Also be sure to pack cash. Is Egypt safe to travel alone if you are going to be traveling to a place like Sharm El-Sheikh or Dahab? Egypt is a relatively safe place to visit, as long as you keep your wits about you and adhere to the local cultural customs. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Legitimate employees at tourist attractions will often step in and help when you're being pursued by a particularly aggressive heckler. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). While women should expect to receive a lot of attention, it wont be as terrible as rumours would lead you to believe. Solo travel is very common in Egypt, even for females and it is safe to travel alone. However, many never actually make it here, due to safety concerns. 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. Know, too, that Egypt is a large country, so the weather may vary depending on where you are in the country. Uber can be a cheaper option to travel in comparison to other taxis all over Cairo. If you are concerned about your safety in Egypt but want to travel there anyway, there are some ways to mitigate risk. If you plan to shop, which you should at Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, be prepared to haggle. Have a good money belt to protect your cash. It can be challenging at times to keep your cool, both literally and figuratively, when the heat is so powerful and a local appears to take advantage. As a result, Russia stopped all flights to Sharm El Sheikh and had a ripple effect on tourism as a whole. Some tombs are underground with a steep slope downward, so good footwear is essential. Egypt is a conservative country and even though same-sex acts are not technically prohibited, LGBTQ+ locals and foreigners have been harassed and even arrested for "debauchery. 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. That being said, Egypt might be victim to an exaggerated reputation for treating female tourists poorly. In some areas in Egypt, female travelers may feel uncomfortable when travelling. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. As a single woman traveler, you will always find what you looking for from the amazing destinations in Egypt to the . If it looks like things are about to kick off again politically, postpone that trip. While violent assault and crime is relatively rare in Egypt, verbal harassment on the streets is common, and women are often specifically targeted if walking alone. Enjoy your travels! Mostly, yes, Egypt is safe for women, especially if travelling as part of a group, or a family. That being said, you should avoid entering the area of Sharm el-Sheikh any other way, but by air to avoid any trouble. Monitor local media before and during your trip, and seek local advice if you plan on travelling to the Western Desert (or just dont go there). If youre with a special someone, remember that public displays of affection is a big no-no in this country (you can say we found out the hard way). Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! There are several ways to travel throughout the country, but youll need to narrow down where youd like to go before deciding how youll get there. Top tips for female travellers visiting Egypt. I remember there was a little voice in my head telling me that I *really* wasnt in New York anymore (a little slow, a little late). March 6, 2020; Human Rights Watch. While I myself haven't visited Egypt (yet! I bought a Vodaphone SIM for 16 USD. Terrorist attacks still remain an unpredictable factor in the region. As a solo traveler, I always prefer a handy carry-on bag so that I can roam freely. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and dont repeat my mistake of wearing cute sandals while temple hopping in Luxor. First, be careful of stray animals. The government also takes full measures to ensure that all tourist attractions stay secure, and there is no inconvenience faced by visitors. Apart from certain areas in cities like Cairo and Giza, there are also some parts of the country which are best avoided due to safety concerns and the threat of attack by armed groups. Read my three weeks Egypt tour itinerary for all the top tips and tricks. So, is Egypt safe to travel alone if you avoid the Sinai Peninsular altogether? I visited Egypt when I was a law student, and my guide in Luxor informed me there is a student discount. Unfortunately, tourism has declined significantly in recent years, mainly due to a combination of terrorist attacks and political instability. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. There aremore risks and challenges that you dont get elsewhere. Yes, Americans are able to safely visit Egypt, despite the high risk marked by the U.S. government (who have to cover themselves). Despite the trouble, its safe to travel solo 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. Youll even love the beach time in Egypt with the extreme Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea beauty. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. But by following these tips youll have more freedom to have fun and hopefully avoid (or deal with) the most stressful situations. Required fields are marked *. 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. Tap water is not recommended for drinking here, so opt for a bottled beverage to wash down your meal. Take a kindred soul to Al-Azhar Park for glorious sunset views over Cairo. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Egypt. Women traveling alone are likely to receive more attention than those traveling with a man or a mixed group, so joining an organized tour is one way to blend in while also getting the most out of sightseeing. The only caveat is you have to be younger than 26 to qualify for the Egyptian student discount. Looking for some best travel guide books on Egypt? Carry an Egypt map to route all destinations and manage timings to pay at every destination. Fortunately, with a bit of research and careful planning, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering any unexpected surprises during your visit. Close, Is Egypt SAFE to Visit? Theres often a lot of cool stuff going on. Never pay the first price offered by a local vendor, and use your bargaining skills to get whatever youre purchasing for a little bit cheaper. Solo travelers need to keep a keen watch on their expenses to complete their trip within budget. Edfu temple. If you are a solo female traveler, Egypt can be a challenge because I faced harassment on the street, taxi drivers who had other intentions, even people working in the temples who put me in uncomfortable situations. The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". October 31, 2015 a Russian plane bombed leaving Sharm El Sheikh. Terrorist attacks are sadly the kind of world we live in today and it can happen anywhere you go (. Once you narrow down where youd like to go, you'll then have to decide how youll get there. The majority of protests and strikes take place in a very small region of Egypt that can easily be avoided during your Egyptian trip. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Of course, nobody can rule out the possibility of terrorist attacks, but the risk of terrorist attacks is considerably lower nowadays compared to a decade and a half ago. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. Get to know some friendly locals, fellow travellers, be aware of your surroundings, and its bound to be awesome. At the time of publication, tour operators have chosen not to cancel any of their tours that travel to or through Egypt. Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! Youll find a lot of things to enjoy in Egypt as a solo traveler. Nafisa Habib loves nature and often got fascinated by old beautiful architecture. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Try to avoid crowded areas (admittedly a difficult task in big cities like Cairo), which may be targeted for potential attacks. With that said, solo travelers should avoid exploring quiet areas on foot after sunset. Despite popular belief, Egypt does indeed get chilly. Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Overwhelming? However, its not recommended due to heavy traffic, lack of speed limit enforcement and the presence of police checkpoints throughout the country. Many of the main historical sights are without panels so youll also benefit from having a guide on hand to help you appreciate the significance of the landmarks youre visiting. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. Egypt is a magical place that attracts travelers from all over the globe. You dont need to fear public transit though because theres no pattern of location for street harassment. Scams are common and usually include ingenious ways to get you to purchase goods you don't want or to patron a relative's shop, hotel, or tour company. "Fleeing war, poverty, African migrants face racism in Egypt." Their drivers can speak a bit of English that facilitates communication, and you get an estimated fare before approaching the cab. All rights reserved. If you feel threatened by a follower bothering you, enter a nearby mosque or store immediately. Dark, quiet, and pretty much deserted areas in particular should be avoided. Egypt is generally a very safe country for tourists, including tourists who are traveling alone. It wont DEFLECT attention, but it will help you to fit in. Some tombs are underground with a steep slope downward, so good footwear is essential. If you are a solo traveler and you want to visit this breathtaking site, you should consider doing so by way of a Lake Nasser cruise. My advice is to keep a pair of sunglasses and a trendy scarf handy for both men and women as the scorching heat and sandstorm might ruin your look. Here she is with My Own Way To Travel to share her adventures on the road. Your laptop deserves a proper pack, and we know a good few! Being a foreign citizen actually affords you protection because they dont want to piss off other countries. Millions of tourists visit Egypt each year and have a fantastic experience. But remember to avoid any guy who shows more interest in talking or try to flirt and tease. Traveling throughout Egypt can be a bit tricky. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Federal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices, The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to. If you want to indulge after a long day of sightseeing, most hotels serve alcohol or you can order it online through the popular Egyptian site Cheers. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations. Catcalling is unfortunately common in Egypt, but touring with a guide might eliminate some of the harassment experienced. Day 5: Day Trip To Dahab. Generally speaking, Egypt is a safe country to visit, especially if you're going to the cities most frequented by tourists, such as Cairo, Alexandria, or the resort towns around the Red Sea. I found its kind of common to get extra attention from Egyptian guys as a solo female traveler. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In the northern parts of North Sinai in particular, and especially near Egypts border with Israel, where there is a very real threat of terrorism. If you're a victim of a crime, reach out to local police by dialing 122 as well as to your embassy. Egyptian taxi culture is useful, but not without its risks. Egypt became one of the most educated countries about human rights and issues among the other eastern countries. rock-hewn temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, Start planning your dream trip to Egypt today, 12 Day Cairo, Nile Cruise And Red Sea Stay, 10 Day Luxury Nile Cruise and Cairo Tours, 8 Day Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour w/ Nile Cruise, 8 Day Egypt Holiday Tour Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Train], 15 Day Morocco And Egypt Vacation w/ Nile Cruise. For more information U.S. citizens should consult theFederal Aviation Administrations Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. There are long prison sentences (or even a death sentence) for drug possession/use. If you attempt to bring one to the airport, it will be confiscated. Since there was an army base nearby, the whole night we were monitored by snipers on a hill protecting the ruins. Im not sure if I could brag that I was riding that horse with my eyes closed! but this was close enough. Egypt is an ideal and momentous travel destination where you can feel the past and the present, including many historical monuments and marvelous landmarks as well as magnificent beaches.While exploring this ancient country it might become a bit overwhelming for women travelers. Egyptians are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience. 5 May 2023 Latest update: Updated with information about how to contact FCDO if you are travelling into Egypt from Sudan ('Summary' page). Your children might be attracted to a cute stray cat, but they might not see how mangy and potentially germ-ridden it is. Well, it all depends on what other parts of the country you want to visit. Sampling local cuisine is always a big treat when traveling. Egyptians are very friendly, and if they find you in trouble, they will help foreigners in such a situation. Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due tothe Embassys limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. or Big & Tall), Anker Power Strip with USB C, 30W PowerPort Strip PD 2 Mini with 2 Outlets & 3 USB (18W USB C), 5 ft Cord, Flat Plug, Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket (Available in Plus Size), Green Tea Mask Stick, Green Mask Stick, Deep Cleansing Smearing Mask, Clay Charcoal Facial Mask Stick, Balancing Oil, Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Black, A post shared by My Own Way To Travel (@nafisa_habib), 12 things you should know before visiting Egypt, What Should You Know Before Traveling To Egypt, 7 Must-Read Travel Books To Visit Egypt | My Own Way To Travel, My Solo Trip To Egypt (Three Weeks Itinerary) | My Own Way To Travel. Get the most up to date information about Egypt travel on the GOV.UK site. Taking buses, or hiring a driver is better practise. Many hotels keep a list of important telephone numbers, including numbers of local police stations and English speaking female police officers. 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 her nothing is so interesting than exploring new destinations around. Female tourists are not expected to wear a hijab, though they can choose to do so out of respect. Retrieved December 22, 2020. You should also try koshari, Egypt's national dish. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. I hired a private cab to travel from Cairo airport to Alexandria. Other popular destinations in Egypt include Abu Simbel, Aswan and Alexandria. The phrase if its too good to be true it probably is comes to mind. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the winding Nile River, its not hard to understand why Egypt has managed to dominate the tourism industry since before the turn of the century. Pingback: 7 Must-Read Travel Books To Visit Egypt | My Own Way To Travel, Pingback: My Solo Trip To Egypt (Three Weeks Itinerary) | My Own Way To Travel, Thanks for sharing amazing egypt travel blog, Your email address will not be published. She's hitched to the four corners of her homeland, traipsed the trails of the surrounding Arabic world, and now whittles away her days living the sunny Bali expat life where shoes are a long-forgotten thing of the past! 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! Egypt is quite a safe destination and you should not let the media coverage scare you. To help you have a safe trip, weve listed the areas you need to be more careful of below: 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. There's more to Egypt than just Cairo. There was an excessive amount of security everywhere we went. Egypt is a tropical region, and the temperature ranges between 37-degree Celcius to 14 degrees Celcius. Try a museum and food tour around Cairo or a full-day tour to see the Pyramids. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. (2023 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. Start planning your dream trip to Egypt today. At the end of the day, only certain areas and places in Egypt are dangerous. In fact, its been very safe to visit for the last couple of years, so youll be in for a treat. During my visit to Hilton Hurghada (now closed), the resort was at less than half capacity and I loved it. Same-sex marriage and activity is not legal, so you might even get in trouble with the law. Most sites are grandiose in size, so a wide-angle lens will serve you well. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Thanks for helping. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Trip-ruining? Do this and youll have more freedom to enjoy yourself. Violent crime is relatively rare even in Cairo, but it's still not a good idea to walk alone at night. Day 2: Explore Sharm El-Sheikh. Katie, Gypsy Soul Itchy Feet. Though Egypt is experiencing a comeback in terms of tourist numbers, its still not the safest place in the world, especially for women. Despite this warning being in place, the rock-hewn temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel remain an immensely popular Egyptian tourist attraction. Is it safe to travel Egypt now in 2023? Theres no way around the fact that this society is very male-dominated, and does have a problem with sexual violence against women. It is not worth avoiding a visit here for safety reasons, although it is definitely worth taking precautions! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Safety and security The security situation in Egypt is unpredictable and certain regions of the country (for instance, North Sinai, Western Desert, etc.) Today, I wish to discuss my experiences from the journey and the suggestions for solo travel to the wonderland, Egypt. And practically found it not a good idea to move around without a local guide. March 12, 2020. Accessibility, Is Egypt Safe for Travel? Get to know about top must-try food in Egypt to taste during your first visit. So. Remember that drones are prohibited. According to the itinerary, on the second day, we were supposed to see the Mummies Museum. We were one of the very first group of travelers to ever traverse long stretches of the Eastern Desert solely by bike. If youre an experienced traveller and youve been to similar countries like Egypt, then wed say it can be pretty safe right now. It was an incredible experience. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Watch out for the sun too, as Egypt gets unfathomably hot around midday! I also enjoyed video chats and calls with my family, who can take up a virtual tour to Egypt. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Other Related FAQs Will Egypt be safe for female travelers? The general answer is yes if you exercise reasonable precautions No trip or country will ever be 100% safe, but the State Department only recommends increased caution while visiting Egypt. Only eat cooked foods (unless its fruit or vegetables that have a shell or skin), Water is safe to brush your teeth but not for drinking, Avoid ice because its usually made from tap water. Everywhere else: apply good personal security and watch out for shady people. At the time of publication, tour operators have chosen not to cancel any of their tours that travel to or through Egypt. These are just people trying to make an honest living and getting on by. Best Action Camera To Select for Adventure Travel. The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. Your email address will not be published. There is a spectacular amount to see, and it is safe too, as long as you listen to relevant travel advice. "Egypt: Security Forces Abuse, Torture LGBT People." Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Well, that all depends. Even if youre sticking to tourist destinations, Ive collected a bunch of top tips worth knowing for making sure you stay safe on the road. Check the joints where you can calm your hunger pangs and get some delicious meals that energize you for the next destination. Women travelers who have questions about safety should discuss any safety concerns they have with their tour guide and/or with staff at the hotel where they are staying.