraction of that cost!

The private taxi drivers are a nightmare in Egypt and will always try to oversell, so I would recommend Uber instead that has a fixed rate. See my guide on how to use this here.

For shopping, it’s the same. Haggling is important to avoid being ripped off. Here are some tips:

Don’t shop with your guide or someone who is bound to take a huge commission.
Shop around first and see what the going price of a product is
Go to a fixed price shop
Avoid shopping in tourist bazaars, go to a reputable workshop or retailer

8. You’re not prepared for so much attention

In Egypt, it’s pretty hard for a tourist to avoid unwanted attention. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb and being honest, a lot of people see you as a walking ATM.

It’s not like Europe where hard selling doesn’t happen, the hard sell is part of the culture. So, it’s important to get used to the thought of being spoken to on a daily basis, heckled at, hassled etc. It happens.

If you go to any local market in Egypt, it happens with locals too. People will want your attention to buy things, or hire them, or drive you around.

We’ve briefly touched on this before but women especially should prepare for catcalling. In most cases this is harmless, it will be a marriage proposal or someone calling you attractive etc. It’s frustrating but I would recommend ignoring it.

It rarely gets to the point where someone touches you. But, if you feel seriously under threat, alert the police. You’ll notice with most tourist places in Egypt there are shed loads of army and police forces around, with guns, who don’t take violence against tourists lightly.

9. Buying gold without doing your research

Lots of tourists wish to buy gold in Egypt as it’s purer and a lot cheaper than back home. But, unfortunately, Egyptians know that too and so there are a lot of gold scams.

Egyptians are taught how to buy gold from a young age, but as tourists, we aren’t always blessed with this knowledge.

Whether the gold is weighed incorrectly, it’s 9-carat gold being sold as 18-carat gold, or it’s been grossly overpriced. It’s important to know a few things before you go gold shopping.

I myself fell for a gold scam and was conned out of almost $300 while I was here. Luckily, with the help of the authorities, I was able to get that money returned. But, it also meant I learned a lot of lessons during the process.

Here are my top tips for gold shopping in Egypt !

10. Not packing the appropriate medicines

You may know this already, but it’s really easy to get sick while travelling in Egypt.

The water quality, the food not being cooked enough, touching dirty surfaces, pollution, the heat. it can all contribute to sickness and it’s not fun to get sick while you travel.

I got sick for almost a week in Cairo with a chest infection and that stayed with me for months after my trip.

Although there are many doctors and pharmacies that sell known brands of medicines while you travel, it’s always best to pack ones you know.

Some over-the-counter products I would recommend are paracetamol/ibuprofen (do NOT bring codeine), cough sweets, Imodium, plasters, and mosquito repellent.

Always have a doctor’s note from your GP for bringing prescribed medications into Egypt, check before you go as some have restrictions (i.e. Methadone) which could mean you face jail time.

11. Showing way too much PDA

As Egypt is an Islamic and conservative country, showing too much public display of affection with your other half is a big taboo. Even holding hands can be seen as disrespectful.

While you’re in your resort, this is not as much of an issue, just like wearing a bikini is allowed etc. But, when you’re out and about exploring the sites or in the bazaars keep it to a minimum.

12. Not researching safe places to visit and places to avoid

It’s always a good idea to check travel advice from your respective government website before you travel. This will also include areas of Egypt that you should avoid.

Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada are usually on that ‘safe’ list and, as these are the main tourist spots in Egypt, security is tightly locked so you shouldn’t face any issues.

But, places like the West Desert, Abu Simbel, and Sinai can be touch and go. I visited all of these areas with no issues, but things change all the time.

Always check safety developments before you plan to travel to certain areas of Egypt and use your instinct. If you don’t want to travel there because you’re concerned for your safety, don’t go.

Read my guides for more information;

A quick Cairo travel guide

Your pyramid survival guide

Why you need to visit Alexandria

The best Luxor itinerary

A guide to Aswan

How to visit the White Desert

Which one is better? Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh

13. Telling people you’re an atheist or discuss politics

95% of Egyptians identify as Sunni Muslim and the rest are Coptic Christians. So, to say that you’re not religious is kind of like saying the sky is red. They may not understand that concept as religion is a big part of their culture.

In terms of identifying your religion, if you’re a Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, there will be little to no prejudice in that. But, to say you don’t believe altogether, is quite hard to comprehend.

I just told people I was a Christian as it’s easier.

I would also avoid discussing politics of any kind about current relations in Egypt with locals. It is not your place and although your opinion may be valid, it’s best to stay out of it.

14. Not preparing for the weather

Egypt can be extremely hot and I’ve always associated the desert with head. But, it’s not like that all year round.

When I visited at the start of October, it was so hot I thought I was going to melt. But, by mid-November, it was freezing in the evenings.

So, depending on the time of year, you need to prepare for the weather;

Hot Summer: May – October the temperatures will be unbearable, especially in the south. Tour groups will visit temples latest 5am to beat the heat. But, you’ll still need to cover up, so bring lots of light cotton clothing.
Mild Winter: November – April the temperatures drop significantly and it’s pleasantly warm. These are also the most popular months of travel, so expect lots of tourists. Bring a warm jacket and closed shoes as evening temperatures are really cold.

See my Egypt packing list for more ideas.

16. Keeping an eye out for scams

Like with most countries, scams are everywhere in Egypt. So, it’s best to be aware of them as to avoid them.

Here are some examples of tourist scams in Egypt;

A massively overpriced taxi from the airport – use Uber
Terrible rates for currency conversion – always take a currency converter app
Selling fake merchandise like Banana leaf as papyrus, or fake alabaster – always go to a reputable workshop
Getting ripped off for gold – see my guide here
Following or buying unlicensed tour guides – always check their government license.

17. Worry about not having an amazing time!

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a vacation in Egypt without taking the proper precautions and advice. But, there are also a lot of things that can go right too!

Visiting Egypt with thousands of years of history at your doorstep is a dream come true. Seeing the pyramids at sunset, wandering around ancient temples, diving in the Red Sea. It’s all here for you. So, don’t sweat too much.

Although Egypt wasn’t safe a few years ago, security has been tripled with tourist safety in mind. So, you should face little issues while you’re here.

So don’t forget to enjoy it!

If you need help to plan your Egypt trip, then you can read my perfect two weeks Egypt Itinerary here. Or, if you want to know how much attractions will cost you read my Egypt photography guide here.

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Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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62 comments.

Nice post!!

Thanks James, I’m glad you liked the post! Sophie x

Shitty, inaccurate and out of contexf

Hi Salma, I’d like more of an explanation as to why?

thanks Sophie it is a nice post and very nice pictures .Egypt is a very beautiful country and it is very important for every one to know and understand the rules and culture of any country before visiting it .we hope to see u again in Egypt .

Hi Doaa, thanks for stopping by and I totally agree. Egypt is beautiful but it’s important to understand the culture. I hope to return one day! Thanks Sophie x

How would you recommend getting a guide, seems expensive to book one before travel. Should I just ask at hotel but that then leaves it to the last minute. Want advice much appreciated.

Hi Kevin, I completely agree with you. Buying a guide online is always more expensive as they usually charge in US Dollars and you don’t have the option to shop around and bargain. When I arrived at my hotel, I asked them what tours they could arrange and they had a whole catalogue to choose from. Always barter if you think the prices are a little high. My complete tour of the Pyramids with a guide cost me around $35 with ticket prices for entry too (plus a tip)! Alternatively, pay to go inside the attraction and hire a guide (check their guide permit) inside there. They will always charge you a little less as most people will be in tour groups and there is competition. I hope this helps and have a great time! Sophie x

Great post, Sophie. Thanks a lot for the precious advice. l needed it.

Hi Lorraine, thank you so much for writing in. I’m glad it helped you! Enjoy Egypt! Sophie. x

Hi Sophie! Great post! I was wondering if did the route from Cairo to Luxor by train. I will go to Egypt with two girl friends and I wanted to know if it’d be safe for us to take the train.

Hi Carla, thank you so much! I’m glad you like it. No, I flew one way from Cairo to Luxor as I heard it was easier and to save time. It was also around the same price as the tourist train. Plus, I was travelling solo. But, the tourist train will be safe, especially as you’re all together. Hope this helps and happy to answer any questions! Sophie x

Hello sophie, hope you are doing well, Greeting from Indonesia! I like your posts and thank you so much for sharing your experience while in Egypt. i plan to go there actually after the world safe again. I read your post and i would like to correct one word which maybe you got mistake while writing it, hello / salam = Assalamu’alaikum /Salamoalekum, it has great meaning so when there is mistaken in saying it, the meaning would be different. hope you don’t mind. Keep posting! and stay safe.

Hi Rachma, I hope you’re well there in Indonesia! Apologies for the late reply. Thank you for clarifying the translation! I really hope you get to travel to Egypt once the world is safe again. It’s an amazing place :) Sophie x

Please double-check: Samal Alikum is wrong. It is correct: SALAM ALAIKUM

Noted thanks! I’m shocked that an English translation of Arabic (which is not always from the Western Alphabet) is all you could point out from this post though. Sophie x

Great post! Fingers crossed, my friend and I are hopefully going Feb 2022!

Hi Pretty, I hope you book in your trip and make it there! you’ll love it :) Sophie x

that’s not a visit you are living in egypt??

hahaha :) I did go for a few weeks yes! Sophie x

Thanks for the information! I was planning on becoming a Archeologist and trying to be in Egypt a LOT so this really helped!

Hi Angelina, wow! That sounds incredible. I hope that you make it over their to study. There’s so many digs over there, even when I went. It sounds fascinating. Good luck! Sophie x

I’m about to go to Egypt for school and this would be really helpful thank you ! And I would love to say I just stumbled upon your site and I’m utterly I love with it already !! 🧡 Thank you

Hi Nafisa, thank you for reading and your kind words! I hope you like going to school in Egypt. It’s a beautiful country with so much history. Sophie x

Hi, can women wear gold or diamonds as a tourists? Like normal wedding ring? Is luggage safe in the hotel? Carrying purses with money and credit cards is safe ? Any pickpocketing? Snatching or steeling in the hotel?walking in the evening as a couple in big cities is safe? Keeping laptops, I pads in the hotel is safe? and holding new phones when you walk around in streets or tourist places? Kindly answer?

Hi there, I would say you definitely can wear your gold as a tourist as many Egyptians wear gold. Also wedding rings are fine. Your luggage is safe in hotel but if there is a safe in the room I would always recommend locking your passport and valuables in there. Carrying money and credit cards is completely fine. Pickpocketing happens in the busier Cairo markets like Khan El Khalili. In those moments I would just keep your bag secured. Walking in the evenings is safe especially in Luxor, Alexandria, and Aswan. Cairo in the midnight hours is a little unsafe. Keeping laptops and iPads in the hotels is fine but if you have a lockable suitcase, I’d lock them there or again in the safe. Holding your phone up to take photos and selfies is completely fine. In general Egypt is a really safe country and the people are friendly. Just prepare to give tips and for shops to hassle you to buy stuff! Hope this helps, Sophie x

@Sophie Pearce, Thank you so much. Really appreciated.

No worries, hope you have an amazing time in Egypt! Sophie x

Hi, kindly suggest Nile cruise between 3,5 days. Shorter or longer? Which is a reasonable cruise with good repute. Any price idea? Any input about cruise will be appreciated. We will be in Egypt for 9 days. Kindly suggest about the cruise. We still have to book the flight according to cruise to Aswan or ?

Hi there, I would recommend MS Mayfair nile cruise it’s 4 days and it’s brilliant! I have a post about it here – https://thirdeyetraveller.com/ms-mayfair-nile-cruise-review-aswan-luxor/ Thanks, Sophie x

Wonderful information! Thanks. I have a question. Are you allowed to take hydrocodone to Egypt that has been prescribed by a doctor? I am recovering from surgery and need your advice.

Hi Marilyn, I would personally make sure to check entry requirements before you go! I wouldn’t like to give the wrong advice. If it’s been prescribed, it should be okay but I would still check online just to be sure. Sophie x

love it! will be visiting Egypt in August and this tips where very helpful. Good Post!

Hi Dorca, thank you so much! I’m so excited for you. Egypt is wonderful and I’m sure you’ll love it! :) Thanks, Sophie x

This is amazing! Thank you! I love all the photos, too. Wonderful!

Hi Catherine, thanks so much – I’m so glad you liked the post! Sophie x

Hi Sophie, thanks for this helpful post! I am planning to go to Egypt in early January 2023. I love the photo between #10 and #11–it looks like you are in front of an intricate, colorful wall mosaic. Where was the photo taken? I would love to see this artwork in person!

Hi Arpita, Thanks for reading and I’m so excited for your trip to Egypt! This seashell mural is in Alexandria and it’s near the Citadel of Qaitbay. I have two posts on Alexandria (an Instagram one) that has the details :) Sophie x

I’m so thankful I ran across your tips! I know you addressed this question but I don’t want to stay in hotels. I want to hike through the cities, mtns, and deserts, not necessarily with a tour, is it STILL wise to wait till I get there and find a guide? Also, will I be safe carrying my passport & funds. I am an older female, wanting to retrace Moses & the Israelites trail. Thanks.

Hi Taylor, no worries, and your pilgrimage sounds awesome. You don’t have to stay in hotels, there are B&B’s and guest houses you can stay in around Egypt but I wouldn’t be too sure about mountain and desert accommodation. When I stayed in the White Desert we camped out with our tour guides. Personally, I would try and find a guide either before or while you’re there. It would be a lot easier and safer. There are some tours that will take you on the Moses Trail through Egypt / Israel to places like the Mount Sinai etc. Hope this helps. Sophie x

If you go again I will join you. I would like to go.

Hi Eliza, nice to hear from you! I’m so happy you want to visit Egypt. I haven’t thought about running group travel trips but if I do in the future I’ll let you know :) Sophie x

I love all the information thats in your post. I plan to buy gold jewelry and read that it’s best to do so in Luxor and Aswan. Can you give be the names of a couple shop that are reputable ? We are going in April 2023. Ty soho much

Hi Gail, ah I’m so jealous. I love Egypt and I hope you have an incredible time. It can be hard to give shop names as lots of these have shut down. But, there are shopping arcades inside many of the big hotels in Luxor and I would recommend going to these to shop around. They don’t hassle you to buy and as they are part of the hotel, they don’t usually rip their guests off! I would also ask your hotel for a recommendation. Just don’t buy as part of a guided tour as the prices will go up due to commissions! Hope this helps, Sophie x

I enjoyed your blogs about Cairo and Giza. One thing that I am interested in is the food and drink options. What kind of food is available? (I did read the pizza hut/KFC article). Did they serve pizza and chicken? What about beer, wine, and vodka? Is that available?

Hi Gary, so I would visit Pizza Hut / KFC for the views as they have a top balcony! They have pizza there and other dishes that you would normally expect from a Pizza Hut. KFC is next door and it is chicken and fries. Alcohol isn’t something you’ll find in fast food restaurants in Egypt as its an Islamic country. But, you can find alcohol in tourist hotels and a la carte restaurants. Hope this helps! Sophie x

I’m goin to Egypt in May 2023 I’m reading googling things but I’m so so glad I came upon your post.

Hi Sharon, ah lovely I hope you have an incredible time! You’ll love it :) Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Thank you for your informative articles. I did the Nile cruise etc many years ago, and yes I was sick as a dog! but it was still a fabulous trip. I am planning to visit the Red sea in October and understand from your article Sharm El Sheikh is better for snorkelling from the beach. Happy travelling

Hi Sue! Yes, it is unfortunately one of those things that you can get sick easily in Egypt but, as you say, it’s still a wonderful place and so beautiful! Sharm El Sheikh does have some gorgeous dive spots there plus you can explore the moutains from the Moses trail etc. It’s just a bit of a way out than Hurghada. Hope this helps, Sophie x

Hello Sophie your post was really informative! I would like to know how much bad the heat in egypt can get in august and how does egypt accommodate that e.g do they have ac in restaurant etc

Hi Sumayya, I found that WiFi/Data was terrible across Egypt so I would have some form of data card to hand. The heat in august will be very hot and so I would recommend visiting temples very early morning to beat the heat. They have AC everywhere in hotels an restaurants :) Thanks, Sophie x

Very informative post. Great photos.

Thanks, Roman – I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Sophie x

Hi sophie, first of all i want to say thank you for your post its really helpful. I am planning to visit egypt in nov as a solo female traveller as well. I heard that even uber is not safe in egypt.is it true. You really inspire me :)

Hi Yennie, I’m so happy that you’re considering going to Egypt solo. It was an amazing trip and as long as you stay cautious you’ll be absolutely fine flying solo :) I hope you make it there! Happy travels, Sophie x

There’s only one mistake and that is going to Egypt. What a hole. If you find yourself there, leave immediately Garbage article. 90% of this is generic advice for travelling anywhere.

I feel so sorry for people like you Jo. Seeing the world through an ignorant lens and not even widening your mind to appreciate anything but what you’re used to. The number one thing to remember is that you’re in another country, it’s not going to be like your country and you should never expect it to be. So what if 90% of these tips are for travellers? This is literally a travel blog made to give people tips about travel! Please always remember that there is a real person behind these websites and real people reading these comments and you only make yourself look like an idiot when you write things like this. But, have a great Christmas Jo and try to get some rest :) The world needs more kindness right now not intolerance, ignorance and bitterness.

I’m curious to know what platform you use for your app. I loved the insight into Egypt, it made me want to visit when I never would have considered this country before. I was looking at the Red Sea and learning about the Suez Canal when I found your post.

