Is Egypt safe to travel? Your guide to being safe in Egypt
Is Egypt safe to travel? The land of the pharaohs is one of the places every traveler has on his wish list. Egypt is a fascinating place especially if you are a lover of history, ancient Egyptian culture, architecture, temples, and monuments, or if you simply want to know the most ancient place and the cradle of civilization.
Before traveling to Egypt you will have several doubts. Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Is it as hot as they say in summer? Do I have to go dressed long if I am a woman? Is it necessary to get a visa before?
These are only some of the questions that will arise to you on having prepared your trip to Egypt. we will help you with some advice and recommendations to travel in Egypt safety.
Why to visit Egypt?
Considered the cradle of civilizations, Egypt is a unique country, an amazing destination full of magic and history that invites its visitors to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Egypt offers an exciting mix of adventure, culture, and mystery that invites all who visit it to lose themselves in its colossal temples and get involved in the bustle of Cairo. Enjoy the tranquility of a cruise on the Nile and contemplate the majestic pyramids before tasting the excellent Egyptian culinary specialties or diving into the vastness of the Red Sea.
As the Greek historian, Herodotus said more than two thousand years ago, “He who has not seen Egypt has not seen the world”.
Is travel in Egypt safe?
This will be the first and one of the most important questions before deciding whether to travel to Egypt or not. Surely if you look for information in newspapers or comment on your intention to travel to Egypt with your family and friends the first thing they will tell you is if you are crazy. Bombs, bombings, riots, religious extremists… and endless misfortunes, sadly this is the image that is still held about Egypt.
Despite this news, you can find on the internet, Egypt IS a safe country. and you can visit it in complete safety.
In Egypt, you will be surprised by the amount of security there is. In the streets, in the hotels, at the entrance of the cruise ship, at the entrance of the temples or tourist areas, there are security arches and they watch your bags.
As for the security in the street, you will not have any problem. The Egyptians won’t try to rob you or take your things. The penalties for theft are so high that no one dares to steal anything from tourists. Tourism is the main source of income for the country and that’s why the government protects tourists so much.
How to dress in Egypt?
Egypt is an Arab country and the majority of the population is Muslim, although in the tourist zones like Luxor or Aswan if you can dress with more freedom, in other places like Cairo it is advisable to go more covered. Of course, all this if you are a woman, if you are a man you will not have any problem in dressing with shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and even suspenders.
In the case of women, they recommend in Cairo not to go short (showing knee or shoulders or neckline), therefore in places like Cairo and other less tourist places other than beach or Luxor and Aswan, we must take care of clothing.
If you travel to Egypt in winter is advisable to bring warm clothes (a jacket, you will not need a coat) because at night the temperature can fall quite.
How to dress in Egypt in, Summer?
Now, what happens if you decide to travel to Egypt in the summer? if you will travel to Egypt in the middle of July, so the option of going completely covered up was not viable unless you wanted to die of heat.
As we have already mentioned, men do not have any restrictions on what they can wear. They can wear shorts, short-sleeved shirts and, normal dresses, also to enter mosques or temples.
As for how to dress in Egypt if you are a woman, you should know that in the temples or excursions that you make both in Luxor and Aswan and in the coastal areas of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, you can go with shorts, skirt and, suspenders. In these places.
Regarding shoes, it is advisable to wear hiking sandals and sneakers. Normal sandals can also be worn.
What if I want to swim in the pool or in the Nile River? Swimsuit or bikini? Bikini is allowed to be worn inside the hotel swimming pool in Egypt and during the Nile cruise trip, and of course on the shores of the Red Sea, whether Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.
Planning to travel to Egypt
If you are planning to travel to Egypt, the first thing you need to do is to make an important decision, go on your own or by the Egyptian tour operator. On the web. It is up to you what you prefer, but here are some tips for traveling alone or through a travel agency to Egypt.
Many travelers prefer to make visits on their own and not use travel agencies since doing so in Egypt is no more dangerous than in any other western country. This is true, but several aspects must be considered:
If you do not know the prices well, in transport operations, you can be charged more or more from the agency, with the difference in the agency that they are responsible for you, and that their cars are usually trustworthy and the latest models and drivers are qualified to deal with you with all privacy.
