Is Egypt safe for women travel to? Here’s my honest advice

Pyramids. Mummies. Sarcophagi. Scarabs. The Nile River. Luxor. The Valley of the Kings. The Red Sea. Souks. But is it safe?

Egypt is an enticing place to visit – thousands of years of history, a bustling and vibrant capital city, and blue waters across the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea. And of course the Nile River. 

Before I first visited Egypt, I had many of the concerns that you would expect. Is Egypt safe? What about for women travelling on their own? Will I be hassled, harassed or worse? How did the regional tensions impact day-to-day living there? What should I really know about it?

The short answer is that, Yes – Egypt is safe, and provides an unforgettable experience. 

But, here’s my advice and experience on what you need to know and how to approach planning your trip. Including what women need to know.

General Security

Like much of the Middle East, Egypt is generally a very safe place for tourists. Indeed, much more than some areas in Europe or North America. Government travel advisory websites are a good place to go to get an understanding of what their citizens should consider. 

Most of the websites I reviewed indicate that travelers should “exercise increased caution”. In particular, they emphasize risks of terrorism and regional tensions, rather than risks of violent crime to you as a person.

It’s also important to know that the risks differ widely depending on the region. Incidents are particularly likely to occur in the northern Sinai peninsula and western desert.

I’ve driven through the north Sinai peninsula from the Red Sea to Cairo twice now. To be honest, I did very little research before the first time, so I didn’t realize how risky this drive is. On my last trip, though, the driver mentioned road robberies and carjacking do happen. Both times, we passed through several security checkpoints, but they are still trying to gain full authority or control in more rural areas within the desert. A curfew is in place from 5pm to 7am, meaning the roads can’t be accessed by passenger vehicles. If you are interested in this route, you should be aware that there is a risk.

Terrorism and Demonstrations

Although none have happened in the last 12 months, the highest risk for terrorist attacks continues to be in the Sinai peninsula. There are terrorist groups that operate in Egypt, including in Alexandria and Cairo. Tourists have been impacted in the past. Given the number of tourists, though, my personal assessment is that Egypt is a generally safe from outside threats. 

The requirement for governmental permission significantly limits public demonstrations and protests. If you do come across a protest or even large gatherings, be aware that they can turn violent. It’s best to leave the area. 

Lastly, I can confidently say, from personal experience and also based on assessments from outside governments, that foreigners are generally welcomed. Egyptians are able to separate any political perspectives of governments from tourists visiting from their countries. Targeted anti-western violence is rare, if at all. 

Safety in Public Spaces

Petty crime

Although the crime rates across Egypt are quite low, safety in public spaces is something to be aware of, particularly in tourist areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, is possible. Although, again, it’s much less than in many parts of North America or Europe. Practical tips include:

• Carry only what you need on you for the day. 
• Use cross-body bags. 
• Keep valuables at home. 
• Be careful when you have your phone out. 
• And be aware of your surroundings while at ATMs. 

Scams

Tourist scams are very common in Egypt. I witnessed this with my own eyes. Scammers often trick people into paying for things they didn’t agree to, or paying more than they expected, particularly in popular tourist destinations. Be careful of unverified tour guides, offers of unsolicited services, or pressuring to visit other locations. Offering to take photos and then asking for a tip is also very common. Interestingly, some can actually take great photos, but they will ask for money for it! If you don’t want to pay, just say no. 

The risk of scamming is particularly important to note around the Pyramids of Giza, where they try to pressure you into saying that the only option is to take a horse & buggy or camel ride. If this is something you want to do, please do go for it, but agree prices first. Be strong and hold your ground, so as not to be taken advantage of. 

I’ll be honest, I did not do my research when I went to the Pyramids this year. The first time I visited the pyramids in 2018, I booked a tour, as I was on my own and knew I would be jet lagged. In hindsight, this was a great idea. I was accompanied by someone who knew the process in and out of the site, and also knew what to expect with the myriad of aggressive vendors around. This year, I thought I would be fine since I had been there before. I was wrong. I’m quite confident we got scammed… I’m not proud of this.

Common scams include:

• Photo scams, what I indicated above.
• Security guard or ticket check scams: Guards or ticket scanners indicate that you have the wrong ticket, and you need to provide them with money to have the correct ticket. They also are frequently the ones committing the photo scams. 
• Camel ride scams: I never EVER take camel rides at any of the tourist sites in Egypt (even in Jordan, it’s rare – they also can scam you there). This scam can include agreeing a cost to get on the camel, but then saying it’s more to walk with the camel or to get off the camel. TBH, I’ve heard of people practically jumping off camels when stuck in a situation where the camel herder won’t let them off. 
• Taxi scams: Where taxi drivers agree a price and then say it actually costs more before letting you out of the car. Use a meter as much as possible, and stick to the price agreed. 
• Offering help/assistance scams: You look lost, trying to figure out where the entrance is to a tourist site, or even crossing the road. A “kind” person asks where you are going. You tell him, he gives you advice, and then either offers to walk you there, or follows you there asking for a “baksheesh” (or tip). Be very aware of this – if you do succumb to this, you also run the risk of being brought to a shop or location where they have an agreement with the owner to overcharge. Sadly, this is incredibly common. Use google maps, advice columns, or pre-booked tour guides where possible.
• Family assistance scams: You are at a shop in Khan el Khalili market, and have bought your items – then the shopkeeper breaks into a sob story telling how is mother is dying, or his wife has cancer, or his children can’t go to school, or any other story. Sadly, this is likely a scam as well, and is one well-used with unsuspecting, kind Western tourists. In shops, you are already probably paying a “white price” (again, something I’ve seen in action – multiple times). Tip if you want, but be aware that it’s likely that this is not true. 