Hi Coyote, I don’t have an app but I use wordpress for my blog and a theme called Mediavine Trellis :) Thank you so much for reading and I hope it helped you! Sophie x

Salam Alaikum doesn’t necessarily mean hello. It directly mean “peace be with you”. In Muslim communities throughout the world many people use this as a greeting. Some even just say salam for short. In a similar way people say ‘morning’, instead of ‘good morning’. To say no is ‘la’ or ‘la-ah’

Great tips!

Hi KB, thanks for this! I love that :) Sophie x

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The lonely pyramids of Giza: Egyptian tourism’s decline

The recent Coptic church bombings could further damage the already crippled tourism sector in the country.

Dozens of wrinkled Egyptian men sip tea, draw smoke from water pipes and boisterously chat in Arabic. Stray cats scamper beneath their feet. They lounge at a bustling alleyway cafe, sandwiched between the labyrinths of crumbling apartment buildings in the heart of Cairo, adjacent to Tahrir Square.

Just footsteps away, the maniacal spectacle of Cairo traffic is at work. Rusty cars whir by, lurching left and right, an orchestra of horns trumpeting their arrival and departure from one traffic light to the next. There’s no time for signalling. Exhaust fumes hang thick in the air. Around each corner, there is singing, squawking, screaming.

This is both the doorstep to the Middle East, the corridor to North Africa, the launchpad of revolutions that reverberated worldwide, and the home of more than nine million Egyptians. But despite the beautiful chaos, Egypt is actually drought-stricken when it comes to visitors.

That reality is more visible, just a few blocks away, towards the banks of the River Nile. The marble-encrusted lobbies of Cairo’s many luxury hotels overlooking the Nile, once bustling with globetrotting tourists from every corner of the earth, are now silent.

Khan El-Khalili, the old Arab souk of Cairo, is blooming with life, and its sights, sounds and people capture the essence of the Egyptian capital's soul [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

Still recovering from the hangover of a failed revolution, a string of unfortunate airline disasters – including an ISIL bombing of Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 over the Sinai Peninsula in 2015, which killed 224 people, and indefinitely halted all Russian flights to the country – and most recently, the deadly bombings of Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria earlier this month, Egypt’s once-resilient tourism industry is battered and bruised.

The city’s tour guides, who used to be overworked, have been hit the hardest by the tourism industry’s fall from grace.

“I used to work at least 20 days a month,” said one Egyptian tour guide who asked that his name be withheld for security reasons. “Sometimes you have to close your phone because of many people calling you. During Christmas time and Easter holidays, no room, no hotels, no cars, no guide. Everything was busy.”

A worshipper at the Coptic churches in Old Cairo poses for a portrait. Roughly 10 percent of Egypt's population of 82 million are Christian [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

“It’s the opposite now, completely,” the Giza-based guide added, with hints of sadness in his voice as he explained the deterioration of his work.

“One month, maybe you don’t work at all. We don’t expect as many tourists as before. It’s very hard. I was lucky to not quit tourism. Many of my friends, the tour guides, they quit tourism and they found other work.”

A mosaic of St. George slaying a dragon at a Coptic church in Old Cairo [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

The number of tourists visiting Egypt has plummeted from 14.7 million to 5.4 million in 2016, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, or UNWTO, costing the country billions.

“It’s pretty dead,” said Steven Cook , a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council for Foreign Relations.

Cook noted that Egypt’s tourism industry has often borne the brunt of the country’s political uncertainty and its security crises.

“I think the uprising in 2011 and the uncertainty throughout the transition period from [Hosni] Mubarak to [Mohamed] Morsi contributed [to] people staying away,” he added. “It’s really not terribly surprising given everything that’s happened since January 25, 2011, that the Egyptian tourism has been hit extremely hard. In 2010, the country welcomed something like 15 million foreign tourists. They haven’t even come close to that since. It’s unfortunate.”

However, before the most recent Coptic church attacks in Alexandria and Tanta, there were indicators tourism could be on the upswing in 2017.

This gigantic, 83-tonne statue of Ramses II was carved in limestone [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

Last month, a colossal pharaoh’s head – thought to belong to either Ramses II or King Psammetichus I – and a limestone bust of Seti II, were unearthed from from the mud of a Cairo slum. On the heels of that find, a new pyramid dating back to the 13th dynasty, was discovered just south of Cairo by an Egyptian excavation team. These discoveries, both widely publicised, revived international interest in Egypt as an archaeological hotspot.

Russian flights to Egypt, which have been suspended since the Metrojet bombing in 2015, could also resume soon, although the prospect remains dubious. Nearly two and a half million Russians visited Egypt in 2014, making up roughly a third of the country’s visitors, and a revival of this flow in human traffic would also boost the sagging tourism sector.

Egyptians were also hopeful that Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel , actor Will Smith , and football superstar Lionel Messi ‘s recent visits to the pyramids would provide further momentum to a potential influx in foreign travelers.

A standing statue of Ramses II in Memphis. Tourism in Egypt has plummeted from 14.7 million people in 2010 to 5.4 million in 2016 [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

“People are fascinated by ancient Egypt and so it would bring more people back,” Cook said in reference to the latest archaeological discoveries.

“The fact that high-profile individuals like Lionel Messi and Will Smith were visiting the country, they were very hopeful that those were good signs and that they would attract people back to the country,” he added.

But all this momentum, Cook said, is likely to now be interrupted following this month’s Coptic church bombings.

“Every time [Egyptians] think they’re turning the corner, something else happens that undermines the tourism industry,” Cook explained. “Whether it’s the MetroJet [bombing] or the EgyptAir flight [crash], or the expectation that things would change in the coming months, now they’re dealing with new terrorist attacks, which are likely to scare people away.”

However, Sandra Carvao , a spokeswoman for UNWTO, disagreed.

She cited UNWTO data from January and February, which saw a 52 percent increase in international visitors compared with the same time last year. Carvao said that despite the recent attacks, she expects tourism to continue to climb in Egypt through 2017.

“Egypt is a tourism leader both in the region and globally,” Carvao said via telephone from Madrid, Spain.

“It has gone through difficult circumstances before but it has always come back stronger … I think this time will not be different,” she added.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, on the left, is the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

The bellwether of the Egyptian tourism industry is perhaps the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tourists used to scurry about the idyllic and dusty dunes surrounding the mighty sunbaked temples.

Although tourism is apparently on the rise, exploring the site of the pyramids is like walking on the moon: it’s deserted, forlorn and uninhabited. The Great Sphinx, stoic-faced and imposing, and the three looming pyramids surrounding it, are often empty and quiet.

Inside Saqqara's crumbled pyramid of Unis, hieroglyphs and archaic pyramid texts are inscribed along its walls [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

This evident slump in traffic is worrying for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO , which is reponsible for preserving the pyramids.

“It concerns us because we understand that dynamic of tourism,” said Peter DeBrine , a senior project officer of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and a coordinator of its Sustainable Tourism Programme.

“We look at tourism as a way to support conservation, so if tourism drops, then that could then have a negative impact on the conservation of the sites. If they don’t have the resources to protect the site, that’s a huge concern.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum , a billion-dollar project dedicated to Egypt’s antiquities that is expected to partially open in 2018 in close proximity to the Giza pyramids, has been championed as a saviour of tourism. The 60,000-square-foot structure has been dubbed “Giza’s fourth pyramid” by Egyptian officials, is roughly five times bigger than the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, and is described as the largest archaeological museum in the world.

But whether this grandiose museum will translate into an increase of foreign visitors to Egypt and its pyramids, remains to be seen.

For the handful of current visitors to the ancient site, though, the absence of heavy tourist traffic allows for an intimate and peaceful encounter with the pyramids that a decade ago, would have been impossible.

“It was nice not to be surrounded by 400 pushy tourists with Nikon cameras,” said Nicole Haire, 49, a middle-school Canadian vice principal based in Doha, Qatar, who visited Egypt with her daughter Hannah in January.

“We went to Egypt to experience the culture but also the history of it, and we experienced that in isolation,” she added. “I felt like we went back in time. When we walked through different sites, quite often it was just us and the guide. I truly felt like a part of the fabric of the historic sites we were in.”

Ancient hieroglyphs found at the sublime necropolis of Saqqara appear to show the procession of a magnificent feast [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

Jack Monell , 44, a criminology professor from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, had an equally sublime experience when he visited the pyramids in March.

“My visit to the pyramids, primarily, it wasn’t as busy as I’ve heard,” Monell described.

“I wasn’t overwhelmed. You could kind of have that surreal experience with these gigantic entities which have been existent for thousands of years. I’m a native New Yorker. I’m used to crowds and I’m used to kind of the hustle-bustle of major cities, so it wasn’t overwhelming. It wasn’t uncomfortable. I felt like I could move around and navigate. It was enjoyable,” he added.

Monell, though, said that the Coptic church bombings in Alexandria or Tanta wouldn’t have altered his decision to visit had the attacks occurred prior to his trip.

“I would be concerned and apprehensive, but [it] wouldn’t deter me,” he explained. “I’ve travelled all over the world, and sadly, terrorism is not exclusive to Islamic countries.”

Haire, too, said the attacks were worrying but wouldn’t have stopped her from seeing Egypt. “I don’t think we can live life in fear of the eventuality of things happening to us,” she said.

Protector of the Egyptian tombs, the Great Sphinx of Giza, is believed to have been made in the image of Pharaoh Khafra [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

The Giza-based guide lamented the attacks, but was steadfast in his optimism that he would see a reversal of his fortunes this year, noting that prior to the Coptic church bombings, he had been busier than usual.

“[These] things happen everywhere,” he said. “Terrorism is everywhere. In Istanbul you find some attacks. [Last month] it was London. The media sometimes is exaggerating about things in Egypt. Egypt is very safe.”

But he added cautiously, “Nothing is sure in this world.”

The sun sets over the Great Pyramids of Giza in November 2016 [Dorian Geiger/Al Jazeera]

My Growing Frustration And Anger With Egyptian Tourism.

I love Egypt, I genuinely think it is one of the best destinations on the planet and I have had countless adventures there over the years. But at the same time I am growing increasingly frustrated with Egypt as a country, with illegal buildings encroaching onto the Giza plateau and other hitorical and cultural sites, and think that if it is not careful, it will not only destroy its own tourism industry but more importantly lose some of history’s greatest treasures forever.

Egypt has been one of the worlds greatest travel destinations since time immemorial. It has been a source of endless wonder and fascination for me that I could walk in the footsteps of Victorian explorers, Roman Emperors, Macedonian and Arab invaders and Greek Scholars alike, simply existing in the same space as one of written histories most ancient civilisations and seeing for myself some of histories greatest landmarks and ancient wonders.

I have loved spending time in different parts of the country and immersing myself in its culture and traditions. I just love Egypt as a destination.

But despite this love affair, recent visits to the country have left me increasingly frustrated with the state of Egyptian tourism and physically angry at seeing what is happening there. But not for reasons that you may think.

I am not frustrated at the level of touts and hassle that Egypt is said to have. It can get annoying on occasion but it is never as bad as people assume. It isn’t the ridiculous and endless ‘rules’ at tourist sites that are often made up on the spot, inconsistently applied and seem to be designed purely to squeeze every last penny possible from gullible tourists. It isn’t even the scaremongering from the mass media at how dangerous Egypt is supposed to be and how that has caused Egyptian tourism to suffer significantly in recent years.

What is making me angry beyond belief is seeing what is happening to the ancient wonders and monuments I have come to see.

It is the Egyptian government, the Egyptian people and even the tourism industry itself that is doing more harm to Egyptian tourism than any Western media ever could.

UNESCO world heritage sites are being built on top of and used as rubbish tips, package tourists are allowed to clamber over priceless statues for a selfie whilst ‘guards’ are only concerned about selling more tickets and stopping other tourists from taking photos at all unless they pay for extra tickets.

And it is the increasing damage to historical sites, and Egypt’s main tourist draws, through illegal building, government corruption, unmanaged urban crawl and the complete disregard for planning law and regulations that are making me furious.

The Pyramids Of Giza At Risk!

Busy road and construction at Pyramids of Giza Egypt

The Giza plateau is part of a vast archaeological complex that stretches as far as Dashur and Saqqara and has been a protected and designated UNESCO site since 1979, as long as I have been alive.

The Pyramids and the Sphinx itself have suffered untold damage over the centuries, and Giza itself has always encroached closer and closer to the plateau itself in living memory, so much so that many tourists are surprised to find that the city basically edges right up to the plateau, with the suburb of Nazlet El Samman holding a number of small hotels and guesthouses, as well as many of the horse and camel stables that take tourists out into the desert and even the infamous Pizza Hut in front of the Sphinx.

Yes, that is a thing.

Pizza Hut in front of the Sphinx, Pyramids of Giza Egypt

But since the Egyptian revolution in 2011, a lack of any real security and a lazy government bureaucracy backed up by corruption and self interest, private construction companies have been allowed to demolish and rebuild large, multi storey residential buildings that encroach onto the plateau itself.

illegal building at the Giza plateau Egypt

Not only that, the long -once largely pedestrianized – road that stretched through the plateau for many years has now been joined by two large car parks and a roundabout, one by the primary entrance near the Pyramid of Khufu, and another one in front of the Pyramid of Khafre.

Car park in front of the Giza Pyramids Egypt

The Giza Plateau Is Now A God Damn Car Park!

Car parks, right outside the Pyramids, just so fat package tourists don’t have to waddle as far from their air conditioned coaches!

I have no words!

Nothing should be being built on a site of such historical and cultural importance. Nothing!

These abominations, along with an actual helipad and an extended road that will eventually lead to the long delayed new Egyptian Museum which is being built out in the desert just past the plateau, have been build right on top of the plateau at a time when many other major UNESCO heritage sites such as Kathmandu and Agra in India are taking steps to stem the harmful traffic vibrations and pollution by banning traffic around sites.

They are being built on a plateau that once had at least a certain amount of protection, a site that Zawi Hawass, the former Director General of the Supreme Council Of Antiquities, for all his bombastic nonsense, at the very least once tried to protect.

A Threat To Egypt’s Cultural And Historical Heritage.

Although some efforts have been made to demolish some of the illegal building on top of the plateau, the security forces are still largely underfunded and ineffectual since the cultural revolution and do very little to curb the illegal building, and the current government shows very little sign of doing anything about it.

In fact the limited efforts that have been implemented have been met with resistance from the residents of Nazlet El Samman and backed up by a legal ruling that allowed occupied buildings to stay, even though they were illegally built.

Demolished buildings and construction in front of the Giza Plateau Pyramids Egypt

The measures that were once planned by the Supreme Council of Antiquities before the revolution, such as banning any traffic on the plateau with a diverted ring road around it and establishing a safe zone around any monument have been roundly ignored and dismissed.

But Giza is not the only historical site under threat. Egypt’s earliest known pyramid complex at Dahshour is being encroached on by locals illegally expanding a cemetery and building modern brick tombs.

Efforts to protect Cairo’s Islamic heritage have been destroyed after gates were stolen and locals damaged some of the restoration work and set up shops, kiosks and traffic shortcuts on andf around historical monuments.

The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, already built on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, has been surrounded by modern, congested roads and ugly security walls in what was once a pleasant, open pedestrianised space.

The temples at Edfu and Akhmiem in Middle Egypt have had vast crack appear and sections destroyed by urban crawl, a lack of cultural awareness or care and the expansion of careless and unregulated agriculture.

What Happens Next?

This makes me genuinely angry and it is heartbreaking seeing such unique historical and cultural sites damaged and neglected like this.

A balance needs to be implemented not only between unregulated tourism, which is only held in check at the moment by the fact that tourism is at the moment non existent, but also between local populations and historical sites too.

I understand that poverty is an issue in Egypt, I understand that there is a significant lack of public funds and that political incompetence and apathy is not up to the task of dealing with the highly organised and wholesale looting of archaeological sites or the cultural ignorance and selfish demands of locals and developers when encroaching and building on convenient protected land instead of reclaimed, empty desert. I also understand that Egypt’s population is booming and there is a need to facilitate that.

But this is not the way.

It is heartbreaking to see the way Egypt has developed since the cultural revolution and frustrating to see so many missed opportunities.

There is a need now, more than ever before, for Egyptian and international archaeologists and authorities to work alongside the locals who live and work alongside these ancient monuments and sites. There is a dire need for new laws and administrative systems to protect this cultural and historical heritage whilst attending to the needs of the local population, and whilst many voices, including my own have called for an end to the scaremongering of Egyptian tourism and a need for tourists to return to the country, there is also a need to curb tourism until it can be managed responsibly and sustainably.

If the Egyptians themselves don’t take measures to curb the damage being done to these ancient monuments, then they will not be around for future generations to enjoy and the world will have lost a unique and priceless piece of history.

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48 comments on “ My Growing Frustration And Anger With Egyptian Tourism. ”

I have also been to Egypt in 2016 and have seen these things too. So sad to see.

I completely agree.

I completely agree, sites like these need to be protected and preserved. Fine, have tourism there, make money from them, that’s fine, but it has to be done in a way that is respectful and sustainable.

Exactly Edwin.

I cannot believe there is a car park and a helipad near the pyramids? Seriously WTF?

Tell me about it, there really just aren’t words for the sheer lack of intelligence or forethought.

Our World is growing too small ….it’s hard to see KFC everywhere. It’s been 10 years since I have been to Egypt…there was no car park there then….times are changing.

They really are, and not always for the better.

I totally get where you are coming from. This is so sad to see.

