Summary
Egypt’s main tourist areas are open and visited by millions of travellers every year. Cairo and Giza, Luxor, Aswan, the Nile cruise route and the Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, are not on the list of places that the UK, US or Canadian governments advise against visiting. The areas they do warn against are away from the usual routes: North Sinai, the borders with Libya and Sudan, and parts of the Western Desert and inland South Sinai.
In 2026, tensions in the wider Middle East have also caused some flight cancellations and airspace closures in the region. Check your government’s latest advice and your airline before you travel. The rest of this guide covers each area, everyday safety, scams, health and the numbers to call.
Official advice checked on 4 October 2026. It can change quickly, so always read the latest version before you book and again before you fly.
What Official Travel Advice Says
- United Kingdom: the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to North Sinai and to within 20 km of the Libyan border, and against all but essential travel to the inland north of South Sinai, most of the Western Desert and some remote border areas. Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, Nile cruises and the Red Sea resorts are outside those areas. (Page updated 4 August 2026.)
- Canada: the Government of Canada asks travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt, to avoid all travel to North Sinai, the Libyan border area and Dakhla Oasis, and to avoid non-essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai. (Updated 26 May 2026.)
- United States: the US State Department publishes an advisory level for Egypt and lists North Sinai and parts of the Western Desert among the places not to travel. Check the current level on its website.
Government advice affects your travel insurance: many policies do not cover areas your government advises against visiting. None of our standard trips go to those areas.
Regional Tensions in 2026: What It Means for Your Trip
Through 2026, conflict in the wider Middle East has led to periodic airspace closures and flight changes across the region. In its security alert of 1 August 2026, the US Embassy in Cairo asked travellers to stay alert, check their flight status directly with the airline, and be ready for disruption. It did not ask visitors to avoid Egypt’s tourist areas.
- Buy travel insurance that covers cancellation and travel disruption, and read what it excludes.
- Register with your government’s traveller service, such as STEP for US citizens, so your embassy can reach you.
- Keep your airline’s app, and give us a phone number that works in Egypt (WhatsApp is fine).
- Choose flexible bookings where you can. If a flight changes, our team rebooks transfers, hotels and tours for you.
Is Each Area of Egypt Safe?
| Area | Official advice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | Open | Busy city: watch for traffic and pickpockets in crowds. Heavy security at the pyramids and museums. |
| Luxor & Aswan | Open | Relaxed and easy to visit; tourist police at every major temple. |
| Nile cruise (Luxor–Aswan) | Open | One of the most comfortable ways to see Egypt; see our Nile cruises. |
| Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam | Open | Resort towns with gated hotels; follow the dive centre’s rules at sea. |
| Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab | Open (coastal South Sinai) | Fly in or take the coast road; do not go inland without checking current advice. |
| Western Desert (White Desert, oases) | Restricted in parts | Check the exact areas in your government’s advice and travel only with a licensed tour company. |
| North Sinai, Libyan border | Do not travel | Not part of any tourist itinerary. |
Everyday Safety: Crime, Traffic and Police
Violent crime against visitors is rare. The usual problems are pickpocketing in crowded markets such as Khan el-Khalili, overcharging, and Cairo’s traffic, which is the biggest real risk for most visitors.
- Use a cross-body bag, keep your passport and spare cash in the hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo, or agree the taxi fare before you get in. Cross busy roads with locals.
- Expect security checks at hotel entrances, sites and on main roads: keep your passport or a copy with you.
- The Tourist Police (dial 126) patrol every major site and can help in English.
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and do not photograph police, military sites or checkpoints.
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Most trouble visitors meet in Egypt is pressure to buy, not danger. Watch for “free” gifts that end with a demand for money, unofficial guides and camel or horse rides at the pyramids with an unclear price, and people who say a site is closed and offer to take you somewhere else. Agree every price before you start, and say no firmly and politely. Our full guide explains the common tricks: Egypt travel scams and how to avoid them.
Women and Solo Travellers
Many women travel in Egypt alone or in small groups and have a good trip. Unwanted comments and staring are the most common problem, especially in busy streets and markets. Physical harassment is much less common, but it happens.
- Dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and carry a light scarf for mosques. See our packing list for women.
- Use booked transport at night and sit in the back of taxis.
- Ignore persistent sellers, or say a clear “la, shukran” (no, thank you) and keep walking.
- A private guide removes most of the hassle at busy sites.
More advice is in our guide to solo travel in Egypt.
8-Day Cairo, Siwa and White & Black Desert Adventure
Planning the trip itself? Start here.
View This TripHealth: Water, Heat and Food
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice and salads washed in tap water outside good hotels and restaurants.
- The heat is a real risk from May to September: start sightseeing early, wear a hat and high-factor sunscreen, and carry water. See the best time to visit Egypt.
- Pharmacies are everywhere and well stocked; good private hospitals are in Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
- No vaccinations are required for most visitors (yellow fever only if you arrive from a risk country). Ask your doctor about routine travel vaccines.
- Take medical travel insurance; private hospitals usually ask for payment or an insurer’s guarantee.
Respecting Local Customs
Egypt is a conservative and very hospitable country, and a little respect goes a long way. Dress modestly away from the beach, keep displays of affection low-key, ask before you photograph people, and during Ramadan avoid eating and drinking in the street in daylight. You will find that people go out of their way to help.
Emergency Numbers in Egypt
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Tourist Police | 126 |
| Police | 122 |
| Ambulance | 123 |
| Fire | 180 |
Save your embassy’s number before you travel, and keep your travel insurer’s emergency line with your passport.
How We Look After You
When you travel with Top Class Egypt Travel, a representative meets you at the airport, you travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with licensed drivers, and you visit the sites with licensed Egyptologist guides. Our team is available 24 hours a day by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip, follows official advice, and changes plans if anything affects your route.
Browse our Egypt tour packages, read about Egypt visas, or ask us for a tailor-made trip.
Egypt Safety FAQ
Plan Your Egypt Trip
- Before you go: the complete guide
- Best time to visit Egypt
- Egypt visa: e-Visa, visa on arrival & cost
- Travel insurance for Egypt
- How much a trip to Egypt costs
- Money, cards & tipping
- SIM cards, eSIM & internet
- What to wear in Egypt
- Packing list for women
- Summer packing list
- Winter packing list
- What to pack for a Nile cruise
































