Approximately one million British people travel to Egypt each year. Most visits are trouble-free. However, despite Egypt's rich history and iconic landmarks, there are several reasons why some travelers might reconsider visiting. While the ancient historical sites are magnificent, there’s another side that nobody talks about.
It may surprise you to learn that Egypt is not the magical and glorified place that everyone makes it out to be. Egypt becomes a very challenging place to enjoy as a tourist when one is constantly harassed for money and aggressively bothered by vendors in almost every location they visit.
This article aims to shed light on these realities, offering a balanced perspective for those considering a trip to this fascinating but often challenging destination. Despite this post’s title, I do not intend to dissuade you from traveling to Egypt.
Constant Harassment from Vendors and Touts
The main downside of visiting Egypt for me was the CONSTANT pestering from vendors and touts. A tout is someone attempting to sell aggressively or boldly. I do want to quickly mention that I am only speaking of vendors and touts. Most of the Egyptians I met organically were some of the friendliest and kindest people I have ever met - especially the women.
As a tourist, you start to feel like a walking ATM to these people. They are relentless and just won’t quit until you give them money. My tip for you is to put your headphones in and ignore them. Because it seems like engaging with them at all, even just to say “No, thank you” gives them ammunition to keep bothering you. I know reading this, you may be thinking “Oh, how bad can it really be”? I’m not lying when I say it’s terrible.
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In Egypt, they will follow you for blocks taunting you and they won’t stop yelling at you until you buy something. I am not exaggerating when I say that we would be bombarded by a tout every twenty steps we took. The issue lies in how often they approach you and the persistence of the vendors.
Exploitation and Scams Targeting Tourists
To build upon the first point, it is evident that tourists are completely exploited in Egypt. Despite it being a popular tourist destination, one would expect tourists to be treated more favorably. Not to mention numerous scams exist.
If it’s not your taxi driver agreeing on one price to demand more before they drop you off, then it’s people taking your phone from you, taking a picture of you, and then demanding a ‘tip’ for doing so. Everyone from the police to baggage control, to random people making you think they helped you out, expect a tip from you. Once you tip them, they even demand that it’s not enough. It’s quite ridiculous.
Always to sell you something. They offer you tea and tell you “No buy, no problem”. Of course, when you begin to refuse, they get aggressive or tell you some sob story about how they haven’t sold anything in weeks. Nobody appreciates paying for a full-day tour just to be taken to places they did not ask to go with the intention of spending even more money. How are you supposed to know who to trust or what to pay? I only took one tour the entire time I was in Egypt and that was for the pyramids. Although the pestering was a little bit less with a guide, it was still very much there. What was worse is that instead of focusing on the main sites during the tour, they take you to different shops along the way.
Chaotic and Unclean Environment
Another part that nobody talks about is how chaotic, messy, loud, and trashed Cairo is. I understand that cities in foreign countries are sometimes like this but Cairo was bad. The driving and traffic are not only chaotic but kind of dangerous. There is so much trash everywhere. Like I’ve already said, I think the main issue here is how underreported and not talked about these issues are.
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Animal Welfare Concerns
I have always been an immense animal lover and advocate. People narrate visiting the Pyramids of Giza as incomplete without riding and getting a picture with a camel. The owners beat and pull the camels around, instructing them to sit down and stand back up despite their unmistakable sounds of anguish.
In one of the many scams that occur in Egypt, someone told me that I had to ride a camel to enter the complex, which is absolutely not true. They use the animals as a means to an end. It’s all about money for these camel owners. They don’t care about the animals. This for me is the main reason I would not go back and urge you not to travel to Egypt. Of course, if you do decide to visit, I urge you to strongly consider boycotting the riding of camels.
Corruption
To bring things into a full circle, this all falls into the corruption that Egypt faces. Whether it’s from the government or the people, it’s still a glaring issue that cannot be avoided. The police, tour guides, and any officials all accept bribes. Generally, the government tries to protect important archeological sites so that they remain in a condition that will last generations.
However, at the pyramids, everyone is cutting corners. They let you touch the pyramid which technically isn’t supposed to be allowed. They accept bribes to show you into tombs that are technically supposed to be closed. The hardest part for me to understand is how can a country that brings in so many tourists a year, still be living in such poverty. Where does the money go?
Safety and Security Concerns
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
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The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country. The political environment in Egypt is restrictive. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests as the situation could change quickly and without warning. Foreign nationals involved in any political activity or activities critical of the government may be at risk of detention.
