Is Egypt Safe? Travel Advisory 2024

Egypt is a place every traveler must visit at least once in a lifetime. But should you travel to this ancient country right now during the conflict in Israel?

In general, Egypt is a safe place to visit. You may encounter petty crime and scams, but that is the extent of crime in this country.

Pickpockets are unquestionably an issue in Egypt’s major cities, particularly in Cairo.

LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Egypt:

January 11 – Egypt is drafting legislation regarding foreign visitors

In order to discuss the preparation of draft laws pertaining to handling foreign tourists and regulating new tourism companies, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Eissa on Tuesday.

Eissa went over the National Tourism Strategy’s most notable accomplishments in the travel and antiques industries.

The enhancement of the hotel and leisure industry’s investment climate was also discussed at the meeting.

The minister stated that the two incentive packages that were suggested to incentivize the private sector to increase its investment in hotel room construction were approved by the Cabinet, putting the plan for 2024 into action.

U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for Egypt – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The U.S. government has issued a travel warning recommending travelers “reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism.” According to the statement, visitors should   “exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.”

The embassy does not recommend travel to:

• “The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
• The Western Desert due to terrorism.
• Egyptian border areas due to military zones.”

According to the advisory, terrorists may attack diplomatic buildings, tourist destinations, transit hubs, markets, and retail malls, western companies, restaurants, resorts, and local government buildings. Such attacks may occur with little or no notice.

Common scams to be aware of while in Egypt

Egypt is a fairly safe country to travel to if you are on your guard and observe local cultural customs. Although the crime rate in Egypt is low, beware of pickpockets and scammers.

However, if you are visiting tourist destinations, especially religious sites, consider the risk. Attacks on tourist sites do occur, but if you check local news sources about the threat situation, avoid large crowds, watch out for religious or public festivals that could trigger demonstrations or riots, and choose to travel in a small group.

1. Overpriced Items Scam

This scam is typical when visitors go shopping, and it usually occurs in village markets when the merchant simply raises the price to make more money, which is when you must bargain. Negotiating boldly will save you from overpaying and will also relieve strain on the next tourist.

2. Fake Cry Story Scam

The stories of fake weeping are limitless; you will frequently come across some impoverished individual crying for money because they have lost someone or someone in their family is ill. Whatever the story seems like, keep in mind that they are expert con artists, and you must not get carried away.

3. Beach Scams

Some beach scammers may steal your belongings as you swim in the Mediterranean or the Red Sea. They simply take your belongings and flee to a location you would never be able to get, therefore the best way to avoid this is to put your valuables in hotels if you don’t have somebody to look after your belongings while you enjoy your time in the sea.

4. Pick-pocketing

This has deep roots dating back to the dawn of time, and it only grows better with each passing year. This is a pretty prevalent type of scam that most tourists fall victim to. The simplest method to avoid this great scam is to leave all of your belongings and actual passport at the hotel and bring a photocopy with you.

5. Fake Tour Guides

This is another classic tourist scam in Egypt; you may frequently find persons outside any transportation platform promising to show you around. Whether you’re traveling alone or with companions, don’t put your trust in them because you might be asking a robber to tour you around. When booking a tour guide, go with the hotels because they are more real.

6. Fake Taxi Operators

Cab drivers offer cheap rides to famous tourist spots, but it’s a scam. You must see through the technique; no one will be overly friendly to over low-cost ride without the goal of stealing from you. Keep this in mind!

7. Fake Police

It’s difficult to tell the difference between the real and the fake, so observe their body language when they ask for your credentials. Although it is uncommon, this tourist scams do occur in Egypt. When you notice something odd, kindly ask them to back off and threaten to phone the local station.

8. Fake Cashiers and Bartenders

This can happen to anyone at any time and without warning. Even after paying, you will be told that you did not pay at the local taverns and cafes. When you pay with cash, they will also state that you did not pay the whole amount. This has the potential to go extremely far, and they may have accomplices. You must double-check before paying and choose to pay by card, but be cautious with your code.

Important recommendations to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye out in areas frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
• Purchase adequate medical insurance that includes evacuation.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and help emergency responders find you more easily.
• Follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter.
• Examine the Country Security Report for Egypt.
• Prepare a contingency plan in case of an emergency. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Updates Archive:

November 12: Egypt Tourism Facing Cancellations Amid Israel-Hamas War

Egypt is currently facing a rise in trip cancellations from American tourists due to concerns related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Great Wonders of Egypt, a Cairo-based company specializing in cultural and adventure tourism, reported that more than half of its American travelers have canceled their November and December trips. Additionally, Intrepid Travel, which caters to a significant number of American tourists, has experienced a surge in cancellation requests for Egypt tours throughout 2023, with the majority of travelers choosing alternative destinations, according to a spokesperson.

October 27: Missile strikes Egypt’s Taba resort town in the area “advised against travel”, 220 km (135 miles) from Gaza

The missile that hit Egypt’s resort town 220 km (135 miles) from Gaza wounded at least 6 people, according to a local source.

The area of Taba has been listed as one of the “advise against all but essential travel” in the latest UK travel advisory.

October 13: UK Foreign Office warns against traveling to some parts of Egypt, issues Travel Advice MAP

The UK Foreign Office is not discouraging travel to popular Egyptian destinations like Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Cairo. However, it does offer travel advice, urging travelers to avoid the following regions:

• Areas within 20 km of the Egypt-Libya border
• Northern Sinai
• Northern part of South Sinai
• Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate
• Western Desert (additional information on their official webpage)
• Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

An unfortunate incident occurred in Alexandria on October 8 when a police officer fired upon Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide, resulting in tragic casualties, amidst escalating tensions.

Related: Is It Safe To Travel To Turkey Right Now? Travel Advisory

U.S. embassy in Cairo has issued a warning to American travelers, advising them to exercise caution due to concerns that the recent deadly attack on 2 Israeli tourists in Alexandria might be linked to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants.

On Sunday, an Egyptian police officer discharged his weapon in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, resulting in the tragic loss of life, with reports confirming the deaths of at least two Israeli tourists and one Egyptian. This information was conveyed by both Israeli and Egyptian officials.

Message to U.S. citizens: The Embassy is aware of reports of multiple foreign tourists killed in an attack in Alexandria, Egypt today, Oct 8, 2023. This incident may be related to ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Israel. U.S. citizens in Egypt should exercise increased security…

— U.S. Embassy Cairo (@USEmbassyCairo) October 8, 2023