Without knowing the country and its features, you can miss many things that you will not miss with your own guide. In addition, if your agency’s evidence is good and qualified, the quality of service, attention, and information received will be much higher than that that can be received from anyone who gives you guidance. [ plan you trip to Egypt with Cleopatra Egypt Tours ]
Best time to travel to Egypt
Another question you might ask yourself when planning your trip to Egypt is when to travel. In summer, when do we usually have holidays? In winter, when is the high season?
- Travel to Egypt in winter, high season
Yes, in Egypt the high season is from December to February mainly. They say that the best time to travel to Egypt, especially to the more central and southern areas of the country is in winter, as the temperatures are much more pleasant. In this epoch you will not have heat, even you will have to take some garment of a coat. If you prefer, the option of the means is to visit Egypt between September and November or from March to June.
- Travel to Egypt in summer, low season
As you might expect, the low season in Egypt is during the summer months (June, July, and August). You must be expecting much more heat.
It hot, quite hot, especially in the south of the country in Aswan. Here reach 40º or a little more, besides, the excursions here start around 5 in the morning so that we don’t have to visit the places when it’s hottest, around 9, 10, 11, 12 in the morning.
In Cairo, it is less hot than in the south and center of the country, here about 35º.
[ read more about the best time to visit Egypt ]
Top destinations in Egypt
Egypt is one of the countries that has more sites and monuments to see, it’s incredible! If you go through an agency, you will surely choose a package that includes the most emblematic sites. There are still some optional tours or places that I recommend you include in your route.
- Luxor, the city with the most heritage of humanity
Luxor is one of the most incredible places in all of Egypt. This stop is 100% mandatory on your visit to the country. Luxor is on the banks of the Nile (the best way to visit Luxor is to take a Nile cruise on the Nile) In this city you can find the Temple of Luxor, the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon.
- Aswan
This is one of the most curious places you will find in Egypt. The city of Aswan on the banks of the Nile River is pure life. We recommend you to see it also at night because if you think it’s crazy by day, at night it’s spectacular.
- Abu Simbel
When you think of Egypt, the image of the pyramids automatically comes to mind. But Egypt is so much more, and if anything I was very impressed by it was Abu Simbel. This temple is located almost at the border with Sudan, about 300 km south of Aswan, and you can do it both by bus and by plane.
- Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
This is one of the most obvious stops when going to Egypt. Cairo is the third most populated city in the world, Of course, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are also a must on any route through Egypt.
In fact, Egypt one of the countries that have grown the most in tourists this last year. It’s a fascinating country, you won’t regret a moment of your trip to Egypt and experience vacation packages in Egypt.
If you have any questions about travel to Egypt or doubts about choosing a Nile cruise on the Nile River and Egypt Tourist Attractions, we will help you with any questions.
General tips to be safe in Egypt during your visit:
1- Electric current and telephone in Egypt so The hotels have 220 volts, so we will not have any problem with the chargers of our mobiles, tablets or small appliances. so you need also a Power adapter – To charge your phone or computer, you will need a special adapter.
2-Take a photocopy of your passport (of the first page), this way you will not have to carry your passport while visiting the temples of the city
3-Bargain for every item you want to buy or service you want to hire. In tourist markets as Khan Al-Khalili, they can multiply up to 10 the real value. In these cases, a good option is to ask the guide, by the strip of prices in which they move to have a reference.
4-Comfortable shoes or tennis shoes – For many of the attractions in Egypt, you will have to walk, and a lot. We recommend comfortable shoes or sneakers.
5-Jacket – This will help you in case of sandstorms, and to protect you from sudden changes in weather, when there is air conditioning.
6-Lightweight cotton clothing – Carry easy-to-wash clothing with you, as well as lightweight clothing to withstand the heat.
7-In addition to all travel documents, these are some of the items you should bring.
Public behavior for the Egyptians
Intimate behavior and any type of public display of affection, including hugging, kissing and holding hands with someone.