Love how you show both sides of travel, the good and the bad. It is so sad to see amazing sites getting destroyed by tourism in this way, and what makes it worse is that this is not overtourism this is just bad decisions by the local government!

Thanks Kerry, I completely agree.

I can’t believe they have actually built a road and a helipad on the pyramids! What the hell! I am just so angry about this. Do they not realise the damage they are doing?

I’m with you. I think they know, I just don’t think they care.

Seeing a Pizza Hut / KFC right across from the Sphinx made me so sad, even more than the building sites all around Giza.

I know what you mean.

100% share your frustration with this. Far beyond tourism these monuments are historical treasures that should be saved and protected at all costs

The taxi to Giza was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Seeing the pyramids apoear over the buildings was just mindblowing. Even the driver knew exactly what I was thinking. But I agree, seeing the half finished buildings creeping onto the Giza plateau and the new roads and car parks being built on it felt so wrong.

It does spoil the moment doesn’t it.

I have absolutely nothing against locals making money from tourism, I genuinely encourage it, but things like this should be heavily, heavily regulated.

The big problem as I see it is not just a lack of international regulation but an absolute lack of local punishment for breaking ‘rules’ that are nothing more than lip service.

You aren’t wrong Reuben.

Sounds like that ‘legal’ ruling to allow illegal buildings to stay made someone very well off.

I couldn’t possibly comment.

Why are people just allowed to do this and get away with it?

Good question.

This is so wrong!

I wouldn’t have believed there was a helipad if you didn’t have a picture. That’s just shocking.

It really is! Just completely unnecessary.

They are going to exploiting destroy the one thing they have that brings tourists to the area out of sheer greed

I know what you mean

I am normally not one to say a country shouldn’t have control over what they do in their own borders but the pyramids should be of international concern. They shouldn’t be allowed to keep damaging the plateau like this. What are UNESCO doing?

There is pretty much nothing they can do Dom.

I wish the Egyptian government would take tourism seriously and get a grip on things at Giza.

Me too Louise!

Zawi Hawass may have been a fool but at least he tried to protect Giza

Very true. He ring fenced the entire plateau and wouldn’t let anything encroach on it.

Egypt is so reliant on tourism but they don’t help themselves at all.

I don’t disagree.

I hate to see this. Almost makes me not want to visit at all

That’s a shame, it is maddening but Egypt is still worth visiting

The amount of hotels with ‘pyramid views’ that are springing up aren’t helping either. Glad to see you aren’t one of those so called influencers pretending to travel solo on a trip while having manicured photos from their balconies.

I think I know the ones you mean Colin! And you are right, many of those hotels are actively breaking the law

The short sightedness is shocking.

It really is.

Egyptology Is Having a Big Moment. But Will Tourists Come?

Tourism in Egypt has been buffeted by political instability and terrorism. But the pandemic has dealt the industry its biggest blow in years.

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By Abdi Latif Dahir

CAIRO — On a cool morning last November, Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister stood in a packed tent at the vast necropolis of Saqqara just outside Cairo to reveal the ancient site’s largest archaeological discovery of the year.

The giant trove included 100 wooden coffins — some containing mummies interred over 2,500 years ago — 40 statues, amulets, canopic jars and funerary masks. The minister, Khaled el-Enany, said the latest findings hinted at the great potential of the ancient site and showcased the dedication of the all-Egyptian team that unearthed the gilded artifacts.

But he also singled out another reason the archaeological discoveries were crucial: it was a boon for tourism, which had been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This unique site is still hiding a lot,” Mr. el-Enany said. “The more discoveries we make, the more interest there is in this site and in Egypt worldwide.”

Egyptology is having a big moment: Archaeologists announced this month that they had unearthed an ancient Pharaonic city near the southern city of Luxor that dated back more than 3,400 years.

The discovery came just days after 22 royal mummies were moved to a new museum in a lavish spectacle that was broadcast worldwide. In addition, the discovery of 59 beautifully preserved sarcophagi in Saqqara is now the subject of a recent Netflix documentary ; a bejeweled statue of the god Nefertum was found in Saqqara; the 4,700-year-old Djoser’s Step Pyramid was reopened last year after a 14-year, $6.6 million restoration; and progress is apace on the stunning Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled to open sometime this year.

But the pandemic has dealt a severe blow to the industry, and what had been expected to be a bonanza season became a bleak winter.

Tourism is a crucial part of Egypt’s economy — international tourism revenues totaled $13 billion in 2019 — and the country has been eager to attract visitors back to its archaeological sites.

With travel restrictions, border closings and reduced capacity at hotels, international visitors to Egypt dropped by 69 percent in the first eight months of 2020 alone while revenues plunged by 67 percent in the same period, according to the World Tourism Organization, a United Nations agency.

Now more than ever, tourism in Egypt is facing “an unprecedented challenge,” Zurab Pololikashvili, the organization’s secretary general said in an email.

In recent years, Egypt’s tourism has been adversely affected by a string of misfortunes, starting with the political instability that followed the 2011 revolution and occasional bursts of terrorism, including attacks on tourists , bomb blasts that damaged prominent museums and a downed airliner that killed hundreds of Russian tourists in 2015.

But the sector was steadily recovering, with visitors attracted by both antiquities and the sun-and-sea offerings, growing to over 13 million in 2019 from 5.3 million in 2016. The coronavirus pandemic has reversed these gains, leaving hotels, resorts and cruises empty, popular sites without visitors and revenue, and thousands of tour guides and vendors with drastically reduced incomes or none at all.

“Tourism in Egypt just had one of its best years in 2019 and then came the pandemic which severely impacted it all,” Amr Karim, the general manager for Travco Travel, one of Egypt’s largest tour operators, said in a telephone interview. “Nobody knew what would happen, how we will handle it, how it will affect us. It’s strange.”

The pandemic, he said, disrupted how tour companies operated, how they priced their packages and how to work with hotels and abide by their new hygiene playbooks.

The pandemic also exposed the fragility of Egypt’s health care system , with doctors lamenting shortages in protective equipment and testing kits while patients died from lack of oxygen . With over 12,000 deaths, Egypt also recorded one of the highest fatality rates from the virus in the Arab world.

With a growing number of cases, health officials in Egypt have recently warned of a third wave of the virus. Authorities have also canceled large gatherings and festivals, and promised to fine those not complying with protective measures like mask-wearing, but many Egyptians do not abide by these rules.

Travelers are required to have a negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours before arriving in Egypt, and hotels are mandated to operate at half capacity.

The crisis affected not just big companies like Travco but also smaller ones that had started betting big on the growing tourism industry.

Passainte Assem established Why Not Egypt , a boutique travel agency, in 2017 by interviewing prospective travelers and customizing itineraries for them. But after the pandemic began, most of her clients, who are from Australia, Canada and the United States, canceled their plans, she said, pushing her to suspend the business for now.

The experience left her feeling that “tourism is not stable at all,” she said. “It cannot be the only source of income. I have to have a side hustle.”

She now works as a manager of a company trying to revive and preserve traditional Egyptian handicrafts.

With shrinking bookings, the government has stepped in to cushion the blow to the tourism sector. Authorities introduced a raft of measures including allowing certain tourism-dependent businesses like hotels and resorts to delay the payment of utility bills, rescheduling debt repayments and providing financial aid to tourism workers.

The government has also sought to attract travelers by reducing the cost of tourist visas and entrance fees to archaeological sites, and has created programs aimed at increasing domestic tourism to make up for the lack of foreign tourists. A winter promotion, for instance, offered Egyptians discounts on domestic plane travel, hotels and museum admissions .

But Ahmed Samir, chief executive of the tour company Egypt Tours Portal , said the direct cash support for tourism workers was minimal. With reduced bookings, he was able to keep his employees in his marketing and social media departments on the payroll but at half salary.

“As a kind of sympathy to my employees, we tried to balance,” he said. But still, he added, “most of my friends’ companies closed completely.”

The slowdown in tourist arrivals has left areas usually swamped by tourists quiet.

At the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, Mahrous Abu Seif, a tour guide, sat waiting for clients one morning. A few small tour groups, including from Russia and China, were going through metal detector scans to go into the museum. But he hoped that more clients would come.

“What can I tell you? We sit here and wait and wait,” he said, throwing his hands in the air and adjusting his sunglasses. “We don’t know what the future holds.”

On the other side of town, at the historic El Fishawy coffee house, a few locals gurgled their water pipes and drank mint tea or Turkish coffee while melodious Quran recitation ascended from a nearby speaker. Located in the centuries-old Khan el Khalili market, the cafe, along with souvenir and jewelry shops, was hit badly by the pandemic.

“I used to bring people here and it would be packed, but look at it now,” Mohamed Said Rehan, a guide with a local company, said of the cafe. “The pandemic is a big problem.”

Mr. Rehan said that he knows many colleagues and friends who had to stay home for months without income or who left the industry altogether. But he still clings to a thread of hope that tourism will pick up soon.

And some tourists have indeed started coming back.

In February, Marcus Zimmermann, a 43-year-old architect from Germany, was visiting Egypt for the first time, stopping first in Cairo and planning trips to the southern city of Luxor, home to the iconic Valley of the Kings. Mr. Zimmermann had hoped to come to Egypt last year with his mother, who dreamed of being an archaeologist, for her 70th birthday. But they had to cancel their plans because of the pandemic.

This year, he decided to come alone but promised to “plan the trip again” with her once she’s vaccinated.

Even though it will be tough attaining the prepandemic figures quickly, people like Mr. Karim who work in the industry hope tourists will start coming back by year’s end.

With all the new discoveries, renovations and the planned opening of new sites and museums, tourists will gradually flock back to Egypt, he said.

“People will start to move. People will start to travel,” he said. “I am optimistic.”

Nada Rashwan and Asmaa Al Zohairy contributed reporting.

Abdi Latif Dahir is the East Africa correspondent. He joined The Times in 2019 after covering East Africa for Quartz for three years. He lives in Nairobi, Kenya. More about Abdi Latif Dahir

9 mistakes travelers make when visiting Egypt

For many people, visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza; the tombs of the Valley of Kings; and the many ancient temples of Egypt is a bucket list trip — and for good reason. A trip to Egypt can reveal the secrets of one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations on Earth. But modern-day Egypt is also fraught with logistical problems, and many travelers harbor misconceptions about the culture, how long to spend there and how safe it is to travel around the country.

Before my recent trip to Egypt , I frankly didn't quite know what to expect. But I was blown away by both the ancient sites as well as the friendliness and openness of the locals. Based on my own experience, and the advice of some seasoned travelers, here are some common tourist mistakes to avoid the first time you visit Egypt.

Related: The best starter credit cards

Worrying about safety

Egypt currently has a 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, and that — combined with headlines about political unrest following the Arab Spring protests and uprisings from 2011 to 2015 — might make you wonder if it's safe to go there. But to put things into perspective, Italy, France, Spain, the U.K., the Netherlands and Denmark all currently have Level 2 warnings: and they're some of the safest places in the world. So, those warnings should be taken with a grain of salt.

I'll admit that, before my trip, I was a bit apprehensive (mainly because, shortly before my trip, at least 20 people were killed in Cairo ), but once I was on the ground, I felt at ease. I was in good hands with Extraordinary Journeys , an award-winning safari outfitter that organizes trips throughout Africa and beyond.

"It is important to travel with a respected company ..." Marcia Gordon, who founded Extraordinary Journeys with her daughter, told TPG. "You have the services of a company in Egypt with outstanding guides and staff. They are aware of local conditions and can change plans for you on a dime to avoid any areas of danger or uncertainty, or get you out of the country if it should be necessary. Your safety is their number one priority."

Other highly-rated tour companies that organize trips to Egypt include Abercrombie & Kent and Intrepid Travel .

Traveling uninsured

That said, Egypt is one of those places where you probably should get travel insurance. Aside from serious medical emergencies, a good travel insurance policy will have your back in case of lost luggage, flight delays, trip cancellation and more. I purchased a policy from Allianz, and though I didn't need it, it gave me peace of mind knowing I was covered by one of TPG's top-rated travel insurance providers .

Of course, if you have a credit card with good travel protections , you might not need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy. Check to see if your card includes emergency medical evacuation coverage in addition to more protections, such as baggage delay and trip delay or cancellation coverage. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers up to $100,000 for medical evacuation coverage, and The Platinum Card® from American Express includes unlimited medical evacuation coverage, but excludes pre-existing conditions.

Karnak Temple in Luxor is Egypt's largest surviving temple complex. Photo by Ali Hegazy on Unsplash

Only visiting Cairo

Travelers visiting Egypt will most likely fly into Cairo International (CAI), but most of the good stuff isn't actually there. Yes, you can visit the Egyptian Museum, shop at the souk and see some historic mosques, churches and synagogues, but the most impressive sites are elsewhere. From central Cairo, it will take you anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours (if you get stuck in Cairo's notorious traffic) to get to the Pyramids of Giza, and they're not even the most impressive sites in Egypt. The most impressive tombs are in the Valley of Kings outside Luxor, and there are incredible temples along the Nile in Luxor, Edfu and Aswan.

But that doesn't mean you should skip it completely. "I think people should spend at least a few days in Cairo to take in the world famous Khan el-Khalili market, the Cairo Citadel and try some Egyptian cuisine, like the national dish (koshary) and other delicacies like stuffed pigeon," Elizabeth Guthrie, a professor of Arabic Studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., told TPG.

Going without a guide

"Can you see the sights alone? Yes. Is it more of an experience with a guide? Absolutely," Iz, the social media influencer behind the popular account @peppermintplaces , told TPG. "The guides in Cairo are friendly, reasonable and completely worth it. They know the inside stories, shortcuts [and] historic sites that are not as well known, and they are local. You will not be approached as often by [people] trying to sell you items on the street."

It's best to find a tour company that suits your needs and book your tours in advance. Iz used Emo Tours Egypt and raved about her guide. My guide, who works exclusively with Extraordinary Journeys, is one of the country's leading Egyptologists. He not only explained the historic and archeological significance of the sites I visited, but also regaled me with tales of his days working as an archeologist tracing hieroglyphics on Philae Temple when it had to be relocated to an island after the construction of the new Aswan Dam.

Not staying in luxury hotels

Compared to many other parts of the world, luxury hotels are a bargain in Egypt , especially if you're willing to go in the low season, like I did. (Peak season is December and January.) Yes, going in the summer or fall means it will be hot (think: 110 degrees Fahrenheit hot), but it also means you can get a room at the five-star Marriott Mena House in Giza for as low as $100 or 17,500 points per night. Some rooms even have views of the pyramids.

Likewise, the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor currently shows rates as low as $95 and you can earn or redeem Le Club Accor Hotels points. Rooms at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan — where Agatha Christie penned part of "Death on the Nile" — start at $217 per night and many rooms come with Nile River views.

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel is a grand dame with fantastic views of the Nile. Photo by Fabrice Rembert

Even in Cairo, luxury hotels are a steal. When it opens in the summer of 2020, the Category 5 St. Regis Cairo will have rooms from 30,000 points per night on off-peak dates. (Compare that to The St. Regis Hong Kong or The St. Regis New York, both of which are Category 8 properties that start at 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates.)

Essentially, Egypt is a great place to plan a luxury trip while still sticking to a budget.

Getting caught in the crowds

In addition to getting better rates at hotels, you're going to have an overall more enjoyable experience if you avoid the high season with its crush of tourist crowds. If you want to do a Nile River Cruise — which you should — this is especially important. In the high season, cruise ships let thousands of passengers off all at once, which leads to crowding in the temples. There are a couple of ways to get around this: Go in the low season, or take a small private dahabiyah (a traditional wooden Egyptian boat), so the crew can time your shore excursions in order to avoid the cruise ships.

"Egypt is still a bit quiet following the unrest of 2011 through 2015, but the visitor numbers are rising every year. Thanks to lots of new hotels and cruise ships and some creative timing and infrastructure by the Egyptian government, you can still have a very quiet and intimate experience in most of the monuments," Marcia Gordon told TPG, adding, "The Great Museum is meant to attract a lot of new visitors, and word of mouth will continue to spread, creating a tourist boom over the next few years. Go now while we can still find ways to avoid the crowds and give you not just the beauty and the fascinating history, but the awe inspiring magic of each location."

Haggling over taxi fares

If you travel with a tour operator, you won't have to worry about this, but if you're trying to get around Cairo on your own, it can be a bit of a nightmare. Many taxi drivers will try to get you to pay a higher fixed rate than what you'd pay if the fare is metered, which it should be. If you do take a taxi, insist the driver turn on the meter. Or, if you have a Wi-Fi connection or international data, you can use Uber or the Dubai-based ride-hailing app Careem. Both are quite cheap in Egypt.

Abu Simbel Temple. Photo by AussieActive on Unsplash

Expecting things to run on time

While this wasn't an issue during my trip, I've heard it from others who talk about things running on "Egyptian time." It's partly a cultural difference, but also with traffic as bad as it is, you can hardly expect to stick to a tight schedule. "If you have an appointment with someone in Cairo, bring a book. You might be waiting an hour or more for them to show up," said Elizabeth Guthrie.

Falling for scams

"When I was visiting the Egyptian Museum, I fell for an all-too-common scam," TPG contributor Stefanie Waldek said. "'Friendly locals wait outside the entrance gates for unsuspecting visitors, then tell them the museum is temporarily closed for one reason or another." They told Waldek the museum was closed for prayer, and would reopen in an hour.

