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Last Updated on May 13, 2021 by Nellie Huang
Egypt is the stuff of dreams: it’s home to the ancient Giza pyramids, the sprawling Valley of the Kings where over 63 tombs of Pharaohs were found, and the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (scheduled to open late 2021). Plus a host of desert experiences, hiking trails and private beaches on the Red Sea coast — Egypt is unlike any other travel destination.
Having recently revisited Egypt, I’ve found that the country’s historical treasures are still as impressive as ever — but its tourism industry is suffering tremendously due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the country needs tourists now more than ever.
So is Egypt safe to travel now? It’s a complex question to answer for many reasons, but I’ll break down the subject and discuss what it’s like to travel Egypt during the pandemic.
Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2021?
How is Egypt dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic? Where is safe to travel in Egypt? I will discuss all the topics related to Egypt travel safety in this article.
Click on the links below to skip to each section:
- Egypt Travel Restrictions
- Travel Insurance in Egypt
- Things to Note If You’re Traveling Egypt During the Pandemic
- Egypt Travel Restrictions
- Current COVID Measures in Egypt
- Where to Get PCR Tests in Egypt
- Why Is Egypt Considered Unsafe to Travel?
- Recent Terrorist Attacks in Egypt
- Where is Safe to Travel in Egypt?
- My Personal Travel Experience in Egypt
- Should You Travel Egypt Independently or Book a Tour?
- Things to Watch Out for in Egypt
- Solo Female Travel in Egypt
- How to Dress in Egypt
- How to Stay Safe in Egypt
Egypt Travel Restrictions
As of 27 April 2021, Egypt has recorded 224,517 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 13,168 deaths. A large spike appeared in January and February 2021 and case numbers are currently on an upward trend. Vaccinations have begun, but only minimal doses administered so far.
Since 1 September 2020, all travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departure. No quarantine or mandated testing is needed if you can show the certificate.
Travel Insurance in Egypt
Travel insurance is also mandatory to travel Egypt. It’s especially important to have travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling during the pandemic.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Things to Note if You’re Traveling Egypt During the Pandemic
- Make sure your PCR test certificate is written in English or Arabic and be stamped by an accredited laboratory.
- Those who fly direct to Sharm el Sheikh / Taba / Hurghada / Marsa Alam airports can take the PCR test upon arrival for US$30. You’ll need to quarantine in your hotel until the PCR test result is received (said to take 24 hours).
- They accept PCR tests taken within 96 hours for those traveling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
- All travelers must complete a health declaration card on arrival. You’ll receive this on the flight.
- Check the US Embassy in Egypt website or this detailed CNN article for up-to-date info.
Current COVID Measures in Egypt
Masks are mandatory and must be worn on all public transit and in taxis, as well as in enclosed public spaces. However, I saw that few people were observing the rule.
The curfew has been abolished. All restaurants and cafes are open, but can only operate until 10pm. Hotels are operating at 50% capacity.
There doesn’t seem to be any restrictions on public gatherings, as many parts of Cairo are still crowded. Avoid the markets and main city squares if you prefer to steer away from crowds.
Where to Get PCR Tests in Egypt
For those who need a PCR test in Egypt to fly home, it’s important to take the test from the official labs or hospitals (otherwise they won’t be accepted). The PCR test has a standard cost of 1,680 Egyptian Pounds (US$100) for foreigners.
Prime Speed Medicals are the most trusted labs. I got my PCR test at the Egyptian Tourist Authority in Hurghada for 480 EGP (US$30). It’s located near the airport, next to the EgyptAir head office. Click for Google Maps location.
Why is Egypt Considered Unsafe to Travel?
When I first traveled to Egypt in 2008, the country was still a rather safe place to visit. None of my friends or family expressed any concern for my safety.
But in the last decade, Egypt has suffered from political unrest and terrorist attacks. The upheaval during the 2011 Arab Spring sparked widespread demonstrations, strikes and violent riots. Then there were the Islamist insurgency on its borders with Israel and Gaza.
In recent years, Egypt experienced one terrorist attack after another in recent years, with many of them targeting tourists. Tourism numbers naturally took a nose dive in the last decade. These days, many countries’ travel advisories warns against any travel to Egypt. Here are links to respective advisories:
- US Department of State – Egypt Safety Warning
- Government of Canada – Egypt travel advisory
- UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice for Egypt
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Australia DFAT Smart Traveller – Egypt Travel Advice
Recent Terrorist Attacks in Egypt
- 31 October, 2015 – 224 people were killed when a Russian plane was bombed leaving Sharm El Sheikh.
- 8 January 2016 — militants stabbed two foreign tourists from Australia and Sweden in a hotel in Hurghada.