When visiting someone’s home, it is customary to take a gift and remove your shoes before entering the house.
Egyptians have special functions for both their hands. The left hand is used for “dirty” functions, such as putting on shoes or washing the toilets. It is unhygienic to eat with the left hand. The right hand is the only one used for eating and waving.
Documentation required to travel to Egypt
1-To travel to Egypt you must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
2-The visa is also required. The visa can be requested in the embassy or consulates but for many nationalities, it is not necessary. It is processed on arrival in Egypt and its price is approximately 25 $. [ Read more about how to get a visa to Egypt? ]
Most common languages in Egypt
In Egypt, it’s not hard to understand the Egyptians. Although the official language is Egyptian Arabic, you will find many people who speak English poorly and of course know the words and clues of each language.
Currency in Egypt
The currency is the Egyptian pound, which corresponds to about 1USD=15.75. Its currency fluctuates constantly so the change you can make in the banks will vary at times and it is best not to change much, It is also possible not to change since you can pay in Dollars. English pounds and euros and they will give you the change in dollars, euros and Egyptian pounds as you prefer.
Social life in Egypt
You have to go to Egypt with the mentality that it’s a very different place culturally and socially, and you have to take things calmly, patiently and above all with a great sense of humor.
Travel tips to keep safe in Egypt for families with kids:
Egypt is much more enjoyable to travel with your family. We also include tips and all the visits to the cruise, pyramids and Abu Simbel. Don’t leave your children at home!
You can rest assured that Egypt is an ideal destination for traveling with children, not only because of the unbeatable price/experience ratio but also because of its priceless heritage and all that it offers when traveling with the family.
Discover the treasures of Tutankhamun, fly over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, ride a camel in front of the ancient pyramids, cross the Nile, the longest river in the world…
As the head of the family, if you are looking for a cultural trip, full of adventures and at a very reasonable price, you are right, this will be a trip you will remember for a lifetime.
Which places in Egypt are unsafe for families?
While the major tourist spots are considered OK to visit, unfortunately, you should be away from the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity and continued terrorist attacks.
Health tips for travelers in Egypt
Health care in Egypt has a primary infrastructure, with 208 central public hospitals and 126 in rural areas where care is free. However, public hospitals should be avoided, especially outside Cairo, because they are not well maintained and hygienic. In the event of a minor illness, pharmacies – can be consulted, and in more serious cases, private hospitals with the latest medical advances and excellent care can be used.
we advise you that you should have your first aid kit, you should take medicine to relieve the normal pains of everyday life. Bring medicines to treat stomach problems. Finally, it is essential to take good sun cream to protect you from the sun’s rays and after-sun – don’t forget that you are treading on the land of the god Ra-. Save some band-aids in case you get blisters from long walks.
In the Nile cruises that travel along the Nile, there is first aid kit but there are no doctors on board. It is advisable to keep in mind that on the tourist route of the Nile, basic medical services can be found in Luxor and Aswan.
Vaccinations for Egypt
No vaccinations are required for entry into Egypt, although it is recommended that you be immunized against tetanus and cholera.
The discomfort that most affects travelers is linked to stomach problems. For this, different precautions can be taken such as drinking bottled mineral water, measuring the consumption of cold drinks when returning from excursions, peeling and washing fruits and vegetables properly and not abusing spices in meals.
Security in Egypt
As far as safety is concerned, Egypt is one of the countries in the world where the tourist is safest. The government is clear about where its main source of income comes from and is very careful to control it. The penalties for attacking or stealing from a tourist are so great that you don’t even think about it. Besides, you’ll see lots of white police everywhere, it’s the Tourist Police, always ready -in their size and ability- to help.
Dressing style in Egypt you should know
Dress in Egypt should be modest. Shorts are acceptable in areas near the coast, and T-shirts should cover the shoulders for both men and women.
When visiting a mosque or holy places, travelers should be modest in their dress. Women should cover themselves from the waist to the ankle and men from the waist to below the knee at least. Travelers should remove their shoes before entering any place.