"My friend and I were then somewhat forcefully ushered across the street to a trinket shop to pass the time, where we were told we'd get great deals because it was a government-run store. At this point, we knew we were being scammed and immediately left for the museum. Of course, the museum was not closed for prayer — it turns out the scammers get a cut of whatever money their victims spend at the shop. Luckily, we only lost time, not money."

It's not uncommon for taxi drivers to try to scam tourists , too. They might try not to use the meter when they're supposed to, or vice versa. Taxi drivers have also been known to take tourists to their friends' shops in order to get a commission on whatever they buy. If a taxi driver or some other local does something that seems fishy, don't be afraid to insist they take you directly to your destination, stop the car and let you out.

Planning the Perfect Trip to Egypt: Must Know Pros & Cons

Published by eclectic emissary on january 7, 2021 january 7, 2021, everything you need to know before going to egypt.

Egypt is an incredible travel destination for rich history and some of the most iconic landmarks on the planet. Millions of tourists visit every year to see the famous pyramids in Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. Before you take a trip to the African continent , there is a lot to prepare to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s the essential tips for your first trip to Egypt.

Is Egypt Safe?

Just to clear up some misconceptions and put your mind at ease, Egypt is very safe, despite some negative media portrayal. As long as you stay within the big cities like Cairo , Luxor , Alexandria, Aswan, etc. there is no need to worry. However, some regions like the Sinai Peninsula, the western desert, and international borders should be avoided due to terrorist activities and highly militarized zones. We traveled to many cities around the country and never felt any danger.

Planning Your Trip to Egypt

There may be many added travel bans due to the coronavirus, but Egypt is one of the few countries allowing tourism. It’s not exactly the easiest country to traverse with many areas in extreme poverty and a militarized police presence. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare before starting the journey.

Covid-19 PCR Test – You’ll need to printed copy of your negative PCR test results from an accredited lab taken no more than 72 hours before flight departure time. (96 Hours for travelers from North America and a few other countries)
(October 2021 update) – Those with an accepted vaccination card are now allowed to enter without a negative covid test!
Visa – Americans and citizens from 45 other countries will need a visa to enter Egypt. You can secure an e-visa online or at the airport upon arrival.
Proof of Medical Insurance – No one asked for ours, but its good to have your healthcare coverage card with you just in case. No vaccinations are mandatory but there are a few that are recommended . Just try to avoid street meat when possible and only drink bottled water and you should be fine.
Travel Insurance – In these times of increased travel uncertainty, you might want to get some travel insurance .
Clothing – Egyptians have a very religious culture, so modest attire is recommended so you don’t stand out too much. Cover the shoulders, don’t wear shorts, and remove shoes before entering mosques or other sacred places of worship.
Climate – Egypt is blazing hot in the summer, so it’s best to visit during winter months between October and April. You can also visit cities like El Ghouna or Hurghada along the Red Sea for a relaxing beach vacation.
Currency – The national currency is the Egyptian Pound, but everyone would gladly accept your USD. Be sure to take out EGP from an ATM and have as many smalls bills as possible for tipping.

Pros & Cons of Egypt

Egypt is a fascinating country to explore, but is definitely not for rookie travelers. With all the amazing landmarks comes some inconveniences to be aware of. Here’s our pros and cons of visiting Egypt.

Some of the best sightseeing on Earth
The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining artifacts from the 7 ancient wonders of the world
Super cheap 5 star hotels and other lodging
Rich history and religious culture
Amazing Egyptian cuisine and fresh foods
Generally very friendly people and service
Exchange rate is great, so good buying power for USD
Weather is always hot and almost never rains
The price on EVERYTHING is negotiable so you can usually haggle for great prices

Hustlers pestering you every square inch of the city. They will relentlessly harass you to buy stuff if you so much as gaze in their direction
Absolutely horrendous traffic. They follow no road rules whatsoever and drivers are hectically driving all over the lines with a chaotic atmosphere on every street
Air quality is not great. There are clouds of smog around the city due to the pollution and everyone smokes cigarettes all the time
Transportation is a hassle. Traveling between different regions of Egypt can be stressful as they will stop you at every single checkpoint. Just keep your passport on you at all times. Taking the day train from Luxor to Cairo might be one of the easiest modes for transportation though.
Constantly having to dress conservatively. Especially when it gets extremely hot
Foreigners are usually charged extra if not double for entry tickets, taxi rides, and souvenirs
Its possible to get sick from contaminated food or water so there’s always an added risk in eating street food
The tipping culture in Egypt is obsessive. You are expected to tip for pretty much anything, even someone lifting your bags into the car, room service, holding a door open, etc.

Despite all the negative experiences, the magnificent sights of the ancient world are a good enough reason to visit Egypt. None of the cons are meant to deter anyone from planning a trip there, it just helps to be aware of these issues to mitigate any unexpected surprises. Egypt is a place like none other and I encourage everyone to experience it for themselves. So will you love Egypt? Will you hate it? If you go mentally prepared and avoid all the mistakes I made, it can become one of your favorite trips. Stay tuned for more travel content to the amazing country! Until then, thanks for reading and keep leveling up!

Check out our Digital Travel Guide: How to Save Money & Travel More! For our best tips on booking cheap flights, hotels, and the best travel hacks for saving money on your trips!

How to Save Money & Travel More! Eclectic Travel Guide

Cairo, Egypt: 10 Unforgettable Things to do in this Chaotic City · January 13, 2021 at 12:44 am

[…] experience most of what the city has to offer without getting too overwhelmed. If it’s your first time visiting Egypt, start preparing for your journey here. Here’s the top 10 most unforgettable things to do in […]

Luxor, Egypt's 8 Most Breathtaking Experiences to Have · January 25, 2021 at 8:22 pm

[…] city. For those looking to plan everything perfectly for their first trip to Egypt, check out this post. Thanks for reading, and keep leveling […]

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I'm convinced Egypt could be the greatest tourist destination in the world if it weren't for a troubling pattern that nearly ruined my trip

After years of instability, tourists are starting to come back to Egypt , a country that was once one of the premier destinations in the world, with gorgeous beaches, breathtaking desert landscapes, and arguably the greatest collection of ruins, temples, and artifacts in the world.
I decided to make the trip to Egypt this year after dreaming of visiting since I was a kid.
While the historical sights and scenery lived up to expectations, I found myself constantly frustrated by the feeling that I'd been taken advantage of by guides, that tour operators were cutting corners, or that people were outright lying to me.

It had long been a dream of mine to visit Egypt.

Sitting on the Mediterranean, the country is blessed with gorgeous beaches, breathtaking desert landscapes, a pleasant and warm winter climate, and, arguably, the greatest collection of ruins, temples, and artifacts in the world.

But after the 2011 Arab Spring revolution, the country seemed unstable and unsafe. Political turmoil, violence, and terror attacks put a visit to Egypt on the back burner for me. I wasn't the only one.

In 2010, Egypt attracted 14.7 million visitors, the tourism industry employed about 12% of the country's workforce and made up 10% of its GDP. In 2011, the year of the revolution, that number dropped to 10 million . By 2014, revenue for Egypt's top tourist sites had dropped 95% from 2011, numbers so low the government speculated it might not be able to keep the sites open.

Eight years on, the revolution has given way to a tenuous stability enforced by the quasi-democratic strongman presidency of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. It has also led to the jailing of dozens of journalists and activists, as well as occasional terror-related incidents in Sinai, outside Cairo, and on the western border with Libya.

Last year, tourism started to bounce back . With the Egyptian pound trading with the dollar at 17 to 1, those in the industry and the government are optimistic the industry is back on the upswing.

With all that in mind, I decided to make the trip to Egypt this winter.

Egypt is a beautiful, interesting, and frustrating place to visit

For the most part, it was enthralling.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza was awe-inspiring as I’d hoped. Luxor and Karnak temples, the country’s most famous ancient sites, were well-kept and tightly managed. The tomb paintings in the Valley of the Kings — rich with yellows, blues, and reds from thousands of years ago — left my jaw on the floor.

And yet, I couldn’t wait to leave.

By the day of my flight out, I was exhausted and frustrated. Dozens of tourists I met over my one month in the country expressed a similar feeling. The same joke was made repeatedly: "I love the Egypt of thousands of years ago, but I can’t stand Egypt today."

Nearly every tourist I spoke to was referring to the same issue. Throughout his or her trip, they’d felt taken advantage of by guides, had tours where operators cut corners, or were outright lied to.

Such issues do not happen only in Egypt. But the frequency with which I — and others I spoke with — experienced these issues made me think it was more than my isolated experience or a few bad apples.

I was constantly arguing to get things I'd already paid for

Let me walk you through one of the dozen experiences that happened to me while in Egypt.

I traveled to upper Egypt for a five-day tour to all the major sites in the region and a cruise up the Nile. I normally don’t take tours, preferring to explore on my own. But Egypt’s lack of infrastructure makes tours the easiest way to see the country — even for seasoned backpackers — and put money in the hands of regular Egyptians.

The tour started off ominously when I arrived in Aswan, a small town that serves as a jumping off point. My local guide started the tour of the nearby Philae temple five hours later than scheduled so he could add an additional traveler to our tour after their late arrival, leaving us with less than an hour to see the temple before it closed.

The following day, I woke up at 4 a.m. to drive four hours with a different guide to the Abu Simbel temples near the border with Sudan. When we got there, we were told we'd have only an hour to see it, rather than two hours that were promised. The tour group argued until the guide relented.

I'd woken up at 4 a.m. for that tour so we could drive back to Aswan in time to catch my Nile cruise ship before it set sail that afternoon. When we got back, another guide checked me into the cruise ship and reiterated that the ship would leave shortly after lunch, so we could see Kom Ombo Temple that evening.

I went downstairs, had lunch, and then went to my room to relax while the boat sailed. An hour passed, then two, and then three. The sun was setting, and the boat still hadn’t left.

In the lobby, I asked the cruise-ship director why we hadn’t sailed. He looked at me, confused. “We don’t sail on Wednesdays. We sail on Thursdays,” he said. When I complained that my guide had said we’d sail that day and that the itinerary was contingent upon that schedule, he shrugged. “I only manage the ship. I don’t know about your tour company, but everyone in Aswan and Luxor knows we sail on Thursdays,” he said.

Aside from the fact that two different guides seemed to have lied to me, the cruise ship's itinerary meant I would have less than a day to see Luxor, the location of Egypt's most treasured archeological sites and the main reason I took the tour. My itinerary had called for two full days, already tight with what I planned to see.

When I got to Luxor on Friday night, my guide there, a man named Reda, conceded that completing everything in the Luxor itinerary — a hot-air-balloon ride and visits to Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut — in time for my afternoon bus on Saturday was likely impossible.

He called his manager, who told me that it had been out of his control that the boat left a day late and he’d had no idea. When I told him the cruise-ship director said every guide and company knows the boat sails from Aswan on Thursdays, he offered to put me up for a night in Luxor so I could get two days in the city as promised.

Thankfully, I could afford to add a day to my itinerary. But I met many others on the cruise in a similar situation who had no such wiggle room. They were on meticulously planned one-week or 10-day vacations.

The tug-of-war with tour guides turned a fun experience into an exasperating one

I came to Egypt worrying about safety — a worry that I can say was mostly unfounded — but left exhausted by feeling cheated at every turn.

Over the course of the month, I repeatedly had tours start hours after they were supposed to, watched itineraries change without notice, and heard I had significantly less time at a tourist site than I'd been told when booking — to the point that guides rushed me through temples I'd waited my whole life to experience. I had drivers try to drop me 45 minutes from my hotel because it was more convenient for them and tour operators lie about where our transportation was.

At first I thought a poorly managed tour company was to blame.

But, as the incidents stacked up with different companies and guides, it began to feel like a pattern. Nearly every traveler I met on the cruise ship, in Aswan, in Cairo, and elsewhere described similar experiences to me, and they'd all booked with different companies or guides.

The experience bummed me out.

More than most countries I’ve visited, Egyptian tourism seemed to benefit locals, not just international conglomerates. The guides, drivers, inn owners, and tour operators were, from what I saw, always locals from the town or city. Most were exceptionally friendly and open, with a wealth of knowledge about their country and its history.

I sympathize with those in Egypt suffering the post-revolution economic downturn. I hope tourists return en masse to experience the many amazing landscapes, the culture, and the history the country has to offer. It would do wonders for helping the country — and its beleaguered people — get back on its feet.

But I know that, while I’m the kind of traveler who has the flexibility to deal with those aggravations, others may go home feeling that visiting Egypt isn’t worth the hassle.

That's bad news for everybody.

More travel tips from Business Insider's international correspondent:
I use the same trick in any city I visit to make sure I find amazing food
Couchsurfing has a hidden feature that helped me have the wildest night in Tokyo partying until sunrise
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Watch: Look inside a newly unearthed 15th century BC Egyptian tomb full of mummies and relics

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Egypt still on the holiday map, but is it risky and is it right?

Senior Lecturer, Bournemouth University

Director, International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research, Bournemouth University

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How do you choose where to go on holiday? If you haven’t got anywhere specific in mind, such as the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China or Niagara Falls, there are an almost infinite number of alternatives to choose from. So one of the main factors to take into account is safety - people tend to avoid destinations that offer a greater level of risk than they get back in return for the benefits they get from going there. So how does travel risk fit into the decision making process of leisure tourists?

To understand this we collected 394 questionnaires before and during the Arab Spring, when Tunisia first flared up through to the time when the focus was on change in Egypt and Libya. The data was collected from September 2010 to June 2011 from residents across the UK. We asked people: “How much risk do you feel is involved when travelling to a list of Middle East countries?”

From the results it became clear that Egypt was seen as a moderate-to-low risk destination, along with countries such as Jordan, Oman and Syria, which at the time had no civil wars. The respondents were then asked: “If time and money were not an obstacle for your next vacation would you go to any of the following destinations? The results from this question placed Egypt firmly into the desirability group enjoyed by the low-risk countries such as Turkey and the UAE.

Risky but rewarding

As figures 1 and 2 show, Egypt at the time of the overthrow of president Mubarak was seen as being more risky than Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, yet in terms of popularity it was clustered alongside both countries. So despite being associated with significantly more travel risk in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Egypt was still a popular tourist destination. Our results were supported by the findings of an American Express study which showed that sales of Egyptian currency were steady or increasing during this period.

Egypt has been cleverly marketed - while much of the violence and turmoil has taken place in Cairo, the political seat of power, the tourism industry has been able to brand Sharm-al-Shekh and the Red Sea as distinctly separate destinations to Egypt itself. This has kept the tourists coming in. Unlike many terrorist attacks, particularly in Egypt’s past, that were focused on targeting tourists, these latest incidents are not - and again this can go some way to alleviating the risk elements that tourists may take into their decision making process.

Figure 3 shows that Egypt was recovering well as a result of the global financial crisis that started in 2008 and by 2010, the time of this study, it was again growing strongly. The Arab Spring created something of a downturn in tourism fortunes but one from which Egypt began to recover in 2012.

When negative events occur, tour operators tend to respond by reducing prices which broadens the appeal by opening Egypt as a destination to people who may not normally be able to afford it. This risks being a double-edged strategy - while it may boost visitor numbers in the short term, it can have some negative long-term consequences if the types of visitor attracted damages the core tourism business by lower expenditure per person and greater environmental and socio-cultural damage.

Massacres are bad PR

But there is always a limit to how much risk people will be willing to consider while planning their holiday - and this limit can easily be reached once the media starts to focus on armed riot police and protesters laying dead or dying in the streets from gunshot wounds, all in graphic detail. This is true even when the violence may be confined to a small geographical area.

Egypt is now subject to travel warnings from the UK government, highlighting areas advising where not to travel and where only essential travel should be undertaken. The major tour operators are getting nervous and companies such as TUI have cancelled all holidays to Egypt for its German customers following travel warnings.

The Red Sea resorts are still getting the green light from the UK government but the media exposure together with the elevated travel warnings and advice such as "don’t go out of the tourist areas” and “exercise great prudence” may well be sufficient to switch the tap of tourists off altogether. The tourists will vote with their wallet and travel to one of the many alternative destinations until such time as Egypt wins back their faith and confidence.

Thus, with tourism accounting for a significant proportion of the national economy ( more than 11% ) a major victim of this political turmoil is the economy and the population at large. This is yet another hit on an economy that has already suffered as a result of the Arab Spring.

This adds a layer to the ethical decision facing anyone who may want to book a holiday in Egypt. On one side of the ledger, people may feel that it is wrong to legitimise a regime that is presiding over the violence and unrest that they are seeing nightly on the television news. When the civil war in Sri Lanka was reaching its bloody climax, the country was still one of the most popular holiday destinations, causing many people to ask whether it was right or wrong to take a holiday in a country where, elsewhere, there was so much suffering.

But equally, if tourism in Egypt were to collapse, the suffering of ordinary people across the country would be greater because the the detrimental effect on the economy. After the 2004 tsunami in south-east Asia , many people asked themselves if it would be OK to holiday in a region where there was still so much suffering. The answer from the area was unequivocal: “Yes - because we need the money.”

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Home » Middle East » Travel Safety

Is Egypt SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

Egypt is a country visited by millions of people each year, with a vested interest in continuing this lucrative and beneficial relationship with its tourists for years to come.

And Egypt is seriously COOL!

So whilst there are stories about terrorist attacks, scuffles with the Egyptian authorities and tourist scams, the risks are still relatively low (especially if you stay out of the Sinai peninsula, refrain from insulting the Egyptian Government, and keep a sharp eye on your money).

