Is Egypt safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

For most travellers, Egypt is safe. The classic route — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Nile cruise and the Red Sea resorts — is well-trodden, and tourist police are visible at major sites. The risks that actually affect visitors are scams, traffic and stomach upsets, not violence.

What changes the picture is where you go. Government advisories typically warn against travel to the Western Desert (except the oases), the northern Sinai Peninsula and areas near the Libyan border. The Red Sea resorts, the Nile Valley and the oases are generally fine. Always check your own government's advisory before booking, because the situation can shift quickly.

The US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland all publish country-specific advice for Egypt. They generally warn against travel to the Western Desert (except the oases), the northern Sinai Peninsula and areas near the Libyan border. The Red Sea resorts, the Nile Valley and the oases are usually not in the 'avoid' zone.

Advisories change with events, so check the page for your own country before booking and again before you fly. The level of advice can differ between countries, so compare a couple. For example, one government may warn against all but essential travel to a region while another only advises caution.

Tourist police are present at major sites and along the Nile. Their phone number is 126. For general police, call 122; for ambulance, 123; for fire, 180.

The most frequent problems for tourists are not violent crimes but scams and overcharging. The classic ones: a taxi driver who 'doesn't have change' or takes a longer route; a guide who appears uninvited at a site and demands payment; a camel or horse ride quoted at one price and billed at another; and 'free' gifts or invitations to a shop that end with a hard sell.

How to handle them: agree on the price before you get in a taxi or accept a ride, and write it down if you can. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps where available. Say no firmly to uninvited guides and walk away. For camel rides, agree the price and the duration before you mount. In shops, the first price is a starting point; bargaining is expected, but if you're not comfortable, buy from fixed-price places like the Khan el-Khalili's government-run bazaar.

Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for almost every service: EGP 20–50 for small tips, 10–15% in restaurants. Factor this into your budget so you're not caught off guard.

Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Egypt. Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless it's from a sealed factory tube. Stomach upsets are common; pack oral rehydration salts and be careful with raw salads and unpeeled fruit in the first days.

Heat is a real risk, especially from May to September. Drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon. The sun is intense even in winter.

Road safety is poor by Western standards. Lanes are suggestions, and driving is chaotic. For intercity travel, use the train, a reputable bus company, or a private driver arranged by your hotel. Avoid self-driving unless you're experienced with this style of traffic.

For any medical emergency, call 123 for an ambulance. Private clinics in Cairo and the resorts are good; for serious issues, hospitals in Cairo are the best equipped. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

Egypt is generally safe for solo travellers, but women may face more attention, especially in crowded places. Dressing modestly — covering shoulders and knees — reduces unwanted attention and is respectful in religious sites. A wedding ring or a firm 'no' usually deters persistent approaches.

Solo women often report feeling safe in tourist areas, but it's wise to avoid walking alone at night in quiet streets. Use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps. In the Red Sea resorts, the atmosphere is more relaxed, but the same common sense applies.

If you're a woman travelling alone, you're not alone in doing so; many do it every year. The key is to be assertive and not engage with unwanted attention. Trust your instincts.