Is It Safe to Visit Egypt on Vacations from India?

Many people dream of visiting and seeing the ancient sites of Egypt up close and personal and cruise down the Nile River like the Pharaohs once did. If you want to see the Pyramids, Abu Simbel or the valley of the kings but you’re wondering if it is safe to visit Egypt? Then read on.

In short, the answer is yes, it is safe to travel to Egypt.

Is Egypt safe to travel to in 2020?

Historically, Egypt has been a popular and safe destination for travellers. One of the biggest things to worry about was overeager guides offering trinkets or camel rides.

In 2011, periods of unrest began in Egypt, where political protests sparked a series of terrorist attacks. Over time, the dust settled and now it is safe to visit Egypt. Overall, the advice is to avoid some no-go areas for tourists like Libya or North Sinai.

Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and other popular tourist spots are considered safe, however, you need to be aware of your surroundings.

In all, Egypt is not as dangerous as you think it is

If you think about it, the popular tourist sites in Egypt are at par with famous sites in and around the US or Europe, they’re just as safe. Most parts of the country have a strong military presence with armed guards, bag checks, metal detectors and more. With many security measures in place and other tourists flocking around, you will never feel like you’re in danger at any point.

Yes, there is no guarantee that Egypt is 100% safe, but this claim cannot be made about any destination in the world. Egypt is as safe as possible or safer for tourists than you probably think.

With these simple tips, you can make your Egyptian vacation not only memorable but very safe too.

1. Travel with people who know the lay of the land

There are chances you may visit Egypt only once and you owe it to yourself to see it inside out by someone who knows the place and understands it. You need an English-speaking guide who can explain the background of everything to you thoroughly.

If you find this hard to seek out, it’s best to go on group tours or customized tours organised specially for you. Visit Holxo.com and browse through our Egypt tour options.

2. Scheduled tours of major attractions are recommended

One of the reasons why Holxo recommends seeing the country with a reputable tour operator, like us, is so that you not only get to see every nook and corner of major attractions but also you have no hassles whatsoever. With new places, it may take a while before you understand the routes, passageways and what you’re actually going to see. With pre-purchased tours, you know what you’re going to get and see when you reach your destination. Moreover, tours are organised only when there are no safety issues, so the question of ‘is Egypt safe to travel right now?’ will not arise.

3. Watch out for purse-snatchers and pickpockets, especially in big cities

According to Lonely Planet, “The incidence of crime, violent or otherwise, in Egypt is negligible compared with many Western countries, and you’re generally safe walking around day or night.” While Egypt is safe and nearly crime-free, there are a few incidents of petty theft. You always need to be alert of your surroundings when you are on foot, especially in densely populated areas, like how you would when you’re in other parts of the world. A little caution goes a long way in keeping you secure and makes Egypt safe for holidays. Don’t carry all your money/valuables in one place, distribute them and typically it’s safe but it’s best to avoid unnecessary circumstances by walking in larger groups at night and not alone.

There are scams floating around like ingenious ways to purchase goods or items which you don’t want. Typically, they’re more annoying than dangerous.

4. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings

Protests rarely take place, if they do, they’re peaceful but there are chances of a peaceful protest turning to violent quickly. As a bystander, you can get caught up in the chaos. Rather than the protests and large gatherings, there is so much more that Egypt offers which will help you create unforgettable memories, so keep moving along.

5. Enjoy the Sahara Desert, but be careful

Safety in Egypt is not necessarily connected with terrorism, protests, etc. Since more than 90 per cent of the country is occupied by desert areas, no doubt beautiful, but you need to be cautious. For experienced travellers, Egypt is safe to travel but for those who are inexperienced, it’s safe, but you need guidance, especially if you plan on doing more than just dipping your toes in the sand.

6. Modesty is the key and will take you a long way

The advice for travellers is to dress modestly, not only when you visit mosques or souqs, but generally as well. Women should cover their upper arms and legs and men should make sure they don’t expose their chest. Please note, public display of affection is also disapproved.

7. Is food and water safe in Egypt?

During your trip to Egypt, you will discover countless culinary delights which will be some of the most adventurous food you’ve eaten yet supremely delicious. The more you step out of your comfort zone and try different foods, the more rewarding your culinary journey will be.

