Learn how to protect yourself. Here are a couple of tips youll want to keep in mind particularly when visiting this city. Hi Jeremy! These individuals typically quote a different starting price for tourists than they do for locals. The small city of Aswan is overall considered secure and has a very authentically Egyptian vibe. Egypt is generally a very safe country for tourists, including tourists who are traveling alone. If you are thinking of visiting Egypt then I recommend you do. Also would he meet at the airport etc? Absolutely. Gotta love that Couchsurfing community! Recommended for travelers who will be in situations with a high risk of exposure to someone with imported poliovirus. Violent crime is actually very rare here, but petty crime like pickpocketing has seen an increase in recent years, especially in the capital (and specifically on the citys metro). 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 soap and water arent available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). Hi Jeremy, Im so glad I read your post. Scams are a little less common than in Cairo, mostly due to the slightly lower tourism numbers, but theyre worth watching out for. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). I bet they didnt expect me to cry half the day making the tour company look bad! Obviously it helps to have a father in law from the country, but short of that, as I have no relatives in that part of the world, the way the country has been portrayed in the news makes many of us fearful of traveling there; hence the drop in tourism. I am headed to Cairo in 21 days. hi i am from ethiopia and i wanted to ask how much will i be expected to pay from the city to giza and backand come visit ethiopia u will love it here. If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. In this article, we outline the areas that one should pay close attention to when traveling to the highly popular country of Egypt. A single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is recommended for adults who received the routine vaccination series as children; the routine series is recommended for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children and adults and those with unknown vaccination status. pyramid scams are something to keep your eye on as the people there will try and rinse any money out of you. Edfu temple. If your thinking of going to Egypt regardless of how long or short your stay I very much recommend you contact Rami he is a lovely person that will do all he can for you, he is someone I will remain friends with for life and I know I will go back to visit him more in the future.thank you so much Rami , Im so glad you went and saw Rami and had a similar experience to me. The pyramids, the River Nile, Luxor's glut of tombs and temples, and the Red Sea's world-class diving are all major reasons to start planning your itinerary now . The period of time before that, most commonly referred to as. The Bir Tawil Trapezoid Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt according to the Foreign Office, and targets could include destinations popular with tourists. Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. To be honest, I cant remember. What a Trip to Hawaii Costs in 2023 | Average Prices, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Egypt such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. Stay vigilant in observing your surroundings, especially in highly populated areas. Most of the time these are annoying rather than dangerous. Before I came to Egypt I found Rami on this Internet blog and decided to contact him. Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick. My trip isnt until November so I have some time to plan things out. as other areas of the world, there are some groups that operate in the country. Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. AP News. 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. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.). Thank you for sharing with us and glad to you for advice. I paid him daily at the end of every day, which meant he would actually pay for me up front. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. The Egyptian authorities and everyone in the tourism industry are also working hard to protect international visitors. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. The pyramids see many large groups of tourists daily; therefore, they have become a hotspot for crime, primarily pickpocketing. As the biggest city in Egypt and home the Great Pyramids of Giza, Cairo has its own set of safety issues. Second, have a general understanding of the basic costs associated with goods and services in the country. Female travelers should also avoid them as sexual assault in large demonstrations is a major risk. In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes. The road between Abu Simbel and Aswan has faced safety issues in the past. She will definitely need to be covered up at sacred and religious sites, but for just walking around, I dont think its a problem. Terrorist groups are still a major concern in the Sinai region. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites. Drink more water than usual due to high heat and sun. Feel free to send him an email. To be on the safe side, visitors should avoid discussions about religion and politics. The downtown areas are so clustered that it makes crossing the streets nearly impossible. Additionally, the Egyptian government recommends staying at least 50 kilometers away from the border that Egypt shares withLibya and Sudan. I traveled there soloand here's what I can tell you. Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. As a result, Russia stopped all flights to Sharm El Sheikh and had a ripple effect on tourism as a whole. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). There have also been reports of assault happening in microbuses. May 19, 2019 South African tourists on a tour bus injured by a roadside bomb next to the pyramids in Giza. Security forces are all over in the tourist areas, and their number one concern is to protect the visitors since tourism is such a big part of the . Feel free to contact him if you ever make it to Giza . People have been flocking to Egypt to see the pyramids of Giza for over 4,500 yearsand seeing as how the Great Pyramid is the only Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, its not hard to see why. Solo travelers are usually less likely to enjoy the large tour bus type experience, but if there was ever a place in the world to hire a tour operator or tag along for a day tour, it would be Egypt. I was in a food coma the whole trip, Im not even kidding! Otherwise, great country and they do know how to do tourism the right way. Learn how to stay safe while traveling solo in Egypt. For Americans, going to Egypt is like a once in a lifetime thing! There is no issue with a woman taking a solo adventure to Egypt. Haha maybe you shouldnt tell him where youre going until after youve already left . Egypt went through a number of presidents and even a brief period of military rule before things truly calmed down. I have a friend who lives there. Once youre out in smaller cities like Luxor and Aswan, the small villages, towns, and on the Nile, youre completely disconnected from any perceived chaos. You will cross paths with Egyptians who starts a conversation with you in Cairo and Luxor, wanting to befriend you and show you around and then asking money for their services. Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. When it comes to how safe the country is, it really depends on which region you are talking about. While on the dahabiya Nile cruise is when I felt 100% safe and why I say its the best experience youll have in Egypt. Last but not least, insurance is a good idea if you plan on taking a taxi or bus pretty much anywhere. Additionally, traffic within Egypt is highly congested. When it comes to violent crime, it is rare, and you shouldnt worry too much about being mugged or robbed. The Central Asian country . Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling, Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling, Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water, Department of State Country Information Pages, information page about avoiding bug bites, Association for International Road Travel, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ), Obtencin de atencin mdica en el extranjero, Zika: A CDC Guide for Travelers infographic, Guidelines for US Citizens and Residents Living in Areas with Zika, Cholera Information for Health Care Professionals, Improving the Quality of Travel Medicine Through Education & Training, Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants. A bit of savviness can go a long way in staying safe, much like the precautions you would take in any other country. Now, only the. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location. Temples that once saw thousands of people in a day are now lucky to reach 100 visitors in a day. While violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of, tourists are occasionally victims of petty crime, including things like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Nice story, but its a little bit onesided in my opinion. Hes a very nice guy, and his family is lovely. Try to avoid going to neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Youre more likely to make a new friend than a foe. Accessibility, Is Egypt Safe for Travel? Some taxi drivers are especially aggressive and can get quite vocal to the level of verbal abuse if you question their rate. This is a very conservative country. Join a tour group or day trip. Additionally, traffic within Egypt is highly congested. Learn more about which areas specifically arent safe, and just steer clear of those ones. And the most popular question of allis Egypt safe to visit? They want tourists to enjoy their homeland, and understand the value of a solid tourism industry. Of course there are pickpockets like in any big place but the place is wonderful overall. If your travel plans in Egypt include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Most of the smaller Egyptian cities dont have these options yet, but they can be quite useful and more secure than a taxi off the street. Many tourists do not dress in the. The thing is, were 2 teenagers travelling alone. (How is it in 2023 with Safety Guide and Tips). Living in Egypt can be an incredible experience, and it can also be quite safe with the right precautions. Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools. Start Here Africa Egypt Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2023? Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). And was the sky blue near the pyramids? It sounds like this was your experience as well! Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Egypt. I suggest emailing him for further information. Petty crime rates are lower here than many places, even in Western Europe. In fact, the country has one of the highest rates of vehicle accidents in the world. Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Today, things are much more relaxed, and there are a number of military and police checkpoints along the route. All Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. Also traveling to Cairo /Dahab in November with my husband, would be interested in his information also!! Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF, An infected pregnant woman spread it to her unborn baby, Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock, Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets, Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus). I visited last year and my experience was similar. If you think you have seen bad traffic, I can guarantee that Egypt, especially Cairo, will surpass your expectations. Locals may ask you if you're married or if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend as a friendly way to make conversation, but use your best judgment in how to respond. Many places are safe to travel and terrorist targets have been almost exclusively military related. Egypt is in fact # 1 on my places to travel to on holiday actually. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. I suggest reading the whole article, as I think the answers youre looking for are written right there. Passengers traveling to Egypt are not required to take a COVID-19 test to fly to Egypt. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. You will also probably face more unwanted attention and street harassment as a foreign woman. My experience was different as I have family that lives in Egypt. I would recommend reading the whole article. One of my college professors was from Egypt but I have lost contact with him. You will also notice a substantial amount of illegal acts when it comes to. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for supporting our mission! We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. It was once highly recommended that visitors only make the trip as part of a daily convoy of tourist buses or with a tour operator and police escort. I have a clear memory of my first hour in Cairo thanks to an insane freeway experience. I dont want to discourage any women from visiting Egypt. Youd be doing yourself a disservice to not spend some time exploring the countrys cities and historical sites, and getting to know the people. The people seemed very friendly, though I was a young teen, it could have been the tourist nature of it. Bat bites may be hard to see. A guide is also very handy and will improve your overall experience so if you can afford it, get one. The problem is where the tap water reaches you. Many native Egyptians have tan skin typical of North African Arabs, but dark-skinned South Egyptians, as well as Black immigrants from neighboring countries, are often subjected to racism and xenophobia. Black travelers are usually easily identifiable as tourists based on their clothing, accent, or style and therefore not exposed to this treatment, but should be conscious to possible comments from locals. Like seriously in Poland almost everyone and their mother has been to Egypt, it was actually the first place for me to travel solo back in 2009 because it was an obvious choice . I couldnt tell you what it was, but the hairs on my back prickled while in Cairo in such a way I hadnt felt since some iffy streets in Bangkok. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Many tourists do not dress in thestandard apparel that locals do. Dont hesitate rerouting your trip somewhere else if things seem to be getting dicey. Last month, I was down there in Egypt for 2 weeks. Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2023? id say egypt overall is a good country. Learn how your comment data is processed. You will also notice a substantial amount of illegal acts when it comes to consumer fraud. Terrorist attacks are sadly the kind of world we live in today and it can happen anywhere you go (. Please review your opinion on the roads, massive renovation happened Also pickpocket is not common in Egypt. Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Egypt. Thank you for sharing with us and glad to you for advice. They take your money for an insurance plan but you dont have any coverage for Egypt even though the plan you purchased from them says you are covered for Egypt. Dukoral is something you should consider. In the major tourist areas, you will likely feel a sense of heightened security. Dont be afraid to bargain prices with shopkeepers or attraction owners. You can easily recognize these individuals by the label on their uniform that states Tourism Police. The country takes the safety of its tourists seriously and will even provide an armed officer to escort travel groups when needed. The heat and sun are most harmful during these hours, and you can quickly become dehydrated or suffer from heat exhaustion or stroke. By booking a day tour, you can go from wandering around a dusty old temple alone to being transported through history. It is also vital to be mindful of local customs and culture. Its been nice reading everybodys exoeriences. Dont venture outdoors during the midday. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs. And pickpockets could be seen operating in all crowded areas. How Safe Is Egypt for Travel? This contradicts some parts of this article and what Rami himself told me. If you are planning on visiting, your best option is to keep an eye on the news and any travel advisories. While the amount of crime in Egyptspiked dramatically following the Day of Revolt in January 2011, the number has continually decreased in the years following. I would love to visit in late October and am just trying to do my homework. I barely landed and while struggling to find a cab I noticed my portable charger was not in my pocket anymore. But, when compared to other countries in the world, it becomes apparent just how cautious it is. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers), Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens, Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis, Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud, Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine. Bring a. Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Public displays of affection, even between married heterosexual couples, is frowned upon. Authorities have set a curfew for parts of the region and have declared a state of emergency. There are still a lot of things you should consider and understand before traveling to Egypt. The price of things is very reasonable much cheaper than a typical tour, it also has many other beneficial aspects that really allow you to see what Egyptian culture is really about. The visa can be requested in the embassy or consulates but for many nationalities, it is not necessary. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. . This is such an amazing post. So glad you enjoyed yourself in Egypt! Tortuga Outbreaker vs. Thanks Jeremy for your comment. Technically, tap water in Cairo is considered drinkable. Keep blogging like this. Sadly, even though I am an adult, and I can do whatever I damn well please, my father would shit 20 bricks if I even mentioned to him my going to Egypt You see, he used to work in risk management, so he always thinks about the absolute worst. Traveling to Egypt comes with the same precautions youd exercise in other parts of the world. Weve had problems and harrasments in the US from Muslim men thinking that Im a Muslim woman who betrayed her roots by going with a white man. Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism . Outside of the major cities the issue is much clearer. It is on my bucket list and I want them to see it in case the opportunity is not there for them in the future. Ive dived on the Sinai a few years ago and it seemed very safe then, but of course theres no guarantees anywhere. Its different, and no, its not for everybody. So how safe is Egypt? I got that in writing from World Nomads after I had to cancel my Egypt trip! Practice safe boatingfollow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket. Im glad you got a chance to meet him, too! I did have a few salad type dishes on my trip. You can use UBER or Kareem Apps and will not need to negotiate the delivery fees also not all the taxi drivers do the same behaviour Wish to see you again in our country , Egypt is great. Knowing that Egypt has the safety of its tourists in mind and has a police force dedicated to their wellbeing helps travelers to have peace of mind when making the journey to the African and Asian continent destination. Egypt is included in this, as its many cities also have areas with a higher crime level than others. Most foreigners moving to Egypt end up in Cairo. Southern Egypt is a popular destination for travelers with its many important temples and tombs. Its more stable than it has ever been in the past decade! Directly as a result of reading this article about Rami, I booked a tour with him. He can definitely make arrangements for you at the airportjust send him an email and Im sure hell take care of you. While you will see women walking around the larger cities alone quite often, in more rural areas its much less common. But still, as it is another one of the major cities, Alexandria has some of the same safety issues as other urban areas. Also are Americans treated any differently? But, it's advisable to assess the likelihood of danger when visiting tourist hotspots, especially religious sites. During this time, we visited Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Abydos and Dendera, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. if you book a taxi/bus by uber or careem it is reliable and will not overcharge you. Try a museum and food tour around Cairo or a full-day tour to see the Pyramids. Basically, whatever the locals tell you, take it with a grain of salt. So my fear is that she will find a way to get to him eventually and so my search for just how safe can one be in Egypt. Use trains as they are the safest option. Cairo is also where youre most likely to run into a travel scam. The Egyptian economy recently suffered quite a bit with the drop in tourism. Egypt's COVID-19 entry restrictions were lifted on June 17, 2022. 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. In order to protect tourists, metal detectors and X-ray scanners are already placed aboard the Nile Cruise ships in 2020. These individuals are placed there with a primary focus on looking out for travelers. But for tourists coming just to visit iconic Egyptian sites like Luxor and Giza, the answer is much closer to yes.. We walked the streets of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan at night, through smaller streets and big ones and besides the Jackie Chan cat calls and the stares, it felt perfectly normal. People on the streets will probably jump to your aid. The sad fact is that sexual harassment is rampant. To help, here are some safety travel tips broken down by city and region. Its more about the clash of cultures between a conservative Muslim country and more liberal Western countries. Choose newer vehiclesthey may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Im planning on going to Egypt this summer and I was looking for a tourist guide or someone to show me around? Do. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately: Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Read our, same-sex acts are not technically prohibited, "Egypt: Security Forces Abuse, Torture LGBT People. No matter where you go in the world, travel insurance is a must. For starters, it can be easy for a tourist to be scammed when shopping or inquiring about a sightseeing adventure. Egypt travel advice. You most likely wont need it for your travel to Egypt but its always a smart idea to have insurance, just in case!