Safety in Egypt

Egypt is a welcoming and safe destination for tourists, including solo women and families with children.

While the country has faced challenges in the past, the government prioritizes tourist safety, and most visits are trouble-free. Here’s what you need to know:

Is Egypt Safe?
Crime Rates: Low, but always keep valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Tourist Police: A dedicated tourist police force (#126) is available to assist visitors. Report any issues to them immediately.

Friendly Locals: Egyptians are known for their hospitality, but it’s wise to book tours in advance to avoid pushy vendors.

Safety Measures
The country’s government is concerned about your security. It endeavors to protect the places where you are. It begins with the hotel security staff, continues with tourist police officers in the entrance area and on the streets. Ends with the police convoys organized when traveling to places like Abu Simbel or Western Desert. To be honest, police are everywhere in Egypt.

You can travel from city to city, but if you are a larger group of foreigners, your bus should travel under a tourist license – with the driver with permission to work with tourists. Here you should know that an Egyptian citizen is not allowed to relocate tourists if he is not registered with the authorities. This is one of the points regarding your safety.

In order to enter certain places in the country (western desert, area near the Sudan border, near the Israel border, etc.) you need a special permit from the national security office.

small excursions into the desert / jeeps / quads / vehicles must be registered for tourist purposes and the distance to the city is limited. The boats that offer sea trips – diving, snorkeling, have to register their movement regularly. Night trips and tracks on tourist buses (between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.) are monitored and registered by the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourist Police. There are “checkpoints” – small police stations across the country to check travelers in vehicles

Tips for Travelers
Solo Women: Egypt is safe for solo female travelers, but dress modestly and avoid walking alone at night.

Children: Families with kids can feel safe, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam.

Desert & Sea Trips: Ensure excursions are registered with the Ministry of Tourism. Avoid unlicensed operators.

Restricted Areas
Some regions, like the Western Desert or near borders, require special permits. Always check local travel advisories before visiting these areas.

Final Advice
Respect local customs and laws (e.g., no photos of military or police).

Use common sense, stay informed, and enjoy Egypt’s incredible history and culture with peace of mind! 🌍

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