However, it is super understandable if these stories have you wondering “ Is Egypt Safe? “, and I’m going to be addressing all of your travel concerns in this epic guide. Even if you’re sticking to tourist destinations, I’ve collected a bunch of top tips worth knowing for making sure you stay safe on the road.

Let’s see what we’ve got!

Egyptian Pyramids with Camel riders at night

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Egypt Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Egypt.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated December 2023

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Is Egypt Safe to Visit Right Now?

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In general, yes , travelling to Egypt is safe , but it is not straightforward. You should completely avoid North Sinai and travelling near the Libyan border due to the terrorist threat. According to its official State Information Service, , Egypt reached 11.7 million visitors in 2022. With a predicted increase for the following years, Egypt is pretty safe for visiting tourists.

There is a heightened level of state awareness due to terrorism, and this is something to consider when deciding to travel to Egypt. Monitor local media before and during your trip, and seek local advice if you plan on travelling to the Western Desert (or just don’t go there).

Tourist areas are generally safe to visit, so tackling The Valley of the Kings in Luxor , a boat trip on the Nile or any of the ancient wonders is certainly possible. This is what you should do!

Crime, on the whole, is fairly low, though sexual violence against women, including tourists, is something that has happened and continues to happen in Egypt. There is also a level of petty crime, and like a ton of developing countries, discriminatory pricing (or being massively ripped off) will likely play a part whenever you buy locally.

If you’re an experienced traveller and you’ve been to similar countries like Egypt, then we’d say it can be pretty safe right now. However, Egypt is definitely not safe for a first-time traveller. At least not at the moment…

Solo females should take extra care.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Egypt so you can start your trip right!

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Egypt, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed some of the safest areas to visit in Egypt below.

Cairo : As the country’s capital city, Cairo is Egypt’s nerve centre. There is a large ex-pat population, and if you know where to go (and where to stay ), Cairo can be super safe. Since Cairo is probably THE most popular city in Egypt, you can expect loads of visitors. This means that pickpocketing crime is high. But as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and don’t let your valuables out of sight, Cairo can be a very safe place to visit.
Hurghada : Hurghada spans nearly 40 kilometres of Egypt’s Red Sea Coast. It’s famed for incredible scuba diving and snorkelling spots, with spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. It’s one of the best places to stay in Egypt, and crime rates are really low. While it might not be a backpacker’s dream, you can definitely have a safe stay if you just opt to holiday in one of the secluded resorts.
El Gouna : El Gouna is a resort town that is nestled right next door to Hurghada. While Hurghada is pretty calm and quiet, El Gouna is geared more towards adults. You can find a more vibrant and lively nightlife here. El Gouna is known for having small islands just off the shore, and beautiful lagoons to explore. It’s also a popular location with kitesurfers.

Places in Egypt to Avoid

Unfortunately, not all places in Egypt are safe. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Egypt. To help you have a safe trip, we’ve listed the areas you need to be more careful of below:

All border areas – not only is there nothing to see really, but most borders are military zones, so you won’t get access to them anyway. Especially the Libyan border. Don’t go there.
North Sinai – this is actually a no-travel zone due to terrorism and Islamic extremists. If possible, avoid it completely. Quick side note: South Sinai is not the best area either…
Closed areas – they’re closed for a reason. You can still find landmines from the war towards the countryside, so watch out for signs, or don’t head out into the wild on a limb.
Desert west of the Nile Delta – If you want to stay super safe, try not to abandon the Nile. Not only does it get very very dry, but it also gets a lot more dangerous. Avoid if possible.

Knowing more about the country and where NOT to go before you travel to Egypt is going to help guard you against becoming a victim. At the end of the day, only certain areas and places in Egypt are dangerous. Everywhere else: apply good personal security and watch out for shady people. Do this and you’ll have more freedom to enjoy yourself.

There is even a selection of great Egyptian festivals to get involved with!

Keeping your money safe in Egypt

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Egypt may be under threat of terrorism, and it may be politically unstable, however, the thousands of tourists who DO visit have mostly trouble-free visits. This is mainly down to tourists avoiding the areas that have travel warnings in place. But there’s always more you can do to stay safe in Egypt – make sure to follow these travel safety tips.

Keep copies of your identification with you – You’ll probably have to show these, and losing your passport isn’t fun.
LGBT travellers should be careful with public displays of affection – It will more than likely attract the wrong type of attention and remains a very sensitive subject for Egyptians. More on that later on.
Even ANY type of public display of affection is frowned upon – Get a room – literally. Not even hand-holding… although Egyptians often will with members of the same sex… Confusing, right?
Stay away from all political demonstrations – You may be interested, but they can turn very bad, very quick
Get a sim card – They’re cheap and relatively available.
Learn a bit of Arabic – Not just to talk, but reading numbers and a few basic words in Egyptian Arabic helps, too.
PREPARE FOR THE SUN – It’s one of the most consistently sunny countries in the world thus that big ol’ desert. Hydrate and stay out of the sun when it’s at its hottest. Keep a good water bottle on you!
Steer clear of religious gatherings and celebrations – Traditionally, these are a target of terrorists. Just avoid them altogether.
Keep enough small change with you for tips – Drivers, guides, anybody; it’s a cultural practice to tip.
Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
Dress appropriately – This is a conservative country. You’ll notice most people, even men, cover-up. Be discrete and respectful.
Protect against mosquitoes – Bring repellent and cover-up at dawn/dusk. There’s no malaria, but these guys are EVERYWHERE.
Don’t be stupid in front of armed security – ANYTHING that looks suspicious could get you in very, very big trouble.
Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
And don’t take photos of military installations or public buildings – It is strictly prohibited. People have even been arrested for taking pictures of train stations.
Don’t use a drone – It could seem VERY shady to people in charge, even if you’re just doing something for your blog. It’s also prohibited without the right authorisation, anyway.
Ignore people who say they know you – “Hello my friend, I know you from the hotel, come this way.” Ignore politely.
Keep your bags close to you – Bag snatching is on the rise in certain areas.
Be vigilant of your belongings in general – Pickpockets are also around. Not extensively, but they’re still there. Have a good money belt to protect your cash.
Don’t get wrapped up in large, chaotic crowds – Cases of rape, sexual assault, and violence during mobs are not uncommon.
Heading out on a diving tour? Make sure the reviews are good – Cheap does NOT mean good. Thorough research will be needed.
Wear a crash helmet if you take out a quad bike – Safety standards vary, so ask for a helmet if one is not provided. Check to make sure the bike isn’t scrap.
Don’t drink alcohol on the street – Or anywhere that isn’t a bar or a licensed restaurant. You could get arrested otherwise.
DON’T TAKE DRUGS – Long prison sentences, the death penalty; yep, there’s pretty much no point.
Unexploded landmines are present – Zones are usually marked, behind barbed fences and such, but ask for local advice. Northwest Egypt near Alamein , stretches of the Mediterranean coast near Mersa Matruh, and some of the Red Sea Coast are known hot spots.
Lock valuables inside the safe in your room – If you have one, might as well use it.

Despite the trouble, it’s safe to travel solo in Egypt. Loads of people do and have an amazing time that surpasses their expectations.

Egypt is safe to travel alone in so long as you’re a little extra cautious. There are a few things to bear in mind, particularly being left alone in vehicles with unsavoury characters as well as overly friendly touts/hustlers, but knowing about these things is the first step towards making your trip to Egypt a safe one. Get to know some friendly locals, fellow travellers, be aware of your surroundings, and it’s bound to be awesome.

Here are some tips for staying safe solo in Egypt.

Try not to be the last passenger on a microbus. It sounds ominous, and it really IS ominous. Assaults and robberies against tourists can and have happened when they’re left alone on a bus. Visiting only popular destinations and not travelling at night will probably help avoid this.
Get to know other travellers . You’ll be able to share info about where’s good to go in Egypt and maybe make a travel buddy or two. This is good if you plan to go to more rural areas. Plus having contact with other like-minded people is going to help dispel those solo-travel-blues.
Knowing where you’re going and planning your routes ahead is a really good idea if you don’t want to attract attention. By that we mean there will always be people popping up offering to help; for a price, of course, or maybe even worse. Decline politely and carry on confidently like you’ve walked the route 100 times.
Travelling by yourself might mean taking a lot of selfies, which is a little bit lame – we know. So you might want to ask someone at tourist sights to take a picture of you, like next to the pyramids, for instance. That makes sense, right? Yeah – no. We’d recommend NOT doing that; you’ll have to hand over a sizeable tip or the would-be photographer might just run off with your camera. As we said, tourist sights are rife with this sort of behaviour. If you want that awesome shot, ask another tourist to take it.
There’s often a lot of cool stuff going on. Attending gigs, art showings, concerts, and other creative happenings is a good way to rub shoulders with some interesting locals. So if you’re the sort of person who loves this sort of thing anyway, go for it!
Walking around at night by yourself? Keep an eye out for what people are up to around you. If where you’re walking is busy and bustling, it’s probably fine. If on the other hand, you suddenly find yourself somewhere quiet and sketchy looking, it’s probably sketchy. When in doubt get a cab (but that also poses a risk as you’ll see).

Egypt can be safe for female travellers but it will not be easy for them. It’s important that you’re aware that in Egyptian culture it’s not the norm for females to travel alone. There WILL be a level of hassle and there WILL be attention, but if you know this and know how to handle it you can have a fun trip and do pretty much all of the things you plan on doing.

It may seem that Egypt is prohibitively unsafe for females. There’s no way around the fact that this society is very male-dominated, and does have a problem with sexual violence against women.

Here’s a quick look at some things to stay aware of when going full solo female :

Getting a guide will not only open up and reveal to you a different side to a place, but it will take a lot of the stress away. You won’t you have to find your own way around, and it will also look like you have a chaperone, which is considered much more normal in Egypt. Alternatively, a tour group will also be safer and you’ll get to meet other travellers, too.
Staying at hostels (like these awesome backpackers in Cairo) or guesthouses where other travellers – female or otherwise – are staying is a good idea. Travel tips and new friends are always good.
Walking around by yourself means hassle. Most people aren’t going to put you in any danger or make you feel unsafe, but people will be interested in you, try to get you to buy things, and – yes – make a lot of catcalls. All of this is, obviously, quite frustrating but saying “no” politely and moving on is the best way to go.
Though crime, in general, is low, sexual harassment in Egypt is high. In 2013 a UN report stated that 93% of Egyptian women had experienced some form of sexual assault. Large gatherings – i.e matches, mobs, festivals, protests, etc. – are where a lot of sexual violence occurs and we’d suggest staying clear of these, even if you’re in a group.
Taking the women-only carriages on the Cairo metro is a smart move. On the other hand, travelling on a bus during rush hour isn’t a good idea. Oh, and ladies always sit in the back of taxis .
Visit Harassmap.org to see where harassment has been reported and to report any yourself. This will help you and other users know where ‘hotspots’ are. Tip: it’s most prevalent in Cairo, but this might be a reflection of a more vocal urban population reporting cases. It’s an amazing website!
Dressing conservatively is pretty essential in Egypt. It won’t DEFLECT attention, but it will help you to fit in. Modest (not tightly fitting) clothing, covering your arms, shoulders, and legs down past your knees and for swimming – when you’re not on a private beach – wear shorts and a T-shirt over your swimsuit.
If you want to head out drinking, don’t go to local bars by yourself. Not a good idea AT ALL to go unaccompanied.
Be aware that whilst those coffee shops look really cool, some of them are men-only. So know where you’re going rather than just ducking in somewhere without looking it up, or asking about it, beforehand.
A top tip is to wear sunglasses. Less eye contact means less hassle. And, if you want to blend in even more, don a headscarf.
Pack plenty of sanitary products before you travel. Pads are common but tampons can be a lot harder to buy in Egypt.
Not everyone is scary here. Some people can be kind and really interesting. Sit next to local ladies on the bus, make conversation. Just remember to use your common sense.

We wouldn’t recommend travelling alone as a female in Egypt if it’s your first time doing this sort of thing. There are more risks and challenges that you don’t get elsewhere. But by following these tips you’ll have more freedom to have fun and hopefully avoid (or deal with) the most stressful situations.

Cairo is one of the safest cities in Egypt, mainly because it’s also the most developed one. Apart from pickpocketing and pretty theft, you won’t have to worry too much about your safety. Expect a lot of tourists, great attractions and friendly locals.

Egypt has long been a destination for tourists – that includes those with families. Even with the recent slump in tourism, the increased threat of terrorism, and political problems, there are still places where tourists are welcomed with open arms!

So, as is this the usual case, Egypt is safe to travel for families so long as they stick to certain destinations. On the positive side, prices have fallen, which means that once-popular areas are cheaper than ever!

First, be careful of stray animals. Your children might be attracted to a cute stray cat, but they might not see how mangy and potentially germ-ridden it is. Watch out for the sun too, as Egypt gets unfathomably hot around midday!

Like anywhere, people are often a lot kinder to tourists who bring their kids, but this doesn’t mean that your kids can’t get you in trouble! Locals will try and give things to your children or snap their photos, and then ask for compensation. Know how to handle this kind of scenario!

If you plan on staying in a mid to high-end sort of resort, then you won’t have to worry nearly as much about any of that. When it comes down to it, travelling with children in Egypt is safe, but stressful, and not as clean as you’ll want it to be.

There are microbuses, tuk-tuks, modern metro systems (in Cairo only), trams, large intercity buses; all this and more is present. From the shabbiest village “bus” (usually it’s just a local’s beat-up truck) to the remnants of the British-founded rail system, you’ll have many options when it comes to getting around Egypt.

It’s mostly considered a bad idea to drive around Egypt right now. Driving conditions are tough, dangerous, and there are plenty of roadblocks. Taking buses, or hiring a driver is better practise.

Egyptian taxi culture is useful, but not without its risks. City driving is reckless, cars are in terrible condition, and sometimes, the taxi drivers will try and give you a dodgy price. Grabbing an Uber can be much safer, especially for women.

The national rail system is outdated and not kept in the best condition. There have actually been some big rail crashes in Egypt in recent years . Unless you’re a train enthusiast, you probably won’t want to be using these. The best route, if you’re super keen or up for an adventure, is between Cairo and Alexandria but safety is still not up to par, unfortunately.

The U.S. travel authorities list Egypt as a level 3 country due to terrorist threat. However, staying in areas that are deemed ‘safe’ can mitigate a large part of this risk. In terms of safety, Egypt ranks as the 2nd most dangerous North African country , but ranks middle of the pack in terms of the whole of Africa. Since Egyptian governance is semi-authoritarian (depending on who you ask), there is a also a high level of corruption. As a tourist however, the biggest risks you face are mugging, pickpocketing, and being scammed.

There are areas of Egypt that you should avoid travelling to, and you should be aware at all times that you are not a local, and this makes you a target. There are ongoing military operations in various parts of the country, and it is not a good idea to get close to them.

Laws in Egypt

Egyptian Law is strict, and you should be wary about breaking it. There are long prison sentences (or even a death sentence) for drug possession/use. Local laws reflect Egypts position as a strong Muslim country, but also as an authoritarian regime. Don’t take photos of ANYTHING unless you are sure it is safe to do so. Anything that is considered ‘negative propoganda’ is illegal. If you’re LGBTQ+, you might want to dial things down during your trip, as people have been put away for so called ‘debauchery’. Keep a valid photo ID with you at all times.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Egypt without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Egypt.

Is Egypt safe to visit right now?

Yes, Egypt is safe to visit right now . In fact, it’s been very safe to visit for the last couple of years, so you’ll be in for a treat. That being said, you should still make use of your travel common sense to avoid any trouble and keep up to date with local and international news.

Is Egypt Safe for Women?

Mostly, yes, Egypt is safe for women , especially if travelling as part of a group, or a family. Due to the Islamic culture, it is not common for women to travel alone, although it is legal, and people have done it. Pay extra care to avoid dodgy-looking characters, and don’t get stuck alone in large crowds.

Is Egypt safe for Americans?

Yes, Americans are able to safely visit Egypt , despite the high risk marked by the U.S. government (who have to cover themselves). Millions of tourists visit Egypt each year and have a fantastic experience. It is not worth avoiding a visit here for safety reasons, although it is definitely worth taking precautions!

Is Travelling to Egypt a Good Idea?

Absolutely! Egypt is fascinating, culture-rich, and home to bricks so old they outdate the Bible. There is a spectacular amount to see, and it is safe too, as long as you listen to relevant travel advice. Travelling to Egypt is certainly on my bucketlist…

Is Egypt LGBTQ+ friendly?

It really hurts us to say, but we think that Egypt is not safe for LGBTQ+ travellers that want to show their relationship openly on their trip. Almost 95% of the population in Egypt is highly religious and closed-minded. Same-sex marriage and activity is not legal, so you might even get in trouble with the law. While it’s possible to visit Egypt with your partner, you’ll have to keep public affection completely hidden unless you want to get in serious trouble.

Is it Safe to Live in Egypt?

It’s a tricky one but Egypt is safe to live in so long as you don’t forget that you’re still a bit of tourist here. Most expats live in El Gouna, Alexandria, Port Said, Dahab, and, of course, Cairo. You can live very cheaply pretty much anywhere in Egypt as well.

Though Egypt is experiencing a comeback in terms of tourist numbers, it’s still not the safest place in the world, especially for women. Travelling as a foreign female might be ok, but living there is a whole other issue. Keeping your wits about you, staying vigilant and keeping clear of any sort of mass gathering of people will definitely help keep you safe during your visit to Egypt.

At the end of the day, tourism is valuable to Egypt . Increased security at major tourist sights has made Egypt a viable destination for just about everybody. But things can change in an instant, so the best thing you can do is research the current state of the country before you go to Egypt. If it looks like things are about to kick off again politically, postpone that trip.