I want to end this section by noting a few things. First, I love travelling in Egypt. It’s an adventure, it’s beautiful, and there is so much to learn and experience. I really don’t like that this scamming is a part of their tourism culture. They don’t need it, as tourists would be likely willing to pay fair prices for all of the interesting things that there is to see and do. Recent years have also seen a downturn in risks overall. But it’s also good to be aware of it. 

Additionally, I want to note that I have Egyptian friends and colleagues – do not read this assessment here and think that all Egyptians are cheats and corrupt. Although this does exist, there are really quite a lot of honest Egyptians…possibly over 100 million of them (i.e. most of the population). Working with local guides is also a great way to both see the sites.

Walking

Walking, even by yourself, is mostly safe, particularly during the day, and in tourist-friendly locations. When walking alone at night, try to stay in busier areas. Additionally, pay very close attention when crossing the road. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way, and I genuinely worried that cars would not hesitate to hit me while crossing the street. Pay attention for motorcycles also – they can come out of the middle of nowhere. 

Other than this, you should take the usual precautions you would when travelling elsewhere. Unlike Jordan, where I readily walk around with headphones in, I avoid doing so in Cairo.

Female & LGBTQIA+ safety

Egypt, unfortunately, has a reputation for being less safe for female travelers, particularly female solo travelers. Catcalling is common, and cases of sexual harassment and sexual assault are unfortunately not as rare as we would prefer them to be. In my personal experience, I was stared at – most of the times unobtrusively, but sometimes in ways that made me very uncomfortable. In one case, my friend and I moved tables to be more hidden from someone who would not stop looking. 

I have been spoken to by people on the street – most of the time, just a hello, how are you, where are you from, welcome to Egypt. I felt grateful that I don’t speak Arabic well, as I do believe that there were comments being made that I could not understand. It’s possible that they were quite explicit, but who knows? Ignorance is bliss. 

No one ever approached or harassed me personally, but I can easily imagine it happening. Stay and walk in busier areas, avoid walking alone at night and let people know where you are going and what your plans are. 

Also, don’t ever sit in the front seat in an Uber or a taxi, if you are a female travelling alone. They say that the safest seat is the seat directly behind the driver. I would recommend that you consider this if travelling alone.

In general, Cairo is not a safe place to be open as LGBTQIA+ travelers. Although I am sure that there are spaces that are more friendly to LGBTQIA+, it’s not recommended to publicly display any signs that could indicate your sexual orientation. Homosexuality is not illegal in Egypt, technically, but there have been arrests for debauchery or other potentially illegal acts. Discretion is advised. 

Finally, I want to note that, just as there are some regions that are more unsafe, there are also areas that are safer for female and LGBTQIA+ travelers. Many of the beach areas, particularly around Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab are quite a bit more liberal. 

What to wear as a woman

More than any other major Middle Eastern country, Egypt is where I dress the most modestly, in consideration of local customs and modesty norms. I did wear sleeveless tops or dresses (with wide tank sleeves) in touristy areas, but refrained to show any of my stomach, lower back, and definitely nothing above mid-calf anywhere. If you are wearing sleeveless tops or dresses, it’s also a good idea to bring a shawl or cover with you, to cover your shoulders. 

I would advise this as well for any woman travelling, including for teenage girls.

This applies for all of Egypt, except for in the beach villages and Red Sea resorts in Sinai. I wore shorts in Dahab and felt overdressed sometimes😉. I believe Sharm el Sheikh is similar. But be prepared just in case.

If something does happen

In spite of the above, Egypt is a beautiful place to visit. Tourism is a major part of their economy, and therefore the Egyptian government aims to ensure safety for tourists across the whole city and country.

If anything happens, or if you are concerned that a situation could escalate, call the tourist police at 126. Even a gentle threat to call the tourist police may deescalate a situation. 

Additionally, the consolidated emergency services to reach police, ambulance or fire brigade is 112. 

Egyptian authorities are known for being professional. Tourism is an industry that the Government of Egypt wants to grow, and therefore, the police and other services are responsive to allegations by tourists. The local authorities may just not be as quick as you would prefer.

Dual Citizens

A quick note on Egyptian dual nationals: first, the Egyptian government does recognize dual passports. Travel advisories that I’ve read have indicated that this may make it more difficult for the non-Egyptian government to support, should there be any safety concerns. Take caution and be aware, particularly when visiting historical sites and other popular areas.

Arab/non-Arab relationships

It’s not technically safety related, but it’s a cultural point that is worth calling out. More than in most Middle Eastern countries I’ve been to, or that friends have been to, Egypt is very restrictive around how they view Arab-Foreigner relationships. It’s technically not illegal, but hotels and AirB&Bs generally regulate that a foreigner is not able to have an Arab of the opposite sex in the room/apartment if they are unmarried. They ask for photo IDs of all guests staying and if there is an Arab in a mixed-gender group, they will have to show a marriage certificate. If you are unable to produce a marriage certificate, the Arab can’t stay. 

I heard that this has gotten worse since the genocide in Gaza started, with little-to-no flexibility. 

So is it safe?

Egypt truly is worth visiting, if you are aware of what you could face. Plan appropriately, consider your security measures, use common sense, and perhaps you will find yourself wanting to quit your job and become an Egyptologist.