Is It Safe to Travel to Dahab, Egypt? A Comprehensive Travel Advisory

Nov 21, 2025 0

Dahab, located in the southern Sinai Peninsula, is a laid-back beach town and a diver’s paradise. However, like any travel destination, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. This article provides a comprehensive travel advisory to help you make informed decisions about traveling to Dahab, Egypt.

View of Dahab, Egypt

General Safety and Security

Exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to ongoing tensions in the region, the unpredictable security situation, and the threat of terrorism. While the beach resort areas, including Dahab, are generally considered safe, sporadic terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists in recent years. Be particularly cautious in commercial establishments, government facilities, public areas, tourist sites, and the vicinity of churches and mosques at the time of religious services. Avoid police stations, security installations, government buildings, as well as all crowds and demonstrations.

Tensions can flare up suddenly in the Middle East and lead to travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures. Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation and follow the advice of local authorities.

Specific Regional Considerations

Northern Sinai

Avoid all travel to northern Sinai due to terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by the Egyptian Armed Forces. The security situation in North Sinai Governorate, particularly the areas bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip, is extremely unpredictable. Road blockades by unsanctioned groups, kidnappings, robberies, and carjackings by armed groups and terrorists occur.

Read also: Travel Advice: Egypt

South Sinai Governorate

While attacks are significantly less frequent than in North Sinai, terrorists have carried out attacks in South Sinai Governorate, targeting both security forces and tourists. Terrorist groups may expand targeted areas to include coastal resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh. While enhanced security measures are in place to protect the tourism infrastructure in Sharm el-Sheikh, the area may be seen as a high-value target by terrorists.

Coastal resorts in Sinai, including Dahab, Nuweiba, and Sharm el-Sheikh, have seen incidents of petty theft. Tensions between security authorities and local Bedouin tribes may rise unexpectedly, affecting tourism. There are several police checkpoints along the highways in South Sinai.

Western Desert

Borders with Sudan and Libya are porous, and bandits and armed groups are active in these areas. Attacks on security checkpoints and forces are expected to continue. Egyptian military and security personnel are also engaged in security operations in the area. If you intend to travel to these areas, consider the risks to your personal safety and ensure you have made appropriate security arrangements. Travel to these areas requires a permit from the Travel Permits Department at the Egyptian Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Red Sea Resorts and Upper Egypt

Exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Red Sea coastal resorts (such as Ain el-Sokhna, el-Gouna Bay, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga, and Soma Bay) and to the Upper Egypt cities of Aswan and Luxor. While the beach resort areas are generally considered safe, sporadic terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists in recent years. Pay particular attention to local conditions if you are visiting Upper Egypt and the historic sites of the Nile Valley. Sectarian, economic, and family-related disputes have occurred and can quickly become violent. Travel in large groups and by organized transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities, hotels, and tour guides if you are traveling to rural areas.

Transportation Safety

Road conditions are often poor, and the rate of car accidents is one of the highest in the world. Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way.

Read also: Traveling Safely in Marrakech

In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, unless you are in immediate danger, such as from a crowd and need to move to safety. Exercise caution when using taxis and the metro. There have been robberies and accidents involving both. Many taxis do not have working meters, and back seats are rarely equipped with seat belts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver. The metro can be overcrowded and is not climate controlled but does have cars for women only on most lines.

Safety standards for rail travel vary throughout Egypt. There have been major accidents in recent years, attributed to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and human error. Exercise a high degree of caution. Avoid microbuses because of hazardous driving habits.

Overcrowding and poor safety standards on ferries have caused accidents. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates.

Adventure Tourism

Outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and other extreme sports can be dangerous. Tour operators may not meet safety standards. If you participate in adventure tourism activities:

Don’t use equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety
Consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
Obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out
Buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
Ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity

Potential Hazards

Sharks and other potentially dangerous aquatic animals are in Egyptian waters. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities.
Unexploded landmines remain a risk in some desert and coastal areas, notably the Mediterranean shore, the Western Desert, the Sinai Peninsula and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Known minefields are not marked by signs, but may be enclosed by barbed wire. Seek local advice, especially if travelling off-road.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Egypt. Canadian passport holders can obtain an electronic visa prior to travel or upon arrival in Egypt. If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt, contact the Immigration Authority of Egypt. You may be fined upon departure if you overstay your 30-day visa period without proper authorization.

Read also: Safe Snorkeling Adventure

You must show proof of an entry stamp in your passport when you leave Egypt. If you cannot provide proof of entry, you cannot obtain an exit stamp and will be denied exit. If you have entered the country with a Canadian passport and have obtained a new one while in Egypt, you must have the entry stamp transferred to the new passport by the Egyptian Immigration Authority. This requirement also applies to newborns and dual citizens.

Cultural Considerations

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. Take care to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours.

Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport. Couples showing physical affection in public is frowned upon. Holding hands is generally fine. Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offense and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Additional Advice

Before you go, tell local authorities of your planned travel. Ask them about current risks and precautions for your route and destination.
If you travel around Egypt, you may be stopped at military and civilian checkpoints.
Take extra care if you plan to ride a motorbike.
Avoid taxis, especially if you're a woman and on your own.

Crime

Rates of violent and petty crime have historically been low in Egypt, although there are reports that such crime has been on the rise given the economic downturn since 2011. Crimes such as pickpocketing, bag and purse snatching and home invasion, while rare, have become more common. Purse snatching and pickpocketing occur most often in tourist locations and on the metro. Be aware of your surroundings and vigilant for thieves using different strategies to distract and rob you.

Women’s Safety

Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls, and touching. The risks increase around public holidays, when more men are in the streets.

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Conclusion

While Dahab offers a unique and relaxing travel experience, it's crucial to stay informed about the potential risks and take necessary precautions. By exercising caution, respecting local customs, and staying updated on the security situation, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Dahab, Egypt.