We hope that you take away a lot of information from our insider guide about how to travel safely in Egypt. It may seem like a lot but, as time progresses, being cautious will come naturally to you. Travel smart and you’ll be able to experience this amazing country to the fullest.

Looking for more info on traveling to Egypt?

Let me help you choose where to stay in Egypt
Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
Take a look at my expert travel safety tips learned from 15+ years on the road
Explore with the ultimate peace of mind with top-notch medical evacuation insurance
Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Egypt travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali

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This is super helpful =) Thank you

Traveling solo as a woman in Egypt will mean A LOT of hassle. I tried doing this and gave up after day 1. I had a cab driver wanting to force me to go home with him to get married! That was the end of my exploring Egypt alone. It’s better to get a guide, it honestly takes a lot of the hassle off.

And, the tendency in Egypt is for meat to be well-done — rare steaks and such are not typically an option you’d find while exploring restaurants; if anything folks used to rare, medium rare, or even medium red meat will have to adjust to everything being typically medium to medium-well…

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! In this day and age of low attention spans it’s been a while since I’ve read such a long article but I found there was so much wealth of information presented here and so insightful as I was at a junction whether to stop off in Egypt for some time en route to india and to be honest your blog helped me make my decision. Thank you and congrats on your style of writing as I couldn’t stop reading it. 🙂

I was asked to come to Egypt to visit my friend that lives there. Whenever I say this to anyone, they tell me not to go there or I might never come back and may be kidnapped or something like held for Ramson. It frighteneds me a lot. He , my friend keeps telling me to come very soon. I am afraid if what people tell me.

We will be using a tour guide for the 7 days we will be in Egypt. However, instead of flying out of Luxor to Cairo on our last day, we are choosing to have someone take us over to Hurghada for a 5 night stay on the beaches there. We will fly out of Hurghada to London.

Is it safe to go with a single person (not a tour group) in a car from Luxor to Hurghada? Thank you for your input.

Hey Shelley! We’re all about adventure, but we can’t advise driving on your own via that route. When exploring outside the major tourist hubs in Egypt, it’s much better to be with a group. Happy adventuring!

Just in Egypt a few months ago. This is a really good article that is pretty on point with the current 2019 situation. Most of the people we ran into were friendly. Tourists need to be aware of all of the scams and money making strategies that guides and others will use in Egypt. Even our own trusted guide who we had all week long tried to involve us into several simple scams to get a commission. As for safety, we never really felt threatened. Dont be expecting security at the levels of the west although I do give Egypt credit for trying. We definitely felt a different vibe there. Try to avoid tour buses as previous incidents have happened. You will not avoid large crowds in Cairo even if you try. Protect your belongings as well. Enjoy yourself if you go.

I am Egyptian from Alexandria and i can ensure that it’s completely safe to visit Egypt by choosing wisely the people you deal with, asking about the rules and laws and staying away of North Sinai (South Sinai is completely safe btw), and I recommend sharm el sheikh, Dahab(The city with the most beautiful beaches in the Middle East), Luxor (Magical place to see how great Egypt was thousands of years ago), Aswan, Siwa( people think that Alexander the Great is buried there), Hurghada, You should take a tour in the pyramids but it’s better if you have an Egyptian friend to deal with the horse owners there.

Is Egypt Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Egypt : Safety by City
Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt is a transcontinental country located in North Africa extending into Asia due to it holding the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Gaza Strip to the north-east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west.

The country is also surrounded by the Mediterranean and Red Seas and the gorgeous Nile river isn’t only a tourist attraction: it is an important economic factor for Egypt as well as its fertile well-watered valley.

If you’re planning on visiting Egypt, you already know that it is the cradle of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

You can enrich your Egyptian experience by visiting its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and pyramids.

Its capital Cairo offers a unique view into the original Egyptian feel with landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum.

This country keeps surprising tourists and travelers by offering them much more than they expected which is why it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Warnings & Dangers in Egypt

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Given the recent events, you might say that the situation in Egypt isn’t the safest for a visit, but it is a safe country when it comes to violence and serious crimes. Still, you should exercise vigilance at every step.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transport is not Egypt’s strong point either. You can count on poorly maintained roads and reckless drivers with little concern about other people’s safety. There have also been reports of assault happening in microbuses. Use trains as they are the safest option.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets and purse snatching are the norm in Egypt, especially in crowded places, around tourist landmarks, and on the metro, train stations, or airports. Be very careful and keep your belongings tightly by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Egypt is located in a seismically active zone, with earthquakes that cause severe damage. The last major one was in 1996. Also common are the sand storms that occur between March and May every year.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Kidnappings do occur in more isolated areas, but given that these areas have now been backed up with extra security due to terrorist attacks, this shouldn’t be too big of a concern. When it comes to mugging, it exists in the form of carjacking, with muggers usually holding some kind of weapon to get you to leave your car. If you find yourself in such a situation – do not resist. These people are usually only after your car and don’t plan on hurting you.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism is one of the biggest concerns for tourists. Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks, and the main threat comes from the extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai. Remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams are Egypt’s biggest problem. There is so many of them that they cannot all be listed, but to name a few most prominent ones – never enter a taxi without negotiating the price first as they may and will overcharge you ridiculously; if you want to enter a museum, you might get stopped by someone telling you that you have to wait for the museum to open and that you can enter their shop and have some tea while you wait – this is a scheme to pressure you into buying something in their store; at amusement parks, don’t trust people that act like your friends as they often befriend people and then offer to hold their belongings while they’re on a ride only to disappear the moment you get on the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Many women have traveled safely to Egypt, without having any problems. However, many women will have a problem with being cat-called on the streets, while they might find whistles and comments directed at them offensive. Avoid parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, and visit them alone, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people, and wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and chest in order to minimize unwanted attention.

So... How Safe Is Egypt Really?

Egypt is generally safe to visit.

You might have problems with petty crime and scams, but that’s the extent of crime in this country.

Pickpockets definitely are a problem in Egypt’s major cities, especially in Cairo.

When it comes to violent crime, it is rare, and you shouldn’t worry too much about being mugged or robbed.

If you do end up in such a situation, don’t hesitate to yell “Harami” (which means criminal) and chasing the person who robbed you.

People on the streets will probably jump to your aid.

However, the biggest problems in Egypt are scams.

Scams are virtually everywhere around you in Egypt.

You will cross paths with Egyptians who starts a conversation with you in Cairo and Luxor, wanting to befriend you and show you around and then asking money for their services.

Basically, whatever the locals tell you, take it with a grain of salt.

And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

The biggest concern for the travelers is terrorism that has recently been occurring in this country.

However, you shouldn’t panic or delay your trip to Egypt as the odds of actually being affected by terrorism or low, and the areas that might be a reason for skepticism are backed up with extra security.

You can also see police officers armed with AK-47s patrolling and riding on camels in the Giza plateau, ensuring safety to tourists that come to see the crown of Egypt.

How Does Egypt Compare?
Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Egypt, but the procedure of acquiring one isn’t too complicated: you can get a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport for $25 USD. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the day of entering Egypt. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Egyptian pound is the official currency in Egypt. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are accepted by most establishments.

Egypt has a hot desert climate characterized by generally dry weather year round and throughout the country, except on the northern Mediterranean coast that receives plenty of rainfall in winter.

Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt, serving as the primary hub for EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air. It is located in Heliopolis, to the northeast of Cairo around 15 km from the business area of the city.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Egypt, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Egypt Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Egypt - Safety by City

Explore egypt.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in Egypt
10 Safest Cities in Egypt
15 Pros and Cons of Living in Egypt
10 Most Beautiful Castles in Egypt
The Most Remarkable Places in Egypt
Where to Next?

16 Reviews on Egypt

I feel very safe in Egypt and would just like to point out judging my family is Egyptian that the trains is the worst and the most dangerous way of transportation

trains ? hahah. have you not read about passengers who burned to death . transportation should be high risk in Egypt

All the infrastructure are being renewed

Hello Khaled, hope you are doing great, first off all I respect your opinion, but now a days Egypt is changing all its infrastructure and such cases are not happening any more, Egypt real ways have been totally renewed in last few years,

Amazing cuisine

I think I like Egypt’s food more than their pyramids haha #foodlover Chicago has a lot of Egyptian restaurants but nothing that compared to the real deal. I was in a food coma the whole trip, I’m not even kidding!

Watch your pockets!

Unfortunately I ended as just another number in their pickpocketing statistics. I barely landed and while struggling to find a cab I noticed my portable charger was not in my pocket anymore. I was lucky they didn’t took my phone or wallet, it could have ended way worse for me but hey, lesson learned…

Phone stolen as soon as I was at Giza Pyramids

They got my phone at the Pyramids and they put a security guard especially on me, almost no one was around me at the time so I wonder if my tour guide and the “security “ were not in on it! They sure didn’t look interested in helping me find it! I bet they didn’t expect me to cry half the day making the tour company look bad!

Egypt is Safe

Since 2019 such cases has been disappear as the police are covering all the country and all people are safe with their protection specially the tourists trips, every bus is protected by a police car, and to be fair such cases may happen in most civilized countries like USA

Watch out for scams

I find Egypt very similar to Turkey when it comes to their taxis; you have to negotiate before and make sure you were understood otherwise you will get scammed. Otherwise, great country and they do know how to do tourism the right way.

Try to visit us again and you will see the change

You can use UBER or Kareem Apps and will not need to negotiate the delivery fees also not all the taxi drivers do the same behaviour 🙂 Wish to see you again in our country 😉

One of the best places to visit

Egypt is great. people are very nice and honest, best restaurants ever and top notch hotels and its so cheap for what you get

Great place to visit!

While there is some danger here in Egypt I wouldn’t say it’s as dangerous as it is portrayed here. We had a good time when we were there and nothing very bad or out of the ordinary happened. Of course there are pickpockets like in any big place but the place is wonderful overall. Don’t even get me started on the food which is amazing!

Need reviewing

Please review your opinion on the roads, massive renovation happened Also pickpocket is not common in Egypt

great country but needs reviewing

I went to Egypt last month It was a nice experience even tho my phone got stolen we managed to get it back, the food there is amazing.

So many amazing cities and places to visit!

I think things in Egypt are getting better with each passing year. Pickpockets aren’t seen as much as they once were. I remember going there in 2017 and someone managed to steal my phone which was a bit of a catastrophe for me at that moment. And pickpockets could be seen operating in all crowded areas. Now, last time I was in Egypt, it seems like the police have a much bigger presence which discourages pickpockets.

I haven’t had anything else bad happen, like terrorism or muggings (which can occur, especially at night in dangerous areas). I’ve heard of someone being mugged in Cairo but honestly, this is not that common. If you just pay attention to your surroundings, don’t go into dangerous neighborhoods and avoid traveling at night, you will reduce the chances of anything bad happening. A guide is also very handy and will improve your overall experience so if you can afford it, get one.

As for places to visit of course, the Pyramids of Giza should be a must see if you go there for the first time, then the Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and then Abu Simbel. I would recommend cruising the Nile, which is a very special experience if you like water – a multi-day cruise might be something you remember for years to come. Or if you are very adventurous why not consider cruising the Nile by felucca which is a traditional Egyptian wooden boat.

Aswan is a beautiful city, where you will feel at peace as this city is very peaceful. It’s the perfect spot to drink tea and watch ships/feluccas drift along the water. Make sure to visit Aswan’s islands while here and also the many temples that are close-by.

And why not visit some temples underwater? Diving in the Red Sea is something many people like doing (myself included). You’ll find many cargo ships that lie at the bottom of the sea.

Overall Egypt is filled with many wonderful monuments and places awaiting to be explored. You just have to invest some time (like 2-3 weeks to get a chance to see more of what it has to offer).

we are supposed to buy a house over there when find out the country is not safe i changed my plan.

id say egypt overall is a good country. however public transportation may be a big problem for tourists. taxi drivers will 100% overcharge you. if you book a taxi/bus by uber or careem it is reliable and will not overcharge you. pyramid scams are something to keep your eye on as the people there will try and rinse any money out of you. the food is lovely, and the people are very welcoming. id say for women travelling alone to egypt, it wouldn’t be safe, and to be cautious.

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Is Egypt Safe For Travel? (How Is It In 2024 With Safety Guide And Tips)

Last Updated August 16, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » Is Egypt Safe For Travel? (How Is It In 2024 With Safety Guide And Tips)

Egypt is one of those places that you’ve always wanted to go to since you learned about the Great Pyramids in primary school or watched Brandon Fraser’s, The Mummy. As ancient wonders go, Egypt is arguably at the top. Thing is, over this past decade, word on the street is that it’s not a good time to go. Ignoring those warnings, I’ve been to Egypt twice and have a pretty good idea of whether Egypt is safe for travel.

If you’re thinking about travelling to Egypt, it’s smart that you’re doing your due diligence to find out whether you should go or not. Keep reading below to find out what it’s really like and to answer the “ is Egypt safe ” question once and for all.

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is egypt safe for travel gates of giza pyramids

Tell anyone that you’re going to Egypt and the first thing they’ll ask you is “is Egypt safe to travel to right now?” it’s truly a sign of the times because 15 years ago, they’d be asking if you’re going to see the Pyramids, Tutankhamun, and the Nile.

Egypt is a place that’s high on many people’s bucket lists as a cultural gem, a cradle of civilization, and home to some of the most remarkable ancient wonders. When you go, you’re even more impressed by the fact that what’s been discovered so far isn’t even close to being complete yet.

To answer the very simple question of “is Egypt safe?” , you’ll have to entertain me a bit as I try to explain it and what I’ve personally observed on two separate trips to the country.

So why is Egypt deemed “too dangerous” and why are people scared to travel to Egypt?

The danger that we associate to Egypt stems from decades of history but without this turning into a giant history lesson, let’s rewind the clock back to 2011.

Egyptian Revolution of 2011

Arab Spring of 2011 is what it’s known and the spark was Tunisia with their local uprising and this gave other nations in North Africa inspiration to do the same.

It truly spread like wildfire as most people remember early 2011 as a time when the news was filled with chaos and revolution after another. This came to a head for Egypt on January 25, 2011 when widespread demonstrations, marches, occupations of plazas, civil resistance, and strikes took over.

At the core of it was the public’s anger towards President Mubarak primarily because of increased police brutality but also corruption, civil liberty, political freedom, unemployment, inflation and wages.

Millions of protestors came and what started off as friendly protests quickly escalated into a violent clash where places like Cairo were turned into a war-zone.

The primary demand was for Mubarak to step down and that eventually happened on February 11, 2011. Things didn’t settle down there as there was a period of rule by the military before the Muslim Brotherhood party took power with Mohamed Morsi elected into presidency in June 2012. The government continued to be engulfed in controversy as a coup d’état deposed Morsi because of several unpopular decrees and lack of military support. This lead to an early election and El-Sisi was elected president in 2014.

That’s a lot of presidents in the span of 3 years. A lot of civil conflict. A lot of back dealings. A lot of instability. A lot of work not getting done.

It’s no surprise that with CNN airing all of the violence , tourism took a nose dive, the Egyptian Pound dropped, and infrastructure and archeological projects were put by the wayside.

More events that didn’t help

Following the revolution, there were a few other incidents that made the spotlight that didn’t help.

May 2, 2014 – a bomb on a tour bus in Sharm El Sheikh detonated, killing one and injuring four others.
October 31, 2015 – a Russian plane bombed leaving Sharm El Sheikh. As a result, Russia stopped all flights to Sharm El Sheikh and had a ripple effect on tourism as a whole.
January 8, 2016 – tourists were attacked in Hurghada and again in 2017 when a radicalized German stabbed several tourists.
December 29, 2018 – 3 Vietnamese tourists and local guide killed by roadside bomb that hit a bus near the Giza pyramids.
May 19, 2019 – South African tourists on a tour bus injured by a roadside bomb next to the pyramids in Giza.

If you look at the Russian plane incident alone, tourism income dropped from $12 Billion in 2010 to almost half in 2016 .

As a result, Egypt is on many nations’ travel advisory list.

Government of Canada – Egypt travel advisory
US Department of State – Egypt Safety Warning
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
Australia DFAT Smart Traveller – Egypt Travel Advice
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice for Egypt

What a way to start off an article about safety right? I have to admit that all of these are scary.

I went to Egypt in 2017 and was in Hurghada not long after those stabbings and the Russian plane was still a hot topic. I went to Egypt again in October 2019 only 5 months after the latest incident in Giza.

There’s no hiding it. There’s clearly been uncertainty and instability in the government and Islamic terrorists have targeted tourists but here’s why I wasn’t too worried before deciding to go to Egypt on both occasions:

Complicated politics rarely involves tourists and usually only means frustrating government shutdowns. Being a foreign citizen actually affords you protection because they don’t want to piss off other countries.
Terrorist attacks are sadly the kind of world we live in today and it can happen anywhere you go ( Nice truck attack , New York Times Square car crash , or Christmas Market stabbing in Strasbourg, France ). Is that going to stop you from travelling?
If you look closely at the travel advisories, it’s primarily for regions that you’ll unlikely visit – the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm el Sheikh), and the Western Desert bordering on Libya.

Now that’s the million or shall I say billion dollar question.

With everything you’ve read above, there’s no denying that the past decade for Egypt has not been a good one. There are some regions like the Libyan border and the Sinai Peninsula that you just shouldn’t go to and there’s a threat of terrorism that you could say is slightly elevated because of the region Egypt is in.