The crime rate is generally low, but visitors should take sensible precautions as they would in the UK. To report a crime, phone the tourist police on 126. The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. Pickpocketing is rare in Egypt. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK.
It might be helpful to make photocopies of your passport, visa and flight ticket to keep separately from originals when travelling. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report.
Cultural and Legal 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 offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
You must get a permit to enter Egypt with professional photography or film equipment. Ministry of Tourism regulations on photography say that you must get an Egyptian citizen’s written permission before you take their photo. Taking pictures of children is prohibited. It is illegal to take photos of, or near, military property. If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photos.
Do not import, use or produce drones in Egypt unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives you permission beforehand. Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. There is little public acceptance of same-sex relationships in Egypt. Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal.
Additional Safety Advice
Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, will cover the costs for any air or sea rescue, which can cost more than 4,000 US dollars per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only start rescue operations when they are guaranteed payment. Speak to your tour company before booking a hot air balloon flight.
There have been recent incidents involving British nationals on diving boats/tours in the Red Sea. Some of these have included fatalities. Safety standards of Red Sea resort diving operators and boats vary considerably. They recommend that prospective customers book liveaboard dive holidays only through reputable vendors who can provide assurance about the safety standards applicable to the dive boat. Shark attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region.
There have been several serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards vary considerably. You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You can drive in Egypt using your UK licence and an IDP for up to 6 months.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence in Egypt. You may not be allowed to import a vehicle into Egypt. Accidents are common because of variable road conditions, dangerous driving and poor traffic law enforcement. Do not drive outside main cities and resorts at night.
Egypt Safety: Current Travel Advisories
Yes, Egypt is safe. The overall answer to this question requires nuance and explanation, but after 12 years of living in Egypt off and on (my first time in Egypt was in August 2012, and I've been going back ever since), I can confidently say that Egypt is a safe international destination to visit.
And since the current President El Sisi has been in power, Egyptian Police, military, and security forces have a very strong presence throughout the entire country; the past several years have been the safest on record for travel to Egypt, and the government and country's number one priority is the providing safe travel for tourists, so that more visitors will come to Egypt and stimulate one of the most important industries in their economy.
In addition to this, violent or even petty crime is rare in Egypt; I never worry about being pickpocketed, robbed, or harmed, even when going places by myself, or walking around large cities like Cairo, especially at night. This isn't true when I am traveling in destinations people say are "safe" like London or Paris, where I am often thinking about where my wallet and phone are to avoid pickpockets, and I exercise increased caution when going anywhere alone at night.
The United States State Department currently considers Egypt a "Level 3 - reconsider travel". This means that the US Government allows travel to Egypt, but wants tourists to be aware of the risks, and to think about whether or not they should or want to visit Egypt.
These are great ways to stay informed about the current safety situation in Egypt, and if there is a new travel advisory, be sure to review it before your trip. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is also a great way to stay informed and to access consular services as needed.
Areas to Avoid
There are certain areas of Egypt to avoid, like the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, and the area of the Western Desert that borders Libya.
These two areas aren't of concern for any tourists, anyway, because:
- The more unstable areas of the Northern Sinai Peninsula have been off-limits to tourists for over a decade. So the entire area of the Northern Sinai Peninsula that tourists should avoid, is off-limits anyway, and has been for years, even before the recent escalation at the Gaza/Egypt border.
- The area of Egypt's Western Desert that is not safe for tourists to visit is the area within 50 kilometers of the border with Libya. However, the areas that tourists want to visit, like Siwa Oasis, the Black and White Desert, or El Kharga Oasis, are not within this area. The unsafe portion of the Western Desert has nothing of interest for tourists, aside from lots of desert sand.
Safety Advice for Travel to Egypt
- Consider an Egypt Group Tour: Egypt Adventures Travel hosts group tours every year, which are a great way for travelers to have a safe and comfortable experience in Egypt.
- Consider working with an Egypt Guide or Company: If a group tour is not right for you, consider a private tour. Companies (like Egypt Adventures Travel) can connect you with vetted and trusted Egyptian guides and partners, who can handle all of the logistical details for your time in Egypt.
For example, tourism companies by law are required to file paperwork with Egypt’s Tourism Police (that’s right, Egypt has a police branch in each major city and governorate dedicated solely to keeping tourists safe) and also the Ministry of Tourism. This paperwork has all the identifying information of the individuals in the group, as well as all the tour guides and drivers the group will be working with, along with a basic itinerary for their time in Egypt.