With influence from several cultures and civilizations over centuries, you’ll see hints of Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Palestinian and more cuisines having an impact on the food here. Some of the favourite dishes you need to try as a visitor are kushari (a mixed rice dish made up of rice, lentils and macaroni and topped with vegetables and sauces), ful medammes (fava beans cooked with salt and oil), falafel, Mahshi (stuffed vegetables), shawarma and more! Don’t forget to get your boost of energy from Egyptian coffee.

While there are many restaurants around the country that keep up to Western food-hygiene standards, there are few questionable ones as well.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the cuisine of Egypt and stray away from restaurants, you need to be careful. Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself from falling ill.

• Head to spots that are full of locals and busy. This ensures that the quality of food on your plate is good.
• Make use of popular and well-reputed websites to find some of the best places to eat.
• Avoiding uncooked foods like salads, which are likely washed with unfiltered water, is advised.
• Ensure street food is well cooked and served hot.
• Steer clear of uncooked eggs, fish or meat.
• If you have a weak stomach, pick nicer restaurants.

While how safe is Egypt to visit? is a question you don’t have to worry about, one thing you need to worry about is the water. Never drink water straight from the tap. Although in bigger cities like Cairo the tap water is safe to drink as it’s heavily chlorinated, it’s best to avoid the unnecessary. It’s best to drink boiled water or bottled water.

8. Is the transport safe in Egypt?

In general, transportation is safe in the country. However, here are a few precautions to get around without any hassles.

• Learning Arabic numerals or even just writing them down is useful to read licence plates, timetables, public transportation schedules and more. 
• One of the cheapest and fastest ways to get around Cairo is Uber, although newly launched, it’s super useful. Here’s where you can easily spot your driver by his vehicle’s number plate if you’re able to recognize Arabic numbers. Ensure it’s the right cab before you hop in. The other option in Cairo is metered taxis.
• You can book bus and train tickets directly at the appropriate station.
• Keep in mind that Egypt is big and getting from one city to another is easiest by air. It’s quick, reliable and safe.
• When you take the bus, keep an eye for air conditioning and videos. Videos are usually very loud, and the air conditioning is always very low even in summer.
• Cairo also has a metro.
• The train is best suited for travelling from Aswan in the south and Alexandria in the north.
• Is Egypt safe for women? With women-only coaches in the metro and trains, yes, it is safe.

General rules for staying safe

Is Egypt safe to travel right now? Overall, it’s very safe. It’s close to impossible to predict dangerous situations or terrorist attacks, however, a few tiny measures can help visitors stay safe. It’s important to keep an eye on government travel warnings frequently and ensure you obey the advice mentioned. Vigilance is key, similarly, follow the order of the local security teams as well. Avoid crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings at all times especially on public and religious holidays, be extra careful when you visit places of worship and consider the safest way to reach your destination.

Health concerns and vaccinations

If you’re in larger cities, access to medical facilities is very good and easy but it’s harder in rural areas. Typically, as travellers, the primary health concerns will range from an upset tummy to sunburn. If you carry the needed medicines and supplementary items from your home country, you should be just fine. But for anything more serious, it’s best to get medical assistance.

Egypt does not require prophylaxis against malaria or multiple vaccinations like sub-Saharan countries.

Women travelling to Egypt

If the question is Egypt safe for women on your mind, worry not. Violet crimes against women are rare. The only thing you might need to worry about is unwanted attention. Being an Islamic country, it’s best to dress conservatively to avoid uncomfortable stares or offend locals. Think long skirts, pants and half or longer sleeved tops. Hold back on shorts, miniskirts and such pieces of clothing. While the towns of the Red Sea coast are more relaxed, other places, it’s a little stricter. Stay in reputable hotels and don’t walk alone at night.

A Little Goes A Long Way

Following a few simple tips and tricks when you’re travelling to Egypt, will never bring up the question - is Egypt safe to travel right now? You’ll be safe and have a trip of a lifetime.

Egypt is a place, which mere words cannot describe. It’s best to visit and explore these treasures with your own eyes and create permanent memories.

Enjoy your Egyptian vacation and if you have any questions about booking your trip you can reach out to our travel specialities and experts. Safe travels!