- 14 July 2017 — a student stabbed five German and one Czech tourists in Hurghada.
- 2 November 2018 — gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya province, killing 7 people.
- 28 December 2018 — a roadside blast killed 3 Vietnamese tourists and a local tour guide on a bus near the Giza pyramids.
- 18 February 2019 — 3 security personnel were killed by a suicide bomber in Central Cairo’s Darb al-ahmar district.
- 19 May 2019 — 16 people were injured after an IED attack on a tourist bus near the Giza pyramids
- 4 August 2019 — 20 people were killed by a car bomb in Central Cairo’s Manial district.
Where is Safe to Visit in Egypt?
Whether you do decide to travel Egypt or not, you’ll need to consider the risks and whether you are willing to take calculated risks to travel Egypt.
The only areas that travel advisories consider unsafe to visit are:
- The Sinai Peninsula, due to terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by the Egyptian Armed Forces. This does not include the coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
- Area close to the border with Libya, the Siwa Oasis, the Western Desert, including the oases of Bahariya, Bawati, Dakhla and Farafra, and the White and Black deserts, due to smuggling, terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups and ongoing military operations.
My Personal Travel Experience in Egypt
I traveled with my husband on my first trip to Egypt in 2008 and then solo on my recent trip in March 2021. On both trips, I never felt that I was in danger or that I was putting my life at risk at any point. Mind you, I have been to places where I felt on edge (such as Afghanistan and Iran), but I definitely didn’t feel that way in Egypt.
Also, I’ve found there is now a lot more police presence in Egypt than before. There are lots of police checkpoints on the roads and armed military tanks stationed in every city. This makes me feel that at least the police is doing their part to ensure safety.
Should You Travel Egypt Independently or Book a Tour?
This really depends on how much travel experience you have. Egypt is generally quite an easy place to travel — the tourist trail is well marked, and you’ll often find many travelers around you.
I traveled independently on both of my trips to Egypt, and I found it manageable to navigate Egypt on my own. That said, I did book day trips to learn from knowledgable Egyptologists. I know guided tours can be a hit and miss; some “guides” aren’t exactly Egyptologists as advertised. But if you’re lucky and get a good guide, it can make a world of difference.
For example, I booked this day tour to the Valley of the Kings and my female guide, Shaimaa, was knowledgable, fun and engaging! I recommend the following day tours:
- Luxor sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Luxor East and West Bank day tour
- Private tour of Giza pyramids, Saqqara and Memphis
- Cairo Egyptian Museum and Bazaar Tour
- Cairo Best Kept Secrets Night Tour
- The Nile: Felucca Ride in Cairo
Things to Watch Out for in Egypt
Hassling and Tourist Scams
In Egypt, it is common to encounter persistent and relentless vendors. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere with worse hassling than in Egypt (and I’ve been to 140+ countries).
I’ve had vendors drape scarves over my neck and insisting to get paid, and ladies shoving t-shirts into my bag when I wasn’t looking and asking for money. I also heard cat calls from Egyptian teenagers, who would shout out “China?” to me. I recommend avoiding eye contact, ignoring them and keep walking.
Almost all of the archeological sites in Egypt will have security guards standing around. Their actual responsibility is to protect the ruins, but their side-hustle is to sneak people into restricted areas, and provide loose guiding after which they’ll ask you for tips. Do not follow them.
Sexual Harassment
Unfortunately, sexual harassment is quite a common occurrence in Egypt (as confirmed with my Egyptian female friends). Whether you are dressed modestly or not, women often experience men making inappropriate advances in Egypt.
When I went on a felucca ride in Aswan, the sailor made me uncomfortable by talking by sex and he eventually asked me to rendezvous on his boat at night (pictured). In Luxor, a taxi driver tried to sell me hashish and offer me “a sexy good time”. In case you were wondering, I was dressed in long pants and loose t-shirt, and was not over-friendly on both of these occasions.
A tool that might be helpful is Harass Map where travellers have marked down areas where they’ve experienced some form of harassment.
Crazy Traffic
This is mainly an issue in Cairo. Because of the insane congestion, traffic moves at a frantic, lawless pace. A 30-minute trip might take three hours. Always head out with ample time to get to your destination.
Roads are poorly marked, and traffic rules are often ignored and occasionally enforced. Be careful when crossing the road — you might come across a local who offers to help you cross the road. Some of them have a motive (either to show you their papyrus shop or jewelry store), just say thank you and move on.
Protests and Demonstrations
People take to the streets in Egypt, and sometimes peaceful protests can turn violent. Bystanders can get caught up in the mass arrests that can follow violent protests.