Sometimes, depending on the situation or the size of the group, additional security or a tourism police officer will join a group for a day, to keep an eye on everyone and make sure everyone is safe.
If there were to be some type of disaster, accident, civil unrest, etc., tourism companies have plans in place to help tourists find a safe place, and then consider next steps depending on the situation.
- Consider Egypt Travel Insurance: Before purchasing any travel insurance policy, make sure you speak to your insurance agent to get advice on what to do, and to know what your different policy options include!
- Avoid Demonstrations in Egypt: Before you head out for the day, check the news to see if there are any potential demonstrations, and be especially cautious on Fridays after prayer time (early afternoon) when protests usually happen. If you notice a demonstration when out and about, try to avoid the area as much as possible.
- Avoid Talking Politics in Egypt: As best you can, avoid these conversations entirely, or if engaged in one, try:
- Saying you do not know a lot about politics
- Pretending you do not understand
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Egypt
Is it safe to travel to Egypt as a woman? Yes, Egypt is totally safe for women to travel to, but I recommend women travel as part of a group, especially with at least one male in the group, in order to reduce the chance of harassment, like staring or catcalling.
Is Egypt safe for solo female travelers? This is a tough question. I have organized trips for solo female travelers in Egypt, and they have had great experiences, but I highly recommend solo female travelers find a vetted and trusted local Egypt guide to help with their trip.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Egypt? Travel insurance is not required in order to visit Egypt, however, I highly recommend purchasing it! Travel insurance could cover things like needing to cancel your trip, having a medical issue while traveling, facing a delay with a flight, and more.
Is Alexandria Egypt safe? Yes, Alexandria is totally safe, despite being the second largest city in Egypt. I love Alexandria, and encourage anyone with a few extra days in their itinerary to pay Egypt's Mediterranean Jewel a visit.
Is Uber safe in Egypt? Uber is far safer than taking a normal, "white" taxi, since you know who your driver will be, you have GPS tracking enabled, you have a record of your ride, and you have the Uber central office in Cairo to contact in case anything goes wrong.
Is it safe to take public transit in Egypt? Public transit like buses, the metro, and microbuses are not often taken by tourists, but all modes of public transit in Egypt are perfectly safe.
Is child abduction and kidnapping an issue in Egypt? There are very rare cases of kidnapping and abduction when traveling in Egypt. It does happen (only once in a blue moon), so it's not something that the average Egypt tourist visiting in order to see the Pyramids, do a Nile Cruise, and enjoy time on the Red Sea needs to worry about.
Is traveling to Egypt safe for gay and lesbian travelers? This blog post has a lot of information about the topic to prepare for your Egypt visit, but overall, yes, Egypt is safe for LGBT travelers, as long as these travelers know what the Egyptian law says about homosexuality, avoid public displays of affection, and respect local customs.
Is Cairo Egypt safe? Cairo, despite being one of the largest cities in the world, is very safe. I have been living in Cairo off and on for 12 years, and, ironically, feel safer in Cairo than any other major city in the world I've been to, including where I live in the USA.
Are there any Egypt travel restrictions? Aside from barring tourists from visiting the northern Sinai Peninsula, and the area of the Western Desert within 50 kilometers of Libya, there are no Egypt travel restrictions for tourists.
Is it safe for American to travel to Egypt right now? Americans are actually one of the most-loved nationalities of tourists in Egypt, because Egyptian people as a whole have a fascination with American music, TV shows, movies, culture, and politics.
Is it safe to visit the Pyramids? The Giza Plateau is one of the safest parts of Cairo, with a heavy security presence monitoring the entirety of the Pyramids and Sphinx, all roadways leading to the area, and all entrances.
Is Hurghada Egypt safe? Like all major tourists cities in Egypt, Hurghada has a heavy security presence that is focused on keeping toursits safe.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post serves as a formal warning and provides you with the reality of travel to Egypt. In my opinion, people should discuss the issue of harassment and aggressive behavior toward tourists more often. I intend to bring more attention to these problems so that people can have a better understanding of what to expect before they visit.
You may be thinking that these reasons are not pressing enough to skip visiting the entirety of Egypt or the famous tombs and pyramids. If you go in with the right mindset and can brush off negative interactions then I believe you will be just fine. However, if you find yourself easily disturbed or anxious, I strongly urge you to reconsider and not travel to Egypt. This may seem extreme, but trust me, it’s worth your mental health and sanity.
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