The honest truth is that Egypt isn’t 100% safe but it’s still a country that can be safely travelled through because there’s still a large part of the country that welcome tourists with open arms. Egypt is very safe to travel as long as you stick to certain destinations, work with a reputable local tour operator, and be a smart traveller.

The only no-go’s in the country are what you see in the travel advisories which is to avoid the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm El Sheikh is safe) and in general do not go into the western desert. In both instances, if you must, make sure you do so with an (armed) escort.

I know the above sounds a bit vague but here’s the deal. There’s will from the government and the people to make tourism a priority. Sure the people still have squabbles with their government and corruption is still abound but everyone agrees that drastic action like 2011 is in nobody’s interest. Now is the time for the country to rebuild and make sure it’s a prosperous time for all.

If we take a more analytic approach, tourism tumbled to 9 million visitors from 14 million. This continued to drop to 5.4 million in 2016 but has since rebounded to nearly 9 million in 2018. It is now one of the fastest growing destinations in North Africa . If my latest trip to Egypt is an indication, tons of people are still going and you should go .

I remember on my first trip thinking about how unfortunate it is that the locals have to pay for the effects the country’s problems. Selfishly, I also remember thinking how lucky I was to go at a time when tourism is down because I get to reap the benefits of heightened security, “lightening doesn’t strike twice” if you believe that theory, reduced crowds, and cheap prices.

What I tell everyone that asks the “is Egypt safe to travel to” question, is that I didn’t notice anything on the trip that made me feel unsafe. This isn’t even an exaggeration. You know you go to certain places in the world where you feel like you really need to put up your guard because there’s extreme shadiness or legitimately feel like you’re putting yourself in danger by being in an area for too long. Ethiopia was one of those places when I was close to the South Sudan border, and more recently I swear that there was a pick pocketer in every corner.

I rationalized my feelings into a few of these thoughts:

Egyptians are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience. They’re passionate about their country and want visitors to see how beautiful Egypt is.
The country needs tourism and recently they’re finally starting to recognize this. It’s a symbiotic relationship – we want to see Egypt and it’s in Egypt’s best interest to keep things safe for tourists.
A majority of our time was spent outside of Cairo. Once you’re out in smaller cities like Luxor and Aswan, the small villages, towns, and on the Nile, you’re completely disconnected from any perceived chaos. These are just people trying to make an honest living and getting on by. Most locals would tell you that they barely noticed that a revolution was happening because they’re so removed from those issues.
We walked the streets of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan at night, through smaller streets and big ones and besides the “Jackie Chan” cat calls and the stares, it felt perfectly normal.
Tour operators like Djed Egypt Travel really do an amazing job at making you feel safe and then also showing you why Egypt is safe. Granted, yes, we were escorted by a local guide, but that perception of Egypt as this “war zone” is so far from reality.
While on the dahabiya Nile cruise is when I felt 100% safe and why I say it’s the best experience you’ll have in Egypt.
There was an excessive amount of security everywhere we went. I can’t say how much of it is for show but with the roadside check points, police stationed all around, the registering of our itinerary be shared with the police (since we were with a tour operator), and x-ray scanners. I guess you can take it both ways but the sense I got was that the government really doesn’t want more incidents with tourists and are doing what they can to mitigate those risks.

What the locals are saying

local carving artist valley of the nobles ahmed abdelfattah

When you landed on this page, a video should’ve started to play. Turn on the sound because in the video I interview our guides to get their thoughts on safety. If the player didn’t work, head to the YouTube video .

I admit it’s a little biased because they work in the industry, but like them, I think it’s as good a time as ever to go to Egypt.

abu simbel temple ramses statues why is egypt safe to travel

Perfect segue. It’s a great time to go to Egypt.

It’ll still feel busy at places like the Giza Plateau but almost every other place was never over-packed with tourists which is how things were before.
Companies are desperate for your business and as a result prices are incredibly cheap.
During my visit to Hilton Hurghada (now closed), the resort was at less than half capacity and I loved it. Now, only the Hilton Hurghada Plaza is left in the region.
With so much scrutiny on safety and Egypt wanting to turn that image around, security is at an all-time high which can discourage further attacks.

tomb security guards asking for tips annoyances and scams

Every country is different and every has a different way of doing business that is culturally influenced. As a seasoned traveller, you learn to understand it, respect it, and deal with it. You are after all in their country and those behaviours and customs are part of the package.

As I talk about in the things to know before going to Egypt guide , while I never felt in danger, I was extremely annoyed about a couple of things. You can read about it in more detail there but here’s are the ones that you need to know about:

Security guards – All archeological sites will have guards at entrances or roaming around. Their actual responsibility is to enforce camera rules and protecting the ruins but their side-hustle is to take photos for people, sneak people into restricted areas, and provide loose guiding after which they’ll shamelessly ask you for tips. The hook is that they’ll ask you for where you’er from or they’ll literally try to provide you their service (i.e. tell you to look at something in a tomb) without you actually accepting.
Hassling at souvenir shops – There are always shops that line the entrances to ancient sites. They all use the same strategy of calling for you and asking your name or where you’re from. They also use the $1 USD hook for something they’re selling which is not real. Once you engage, they’re relentless in making a deal and may even follow you as you walk away.
Camel scam – There’s a common scam out there where camel owners will advertise a dirt cheap price but what they actually mean is that it’s the price to get on which means the price to get off the camel is to be revealed later. Surprise: it’s a ludicrous amount!
Ticket checker scam – We didn’t see this in action but our Cairo guide warned us to not show our tickets when in Giza unless he specifically told us that we needed to show it. Apparently there are a bunch of people pretending to be official staff asking to check tickets and they’ll say you have the wrong one and fine you.
Confiscation scam – Not really a scam per-say but if you take a look at the Egypt travel guide , I talk about how I almost got my shotgun microphone confiscated by security as we entered the Giza Plateau by the Great Pyramid. I didn’t know they were that sensitive about video gear and they were about to take it and put it away for me to retrieve on the way out but our guide immediately stepped in and essentially had to pay them off to allow me to keep it. He said that if I had left it there, I would never see it again.
1 dollar scam – Somehow everything is “only a dollar” when you pass by souvenir stores. This is simply a ploy to get you to come inside and start talking to them. This is when they hook you in and you realize that nothing is actually a dollar.
The present scam – Another common one. A souvenir shop owner standing outside will aggressively try to offer you a small trinket and say “Take it. Is present!”. If you accept, they’ll be some sort of tip you’ll need to give or they’ll be offended because of the great present they’ve just given to you.
The let-me-show-you-a-shortcut scam – You’re probably getting the idea now. Same end-result, different method.
Asking locals to take a photo for you – This is sadly frequent by the Giza pyramids. If you hand your camera over for a photo, they may run away with it.
USD pricing – You’ll notice that many tourist souvenir stores will list prices in USD. It is almost always not favourable to pay in USD unless you find out what the EGP price is and do the conversion yourself.

How to make sure you don’t get scammed or annoyed

Here are a couple of easy tips to follow to make sure you don’t run into issues with the above:

Have a local guide – It was so critical that we had a Djed Egypt Travel guide with us the whole time because 1) Scammers stayed away, 2) our guide could tell people off (or pay them off) if they were trying something on us, and 3) we got a heads up on all the scams to expect.
Reject all offers – There are definitely good samaritans in Egypt but when it comes to tourist destinations, anyone offering to take your photo, show you something, or do anything to help you is going to ask for a tip ( baksheesh ). Learn to say “no” or “ la shukran “. Alternatively, you can also ignore them and walk away.
Pre-book camels – Camel scammers are the worst. To avoid this, get your guide to organize this one in advance so that the cost is known in advance and there’s no funny business. To give you an idea, our 20 minute experience cost $30 USD for two people. I’ve read around that people have been able to get better prices but honestly this isn’t the kind of thing you’ll have time to shop around.
Just say no – For many of the scams that you read above, a simple “no” is enough to deflect their attempts.

surinse in luxor west bank is egypt safe

I think this all depends on what kind of solo traveller you are. On one end of the spectrum you can be a solo traveller that books a large group tour with say Intrepid or G Adventures and on the other end, you completely rely on local taxis, buses, trains, and backpack from hostel to hostel.

I’ve done neither so take this for a grain of salt.

I know many people and have met many people along the way that have travelled solo in Egypt. It’s been done and can be an amazing experience if that’s your style of travel.

What you need to be mindful of are the standard smart solo travelling rules but also political and terrorism complexities. All it means is that you need to be careful .

Do your research ahead of time – As experienced as you might be, it’ll be much easier if you know where you’re going and how to get there. You’ll attract much less attention this way but in the case you do get stuck somewhere, know that Egyptians are super helpful and if you ask, they’ll help. Just be wary of whether they’re looking for payment or not.
Travel with a buddy – This is what hostels are great for. If you’re putting together something last minute, it might make sense to join up with another group that have something similar planned to what you want to do. Strength in numbers is always helpful.
Don’t be afraid to get a cab – When in doubt, know that you can always get a taxi which is better than being lost and walking in neighbourhoods you really shouldn’t be in.
Join a tour – As a solo traveller, it’s totally cool to join an organized tour. It takes the stress away from knowing all the small details and you get the bonus of meeting amazing people on your journey.
Dress and act conservative – Women especially will need to keep this in mind. As a Muslim country, staying covered is what’ll help you from drawing too much unwanted attention.
Get ready for some hassling – This applies more for women but you have to go into Egypt with the mindset that people will try to talk to you or might get a little aggressive. Learn to politely say “no” and walk away. Ignore cat calls completely. A tool that might be helpful is Harass Map where travellers have marked down areas where they’ve experienced some form of harassment.
Wear sunglasses – Eye contact is often the start and one way you can mitigate that is to wear sunglasses so nobody knows where you’re looking. Hey, it’s also super sunny outside so there’s that too.

I always travel with travel insurance but if you consider everything around political instability and threat of terrorism, this is a must-have for anyone travelling to Egypt.

When it comes to travel insurance, HeyMondo provide great coverage for anyone around the world and in all destinations.

I go into detail on this topic in the Egypt travel guide . Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

No malaria or yellow fever
Only eat cooked foods (unless it’s fruit or vegetables that have a shell or skin)
Water is safe to brush your teeth but not for drinking
Avoid ice because it’s usually made from tap water
Traveller’s diarrhea is common in Egypt so try to be careful. Dukoral is something you should consider.

camel riding at giza great pyramids beware scammers

It feels like there’s a lot to worry about when travelling to Egypt but really I’m just summarizing everything that I learned from being there and spending 10 days on my latest trip . Most of it is common sense but the remaining part is from things we observed and thankfully what our guides told us.

Here’s a compilation of everything I haven’t covered so far and things to add to your trip planning notes as you prepare for Egypt.

Booking a private tour has many benefits – Not knocking the big tour buses but if you think about the terrorist attacks, they’ve always targeted the big busses. A private tour like the one we did with Djed is in my mind the smartest way to do it if you’re travelling as a couple, a larger group, or even solo. Yes, the price is slightly more but the benefits outweigh this. With a private tour you also get your own Egyptologist and while it’s not security related, it’ll make your trip 100x better. It’s this guide that’ll also give you all the heads up you need to know about what to be careful about.
Don’t rent or drive a car – This is not the kind of country you can just pick up a car and go. The traffic and driving styles are simply scary here which is more the reason why having your own guide and driver is the way to go.
Caution taking photos/videos of people in markets – Our guide stressed this quite a lot when we were walking through Cairo’s local souk and Khan el-Khalili. Only take photos/videos of people if you’ve asked for permission. This where a guide comes in handy too because they can ask for you.
Don’t do anything stupid in secure areas – At security check points, military areas, or anywhere a round police, stay cool and don’t do anything dumb. This includes taking photos of military installations and government buildings. Playing the tourist card isn’t going to work.
No you can’t climb the pyramids – This is a newer rule because of a couple of idiots but this is definitely a no-no now.
Discrete and respectful – Conservative is the key word in Egypt. Dress and act appropriately.
Keep copies of your identification with you – you’ll probably have to show these, and losing your passport isn’t fun.
Special religious celebrations or any large gatherings – These tend to be targets for terrorists so try to stay away.
LGBTQ travellers should be careful – Try to be discrete here as Egypt is simply not very open when it comes to this.
Even ANY type of public display of affection is frowned upon – get a room – literally. Probably don’t even hold hands.
Don’t get burnt – By that I mean the sun. It is strong in Egypt and in most places you visit there will rarely be cover so make sure you have lots of water and be generous with your sunscreen.
Bring mosquito repellent – Depending on the time of the year you go, they’ll be out in full force at dawn and dusk. There’s luckily no malaria or yellow fever to worry about but bring protection.
Don’t bring a drone – It’s outright banned without extremely special permission so even if you’re passing through Egypt to somewhere else on your journey, you’ll need a way for it to bypass Egypt altogether.
Watch your bags and phones – This might not be as rampant as some parts of Europe but it’s still smart to be vigilent here.
No alcohol on the street – This is a Muslim country and alcohol isn’t allowed unless it’s in a licensed area.

Gear that can help you stay safe

Keep your essentials safe

You don’t need to wear an uncomfortable money belt to stay safe. These infinity scarves with zippered pockets are great to keep your passport, keys, and phone safe and do it in a stylish, unobtrusive, and classy way. It is perfect for travel in Egypt.

If you’ve learned anything from the above, it’s the fact that I highly recommend travelling with an operator while in Egypt. This is a sure-fire way to eliminate almost all of the risks when it comes to safety.

Guides help you navigate away from common scams.
You’re less likely to run into an issue if you’re travelling with a local guide.
Eliminates the need to navigate local transit or driving yourself (including military check points).
Takes the stress away from even having to think about safety so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.

So who do we recommend?

Well, I’ve travelled with Djed Egypt Travel twice in Egypt so they’re hands down one of my favourites if you don’t mind working with a local company. The tradeoff is that their communication via e-mail/Skype can be a bit spotty at times (read that as slow) but rest assured they’re legit and their staff is top notch.

Travelling with Djed Egypt Travel

Egyptian run and locally owned, I’ve travelled in Egypt with them twice and I can safely say that they’re one of the best in the businesses. They have dedicated teams of people at each major city (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) and they own their own dahabiyas as well which means they have full control of the experience.

CHECK OUT DJED

For those that want to work with a reputable brand, there’s no better company than G Adventures and their portfolio of Egypt tours . They are known to run incredible experiences there where there is always a focus on sustainable travel, giving back to local communities, and finding unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else with their special partnerships on the ground.

The closest tour package they have that’s similar to our 10 day Egypt itinerary is their 12 day Egypt Upgraded – Plus .

Final thoughts

group watching pyramids sound and light show in giza

Let’s circle back on the original question: “is Egypt safe for travel?”. My opinion? Yes, it is but if it were me I’d only do it in a specific way: work with a local tour company, travel as a group (family, significant other, or friends), book a private tour,

Thinking through everything that we saw in Egypt when it came to safety, the reason why we were able to have such a positive experience was because we had good guides that acted as our shields in many ways of the crap that can happen out there. Secondly, having the right mindset and expectations makes sure that you can shrug off whatever comes your way.

Ultimately, you can’t travel to Egypt expecting it to be like a United Kingdom, Singapore, or New Zealand.

Hopefully this guide has been helpful. Now that you know what to expect, you’ll be sure to have an incredible time in Egypt. It’s truly a special place that’ll be one of the top trips you’ve ever done.

Lastly, whatever you do, don’t forget to pick up travel insurance !

Get a quote now

Things you need to know before going to Egypt
3 days in Cairo – pyramids, markets, and local food
How to plan a 10 day Egypt itinerary
Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan – cruise ship or dahabiya?
What to pack for a trip to Egypt
Our Egypt travel guide
As you’ll find out below, one of my biggest tips is to travel Egypt with a local tour company. On my latest trip to Egypt, I used Djed Egypt Tour a second time and they were perfect in terms of planning an itinerary that we wanted and more importantly, they had amazing people on the ground (Egyptologists and drivers).

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

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Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
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Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
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Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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14 things to know before you go to Egypt

Sep 5, 2024 • 9 min read

Plan the perfect trip to Egypt with these essential tips on etiquette, health and safety. Grant Faint/Getty Images

Egypt ’s rich history reverberates through its modern-day culture. There’s plenty to do that will engage all your senses, from majestic ancient sights to lively streets rife with aromatic foods, and the vibrant and eclectic nightlife.

To fully indulge in all the excitement, there are some things you should consider, including the country’s cultural traditions. But worry not: this guide to planning and packing along with tips on health, safety and etiquette will help you have the best experience in Egypt.

1. Consider getting your visa in advance

Bags in one hand and paperwork in the other is all many travelers need to get on a plane and fly to Egypt. If you’re eligible , you can get a renewable single-entry tourist visa on arrival for USD$25, valid for 30 days. However, if you’re missing any documents or if there’s a problem processing your visa on arrival, you may be denied entry.

If you prefer a multiple-entry visa or want to avoid lines at the airport, you can apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal before travel to avoid any entry issues or delays.

Felucca at sunset - travel on sail vessel on the Nile river, romantic cruise and adventure in Egypt. Traditional egyptian sailboat on horizon. Skyline of Luxor on riverside.

2. Prepare a rough itinerary

There’s so much more to Egypt than the pyramids, and planning ahead will help you avoid a logistical nightmare. Plan your days by area (especially in major cities where traffic is both intense and unpredictable) so it’s easier to move around between locations.