There are more impressive – and safer – things to see in Egypt than protests. As always, move along and avoid being stuck in the crowd. Keep yourself informed by following the news and asking around for info.
Police Presence
There are many police checks on the roads — they’ll even board the bus for inspection. On the road from Aswan to Abu Simbel, the police man tourist buses need to drive in convoys to be safe.
At almost every city’s busiest spot, you will see a police car stationed in a corner, along with armed officers with their weapons in position. All the Egyptians I spoke to all said they are there to keep everyone safe.
Security Checks
In almost every attraction in Egypt, you’ll find metal detectors and security checkpoints at their entrances. Some hotels also have them, though they usually whisk you through without asking you to put your bags through the belt (which make you wonder why they have them in the first place).
Alcohol Consumption
Remember that Egypt is a Muslim country and alcohol consumption is banned outside of licensed bars and restaurants. Please don’t even think of bringing alcohol from abroad or buying them from individuals.
Solo Female Travel in Egypt
Of the 140+ countries I’ve visited, Egypt is one of the worst places for solo female travelers. Be prepared for some sexual harassment if you’re a solo female traveler.
Some Egyptian men can be persistent and even aggressive. The taxi driver who offered me hashish got angry when I asked him to stop before reaching my destination. He started shouting at me and insisting on more money than what we agreed on. I threw him the money and left running.
If you’re a solo female traveler who has never traveled in Muslim countries, it might be wise to book a group tour such as this one. Alternatively, you can travel independently and book day trips. Ask for a female guide when you’re booking day tours. Female guides are few and far between, and you’ll be supporting them and providing them with work.
How to Dress in Egypt
Egypt is a Muslim country, and it’s best to dress conservatively when traveling in Egypt. In Cairo, where many western women tour and live, you can easily get away with a dress. I wore dresses a few times but always made sure to have a shawl or jacket on me.
- Loose harem pants, long-sleeved tunics and dresses that cover your knees are the best things to wear in Egypt for women.
- Quick dry hiking pants and short-sleeved shirts were my favorite thing to wear when traveling in Cairo.
- Always bring a scarf to cover up and a lightweight jacket for the chilly nights regardless of when you’re traveling Egypt.
- To protect yourself from the sun, bring a wide-rimmed hat, SPF50 sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.
- For camera gear, I carry an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless that’s lightweight and easy to lug around. It fits perfectly in my leather mini messenger bag along with an extra lens, passport and other belongings.
How to Stay Safe in Egypt
This brings us back to the question, “is Egypt safe to visit?”
In my opinion, yes it is safe to travel Egypt, but only with the right mindset and expectations. As long as you’ve done your research and practice common sense, there’s no reason why you can’t travel Egypt safely.
Here are more Egypt safety tips to help ensure your trip goes smoothly:
- Avoid eye contact – Egyptians see eye contact as a form of flirtation. Just smile, keep moving and ignore the tourist touts. I used to think it was rude, but I’ve realized that’s the only way to stop them from following you.
- Say ‘no’ all offers – Anyone offering to take your photo or help you in anyway is going to ask for a baksheesh (tip). Just say no or “shukran” (thank you) and they’ll leave you alone.
- Don’t take up on offers to go anywhere alone with an Egyptian – Solo female travelers should avoid being alone with a man with nowhere to escape. Of course not all Egyptian men are not trustworthy, but I recommend erring on the safe side.
- Dress conservatively – As Egypt is a Muslim country, dressing appropriately will help you avoid drawing too much unwanted attention. Cover your knees and shoulders if possible.
- Book a guide at archaeological sites – At certain sites like Giza Pyramids and Valley of the Kings, having a guide will ward off the annoying touts. These sites have so much history to them, you’ll need a guide to truly understand the stories behind them.
- Don’t bring a drone – You need special permission to fly a drone on most parts of Egypt. If you bring it to the airport, chances of getting it confiscated is very high.
- Avoid any display of affection – Egypt is a conservative country, so avoid kissing or hugging your partner in public.
- Always ask before taking photos of people – This is especially so in crowded places like the souk. Some locals might not like that, and might get aggressive if you do snap photos of them, so please avoid that.
Further Reading on Egypt
I hope this article on travel safety in Egypt will help you get ready for your trip. If you’re interested in reading more on Egypt, check out these articles I’ve written on the country as well as neighboring countries:
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- Cairo Itinerary: 3 Days in Cairo and the Pyramids
- 3 Days in Luxor Itinerary
- 15 Cool Things to Do in Aswan
- 2-Week Egypt Itinerary
- Sudan Travel Guide
- Best Things to Do in Jordan
- Hiking the Jesus Trail in Israel
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Let me know if you have any questions below. I’d be more than happy to help!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I’ll get a small commission when you click on those links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
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