If you’re a beach lover , there are plenty of destinations on the North Coast or Naama Bay for diving or snorkeling trips. If you’re an avid explorer and prefer something off the beaten track , Egypt’s lesser-known gems – like the stunning Siwa Oasis – are absolutely worth the adventure.

Egypt truly caters to every kind of traveler, and the best way to create a personalized experience is to focus on what’s important to you and plan accordingly.

3. Learn some basic Arabic phrases

Whipping out Google Translate for quick questions about directions can be helpful, but organic responses to basic niceties will prove useful.

Most Egyptians are eager to help when asked, but you might need to tie up a few odds and ends in Arabic with unilingual locals. They also come in handy if you need to fend off hustlers or persistent merchants. Learning a few words and phrases like “ al salam alaykom ” (hello), “ shukran ” (thank you), “ aywa ” (yes), “ la’a ” (no), and “ ma’ al-salama ” (goodbye) will go a long way.

4. Don’t underestimate Egypt’s weather – both hot and cold

Sunscreen is key if you don’t want to spend the better half of your vacation huddled up with ice packs. This is especially true if you’re visiting during the summer, but holds up throughout the year.

July is the hottest month, with temperatures ranging anywhere from 34.7°C (94.5°F) to a scorching 43.3°C (109.9°F). Yet, despite its year-round sunny skies, Egypt’s overall desert climate makes winters especially cold – the kind of cold that creeps beneath your clothes and gives you chills right down to your bones.

It doesn’t help that the poorly insulated buildings barely keep the freezing weather at bay, so you have to talk yourself into going outside because it’s warmer outdoors than it is indoors. Temperatures drop as low as 10°C (50°F) at times, so if you’re visiting between October and March , make sure to pack some warm clothes along with your sunscreen.

5. Pack for the heat, but keep it conservative

Egypt is known for its cotton, and what better place to wear cotton than here. Pack airy breathable clothes, and break out all the pastels and bright colors in your closet. Most people in major cities dress casually and embrace comfort over fashion. But remember that Egypt is a country with primarily conservative locals.

You can’t go wrong with loose clothing, and exposing too much skin is generally frowned upon. Men can sport tank tops if they’re comfortable with a few extra stares, but short shorts are not advisable, and women should avoid low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts or revealing dresses.

Beach destinations bend these unspoken rules, however, and locals are accommodating to visitors, so if you're heading for the beach, you don't need to leave all your shorts and sundresses behind.

6. Keep transportation in mind when booking accommodation

While booking your lodgings, look into modes of transportation in the surrounding area. If you’re planning a short time in your destination, opt for lodgings central to the sights on your itinerary or close to a metro station so you don’t waste too much time stuck in traffic. If you’ve got more time, you can opt for something a little less central, but remember that you could spend a chunk of your time traveling.

Cairo and Giza are mostly accessible using the metro system, and if you’re a female traveler we recommend you seek out the carriages reserved for women.

Some destinations will require further planning, and white taxis and Uber rides are your best bet. If you opt for a white taxi, always make sure the meter’s running before you hop in, and hail it a few meters away from your hotel for a cheaper ride. Avoid taxis that don’t use meters and aren’t very tourist-friendly.

Long-distance buses and domestic flights are an option too, depending on your budget.

7. Be mindful of your etiquette at religious and historic sites

It’s important to not just dress appropriately but to also be mindful of local etiquette especially at certain sights.

Visiting a mosque? Take off your shoes before entering and, if you’re female, cover your head.

At a historic site? Don’t touch the antiquities and always use cameras without the flash.

On the beach? Yes you can sport your best swimsuit and relax, but like every place in the world, there’s always a code of conduct. Be observant and if in doubt, do what the locals do.

Photography tips: Taking photos at tourist sites is fine, but don’t photograph people without their consent, and don't take photos where it is explicitly prohibited.

8. Avoid public displays of affection

We’ve established that Egypt leans toward conservative, and this extends to public displays of affection. While holding hands with your partner won’t garner much attention, limit your public physical interactions to what would be considered mild and proper.

Platonic kisses on the cheek are a common greeting between friends in Egypt but, depending on your surroundings, should be limited to members of the same sex.

9. Bring small bills and be prepared to tip

Tipping in Egypt is still standard practice, especially in the service industry. Tips, or baksheesh , can range from 5 EGP (<$0.50) to 100 EGP ($5.50), depending on who you are paying and where.

Egypt is largely cash-oriented, so pick up both large and small bills when you’re exchanging currency to make payments and tipping easier.

Restaurants and cafes are easier to figure out, with 10% to 15% of the bill being customary, and loose change is the norm for food purchases from street vendors. Higher tips are usually reserved for people who provide you with long-term services, such as drivers and tour guides. While you’re not required to tip delivery services, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, given the poor wages of gig-economy workers, many people do tip generously.

A shop in a market with colorful lights and lanterns displayed all over the walls

10. Haggling for souvenirs is part of the experience

From papyrus papers and traditional souvenirs to carefully crafted silverware and hand-painted ceramics, markets in Egypt are a treasure trove. But if you feel like something is overpriced, don’t shy away from haggling.

While vendors aren’t particularly fond of the back-and-forth, it’s all part of the experience and no matter what you pay in the end you can convince yourself it was a great deal.

Don’t attempt to haggle in bigger shops in or outside tourist attractions, and if there’s an official price posted on the product, it’s usually non-negotiable.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes and ears open and gauge the price range of similar items in nearby stores so you can tell if you’re being overcharged. Haggling is mainly confined to souvenir spots, souqs (markets) and less formal selling areas.

11. Don't drink the tap water and beware of food carts

To dodge any stomach bugs that might ruin your Egyptian adventure, avoid drinking tap water unless it’s filtered, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Pack a good water-filtering system or do like the locals and use bottled water.

While Egyptian cuisine is one of the country’s best assets, and the temptation to sample it every chance you get is understandable, some carts improperly store their food. It can be difficult to tell as a visitor, so it may be wise to opt for local shops instead. They often offer similar food but are generally safer to indulge to your heart’s content.

12. Flood season is June to September

Flooding is an issue in Egypt in June to September, but it’s usually mild and mostly limited to some coastal areas. It’s always a good idea to activate news alerts on your phone anyway and keep an eye on the local news.

The floods are usually easy to manage, but roads can be impacted, especially in some areas in South Sinai.

Four women stand on a train platform. The waiting train has female-only symbols above the carriage doors

13. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention

If you’re a woman traveling on your own , keep an eye out for harassers, scammers and hustlers who may be pushy and persistent. Confident interactions are often key to driving them away, but calling out for assistance or announcing you’ll involve the police can be a good deterrent as well.

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid interactions with individuals in suspicious settings, like quiet alleyways, dark street corners, and empty spots, and look for crowds with women and children if you feel unsafe. Never get into a taxi or Uber with anyone but the driver. Ride in the carriages reserved for women on the metro in Cairo. And, as is sadly the case in most of the world, avoid walking alone late at night.

14. Tourist police can assist you in an emergency

Egypt is generally considered safe to visit, but if you face any issues that you believe require law enforcement interference, look for police officers with a tourism police badge on their shoulders – it’s a navy blue half sleeve with a gold eagle in the middle, and “Tourism and Antiquities Police” written at the bottom. They are stationed at every tourist destination in Egypt and can also be reached by dialing 126 from any Egyptian mobile number.

If you’d rather file a complaint later, you can dial 19654 and communicate directly with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It's also a good idea to keep the number of your home embassy or consulate handy.

Pro tip: Invest in an Egyptian SIM card upon arrival. They’re cheap and will make local interactions much easier for you. Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange and WE are Egypt’s top mobile service providers; you can find their booths in the final hall on your way out of Cairo International Airport.

This article was first published Jul 23, 2022 and updated Sep 5, 2024.

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Egypt Tourism Was Having a Record Year, but Cancellations Are Rising

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

November 6th, 2023 at 1:45 PM EST

If the conflict ends or remains contained, American travel to Egypt could recover faster than expected.

Dawit Habtemariam

How have cruise operators like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean responded to the conflict in the Middle East?
What are the expectations for Egypt's tourism sector in 2024?
How have American tourist cancellations affected Cairo-based destination management companies?

Select a question above or ask something else

Egypt's tourism industry is seeing high cancellation rates from American tourists due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Tour operators and cruise lines have reported significant declines in bookings and have adjusted their itineraries.
There is cautious optimism for a recovery in 2024, though current booking trends suggest a challenging road ahead.

Egypt's tourism industry, which was experiencing a record year, is now facing a significant number of cancellations from American tourists due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Companies like Great Wonders of Egypt and Intrepid Travel have reported a substantial increase in canceled trips for late 2023. Cruise operators such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have also seen a slowdown in bookings and have removed Israel from their itineraries. Despite these setbacks, there is hope that the situation may improve in 2024, drawing on historical patterns where tourism rebounded after initial fears subsided. However, weak bookings for spring trips in Egypt indicate a cautious outlook.

Egypt tourism is facing cancellations from many American tourists due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Great Wonders of Egypt , a Cairo-based destination management company that specializes in cultural tourism and adventure tourism, said over half of its American travelers have canceled their trips for November and December.

Intrepid Travel, which serves a large number of American tourists, has seen an increase in cancellation requests for tours in Egypt through 2023 — with the vast majority opting to book trips elsewhere, said a spokesperson.

“We think the season’s really going to be lost for most operators who handle the U.S. market through the Christmas period,” said Kelly Torrens, vice president of product for Kensington Tours.

Egypt Tourism Impacted Over Fear of War Spreading

When the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7, American cancellation requests came for the two immediate weeks but none came for November and December, said Basem Salah, co-founder and director of operations for Great Wonders of Egypt. Yet as the war escalated, cancellations for subsequent months mounted.

Cruise operators Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean recently told investors that there has been a slowdown in bookings and a rise in cancellations for the Middle East region. Both companies removed Israel from their itineraries.

Egypt tourism can be affected even though the conflict hasn’t spread there. “They just feel unsafe to be in the region, and this is happening because, to them, they don’t know what’s happening tomorrow for us,” said Salah.

2024 Could Be Better for Egypt

This year has so far been a strong one for Egypt tourism, with a record 10 million tourists in the first eight months.

“It was going very well. It was busy everywhere. It had been a wonderful season,” said Salah.

Tour operators are hopeful for 2024, and they can look to past history for some positive patterns.

In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, tour operators reported a spike in cancellations in April and May for Ukraine’s neighboring countries. As time passed and fears of the conflict spreading ceased, bookings recovered through the summer. A similar scenario could play out for Egypt.

Yet weak bookings for spring trips in Egypt point toward pessimism.

“We’re hopeful that the winter and the spring will be good, but we just don’t know at this point, and new bookings are still trickling in, but they’re very light compared to what they would typically be for sure,” said Torrens. “We think a lot of [travelers] would rather just make other plans and think about Egypt for 2025, so we don’t think that it’s very short-term,” said Torrens.

Earlier this month, credit agency Fitch downgraded Egypt’s credit rating . “In Fitch’s view, the Israel-Hamas war poses significant downside risks to tourism,” the agency said .

The Egyptian government responded by saying the concerns were overstated.

Some cruise operators are optimistic about Egypt in 2024.

“We are more bullish about the ability to return to places like Egypt and other places in the Middle East,” said Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Harry Sommer in a third-quarter earnings call.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the month of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was February 2022.

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Tags: egypt , israel , middle east

Photo credit: Americans are nervous about traveling to Egypt as the Isarel-Hamas war rages on. Spencer Davis / Unsplash

IMAGES

Timeline: Tourist attacks in Egypt
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Is Egypt dangerous for tourists in 2021?
What to Avoid in Egypt in 2022
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Egypt (2024 Updated)
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COMMENTS

10 STRONG Reasons I DON'T Suggest Visiting Egypt (Must Read)
The best year for tourism in Egypt was 2010 (before the Arab Spring uprising). That year, the country received 14.7 million visitors and generated an estimated $12.5 billion in revenue. ... The hassling is so bad in Egypt, we couldn't travel without guides. #9. We couldn't leave the pyramids fast enough. Don't get me wrong, the Pyramids ...
Do not ever visit Egypt : r/travel
tigerhawk2005. ADMIN MOD. Do not ever visit Egypt. I am an American man who came to visit Egypt, but I felt so extremely unwelcome. I went to the pyramids of Giza and they were truly majestic, but I couldn't walk more than a few steps without being harassed and hustled by the many of the touts trying to sell things or services.
Is Egypt that bad? : r/solotravel
Though I have heard great things about sinai. I stayed in Cairo for 3 weeks. It was actually quite bad in a lot of ways. Egypt is also my least favorite country and I've been to around 30 as well, across 6 continents. thanks. Yeah, I do think that egypt can be a great destination but i'd recommend simplifying the trip.
What Not to Do in Egypt
10. Not packing the appropriate medicines. You may know this already, but it's really easy to get sick while travelling in Egypt. The water quality, the food not being cooked enough, touching dirty surfaces, pollution, the heat. it can all contribute to sickness and it's not fun to get sick while you travel.
Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt? The Data—and Travelers—Say Yes
March 11, 2024 at 2:49 PM EDT. Save. Tourism in Egypt was roaring back with a vengeance in 2023: The land of the pharaohs welcomed 14.9 million international visitors throughout the year, a record ...
The lonely pyramids of Giza: Egyptian tourism's decline
The number of tourists visiting Egypt has plummeted from 14.7 million to 5.4 million in 2016, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, or UNWTO, costing the country billions.
My Growing Frustration And Anger With Egyptian Tourism
22 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Egypt. The Good And The Bad. A Slower Pace Of Life On The Nile. Egypt. Escape The Tourist Hordes To See The Real Egypt. How To Avoid The Annoying Touts In Egypt. Is It Safe To Travel To Egypt? The Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt. Three Days In Cairo. Walk Like An Egyptian.
Egyptology Is Having a Big Moment. But Will Tourists Come?
Tourism is a crucial part of Egypt's economy — international tourism revenues totaled $13 billion in 2019 — and the country has been eager to attract visitors back to its archaeological sites.
9 mistakes travelers make when visiting Egypt
Worrying about safety. Egypt currently has a 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, and that — combined with headlines about political unrest following the Arab Spring protests and uprisings from 2011 to 2015 — might make you wonder if it's safe to go there.
Egypt: Pros & Cons of Visiting and Essential Tips to Know
Climate - Egypt is blazing hot in the summer, so it's best to visit during winter months between October and April. You can also visit cities like El Ghouna or Hurghada along the Red Sea for a relaxing beach vacation. Currency - The national currency is the Egyptian Pound, but everyone would gladly accept your USD.
Egypt desperate to revive coronavirus-hit tourism industry
Tourism is said to account for more than 12% of Egypt's GDP A wonder of the world, the pyramids at Giza have wowed visitors for millennia. But they were deserted as the coronavirus pandemic laid ...
Egypt's Tourism Industry Seems to Cut Corners, Frustrating Tourists
In 2010, Egypt attracted 14.7 million visitors, the tourism industry employed about 12% of the country's workforce and made up 10% of its GDP. In 2011, the year of the revolution, that number ...
Egypt still on the holiday map, but is it risky and is it right?
Fig 2 Middle East tourism: popularity. As figures 1 and 2 show, Egypt at the time of the overthrow of president Mubarak was seen as being more risky than Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, yet ...
Can tourism in Egypt bounce back after violent traumas?
Long road back. Prospects appear grave, but Egyptian tourism has recovered from disasters before. Sixty-two people, including 58 foreign visitors, were killed in the 1997 Luxor massacre. The 2005 ...
Is Egypt SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)
In general, yes, travelling to Egypt is safe, but it is not straightforward.You should completely avoid North Sinai and travelling near the Libyan border due to the terrorist threat. According to its official State Information Service,, Egypt reached 11.7 million visitors in 2022.With a predicted increase for the following years, Egypt is pretty safe for visiting tourists.
Is Egypt Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)
Egypt is generally safe to visit. You might have problems with petty crime and scams, but that's the extent of crime in this country. Pickpockets definitely are a problem in Egypt's major cities, especially in Cairo. When it comes to violent crime, it is rare, and you shouldn't worry too much about being mugged or robbed.
Is Egypt Safe for Travel? (How is it in 2020 with Safety Guide and Tips)
If you look at the Russian plane incident alone, tourism income dropped from $12 Billion in 2010 to almost half in 2016. As a result, Egypt is on many nations' travel advisory list. Government of Canada - Egypt travel advisory. US Department of State - Egypt Safety Warning. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Safe Travel.
Is egypt really that bad for tourists? : r/Egypt
Welcome to r/Egypt. The Nile River, the birthplace of civilization, and the home of the ancient Pharaohs. We're a country-themed subreddit dedicated to posting on events that affect Egypt and Egyptians. We're a multilingual subreddit, therefore submissions made in either English or Arabic are welcome. Online.
very bad experience. You understand why Egypt tourism is so low
Egypt Tours Portal: very bad experience. You understand why Egypt tourism is so low compared to their potential! - See 6,771 traveler reviews, 6,346 candid photos, and great deals for Cairo, Egypt, at Tripadvisor.
14 things to know before going to Egypt
Repina Valeriya/Shutterstock. 2. Prepare a rough itinerary. There's so much more to Egypt than the pyramids, and planning ahead will help you avoid a logistical nightmare. Plan your days by area (especially in major cities where traffic is both intense and unpredictable) so it's easier to move around between locations.
Egypt Tourism Faces Rising Cancellations
Select a question above or ask something else. Egypt tourism is facing cancellations from many American tourists due to the Israel-Hamas war. Great Wonders of Egypt, a Cairo-based destination ...