She will definitely need to be covered up at sacred and religious sites, but for just walking around, I dont think its a problem. Youd be doing yourself a disservice to not spend some time exploring the countrys cities and historical sites, and getting to know the people. If you cant shake that anxiety, however, hire a private guide or stick to small group tours. You should also avoid venturing close to the borders of Sudan and Libya due to ongoing conflicts and violence in those countries. Is Egypt Safe for Tourists? Inertia Network we are supposed to buy a house over there when find out the country is not safe i changed my plan. I was sitting in a taxi, flying down the freeway towards Giza and looked out the window to see a horse-drawn cart coming towards us on the wrong side of a major freeway. With its location in both Africa and Asian continents, the weather can get to a high and balmy temperature, which can cause health concerns. Keep your money and identification in a safe place such as a money belt and don't carry large sums of cash on you. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. Additionally, the Egyptian government recommends staying at least 50 kilometers away from the border that Egypt shares withLibya and Sudan. If you plan to be near the desert, you may want to pack a facial cover to protect your mouth and nose from the dust that is in the air. All As for tourist scams, its not more or less then anywhere else. Try to avoid crowded areas (admittedly a difficult task in big cities like Cairo), which may be targeted for potential attacks. If you're a victim of a crime, reach out to local police by dialing 122 as well as to your embassy. Why is right now one of the best times to go to Egypt? You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Egypt is a relatively safe country for BIPOC travelers without any major concerns. It is also vital to be mindful of local customs and culture. I have wanted to go ever since I learned about the pyramids when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. It was successful for a time but she found a way to keep reaching out to him. Its a very popular day trip from Aswan and visitors come to see the famous Abu Simbel temple complex which is almost as iconic as the Great Pyramids of Giza. Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The amount is obviously going to be very different depending on what youre doing. No, there is no dress code in Egypt. Since that 2013 report, Egypt has very much toughened its laws on sexual assault (including jail time up to five years), and even if your only option is to go alone, I still think its worth it. Still, you should exercise vigilance at every step. Is Egypt Safe for Travel? What you should know before visiting Saving Lives, Protecting People. Egypt went through a number of presidents and even a brief period of military rule before things truly calmed down. With all the international news coverage during this period, Egypt quickly earned a reputation as a dangerous place to visit. (How is it in 2023 with Safety Guide and Tips). Because of that, they are therefore more likely to be targeted and pickpocketed during their stay. Assume the price you are given, whether for a boat ride or a souvenir, is way overpriced and dont be afraid to negotiate. Because this website contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. if you book a taxi/bus by uber or careem it is reliable and will not overcharge you. Abu Simbel itself is a very small village and is quite safe. Your experience was extremely informative for me as I was fearing I would never be able to see the pyramids of Egypt. Nice story, but its a little bit onesided in my opinion. Hi Jeremy! A bit of savviness can go a long way in staying safe, much like the precautions you would take in any other country. 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. Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools. Overall, petty crime is very uncommon. We spent 12 days in Egypt at the end of December 2019. It is processed on arrival in Egypt and its price is approximately 25 $. Demonstrations and marches that start in the capital will often spill over to Alexandria. Dont venture outdoors during the midday. With everything we hear in the media, it's not surprising this is top of mind. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste. Aside from all the places i went in Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel etc,( I was drawn to the ancient culture and spiritual/metaphysical side of things which rami and I connected on very well) Rami is very knowledgable about the places I visited, but I also got to experience things like a local and I went to many family lunches and even a wedding haha! Egypt is very accustomed to millions of people visiting. In the major tourist areas, you will likely feel a sense of heightened security. While they have had conflict in the past, that is not a present concern for locals or tourists. Im not sure, Gladis. Egypt is a transcontinental country located in North Africa extending into Asia due to it holding the Sinai Peninsula. I think things in Egypt are getting better with each passing year. Shop owners will give you gifts then act incredibly offended if you dont buy something from them. How Safe Is Egypt for Travel? - Abroad The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee. 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. Companies are desperate for your business and as a result prices are incredibly cheap. Unfortunately, its not uncommon to hear of harassment and even physical attacks on LGBTQ+ couples. Some of these vaccines include. Previously nomadic, hes been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Thanks for the great article! People in Egypt have nicknamed their all too common stomach bug The Pharaohs Revenge (the Egyptian version of Montezumas Revenge). Do not travel Being a foreign citizen actually affords you protection because they dont want to piss off other countries. Youre less likely to run into an issue if youre travelling with a local guide. When you go out, its critical to apply sunscreen and carry ample amounts of water with you at all times. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Egypt, so your behaviors are important. The period of time before that, most commonly referred to asArab Spring, brought a lot of hostility to the country and a great deal of mistrust between the residents and their government. While there are plenty of helpful, honest people out there, the best travel advice on Egypt might be to just say no thank you. This includes saying no to anyone offering to help you, avoiding taking any gifts from market vendors, and always knowing the approximate taxi fare for where you are going before getting into a taxi. Finally I agreed to talk with the young man. Egypt is included in this, as its many cities also have areas with a higher crime level than others. I would talk to your friend to get a feel for the current climate. It was an amazing trip, I ft a lot of love from the Egyptian people, no matter what I write it doesnt compare to the actual experience, be prepared for people to take pictures of your kids and ask to take pictures with you, tourists are getting pretty rare, at one Church a child begged to have a picture in the middle of a tour and I obliged, sometimes it was exhausting as I just wanted to see the sights, but at the same time it wasnt stares in a bad way I would hate to be a celebrity!! The Mediterranean by Costa del Sol where we stayed for awhile was frought with mosquitoes, they fumigated nightly. These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order: Jump to Place: Afghanistan. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Would I return yes. Women would hand me their babies and take pictures!! Not much conflict then particularly with President Carter joining Israel and Egypts hands then. Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Gaza Strip to the north-east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. 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. Basically, avoid all tap water. Walking alone wont be much of a risk for men traveling solo. The problem is that I am a Latin American woman who looks extremely arabic, and my husband is a tall white American. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. Choose newer vehiclesthey may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable. Follow all local laws and social customs. Sinai is the contentious peninsula and noone travels there ( who knows anything about the current climate there meaning radicals etc.). Something to consider when living in Egypt is the ongoing and changing political climate. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked. Traveling to Cairo /Dahab in November with my husband, would be interested in his information also!! Egypt Travel Advisory The U.S. State Department advises American travelers to "exercise increased caution" when visiting Egypt due to terrorism. If you do end up in such a situation, dont hesitate to yell Harami (which means criminal) and chasing the person who robbed you. When planning a trip to Egypt, its essential to have the following items top of mind for your benefit and safety. I did have a few salad type dishes on my trip. Egypts most significant concern for safety came after the Day of Revolt in 2011. You most likely wont need it for your travel to Egypt but its always a smart idea to have insurance, just in case! We cannot say that Egypt is an entirely safe place to visit, and you can be worry-free at all times. At the heart of the Red Sea diving world is the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today. Youll find many cargo ships that lie at the bottom of the sea. For more information about this message, please visit this page: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And why not visit some temples underwater? Egypt. English is widely spoken in tourist areas of the country. Hey I was wondering what time of year you were in Cairo? My 5 years old just informed me that she wants to see the pyramids and the Great Sphinx soooooo Im planning a trip. He can definitely make arrangements for you at the airportjust send him an email and Im sure hell take care of you. Learn more about which areas specifically arent safe, and just steer clear of those ones. Egypt is generally a very safe country for tourists, including tourists who are traveling alone. Is Egypt SAFE to Visit? Researching hotels and accommodations that are a bit more removed from the populated areas may be a safer option. Im glad you got a chance to meet him, too! Brilliant to read your article. Most destinations will have one or more areas that often bring about a higher level of concern than others. Thank you for this post and the plug to a great tour guide! Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take. Many women have traveled safely to Egypt, without having any problems. Itll still feel busy at places like the Giza Plateau but almost every other place was never over-packed with tourists which is how things were before. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Because of that, they are therefore more likely to be targeted and pickpocketed during their stay. Scams are virtually everywhere around you in Egypt. Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt? - TripSavvy I have a clear memory of my first hour in Cairo thanks to an insane freeway experience. I have a friend who lives there. Being a single woman I have never felt uncomfortable traveling anywhere by myself, but I can see it would be in my best interests to travel with a group to Egypt. Paying attention to traffic is essential no matter where you are. Would you hesitate to return to Cairo at this point in time? Egypts most significant concern for safety came after the Day of Revolt in 2011. Thanks for bringing the full spectrum of views to the table. How Safe Is Egypt for Travel? It is not common for men to wear shorts in Egypt, but its more acceptable for tourists to do so when visiting the country. With that said, solo travelers should avoid exploring quiet areas on foot after sunset. Start Here Africa Egypt Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2023? Southern Egypt is a popular destination for travelers with its many important temples and tombs. Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes. In order to protect tourists, metal detectors and X-ray scanners are already placed aboard the Nile Cruise ships in 2020. I think they kill white people At the same time, be prepared, use common sense, and go into your trip with open eyes. Traveling to Egypt comes with the same precautions youd exercise in other parts of the world. Although located in the Sinai region, Sharm el Sheikh is a very protected zone and is relatively secure. And Egypt is seriously COOL! Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin. Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area. Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries). Thanks, Tammy. I have white blonde hair and Im told this is not good. The capital has many old buildings and water storage tanks that are not up to standard. I stumbled upon this blog when doing a search of whether or not it is safe to travel to Egypt but for a very unusual reason. Egypt's reputation as one of the world's foremost tourism destinations is built on its ancient treasures and Red Sea diving, but in recent years political instability and the threat of terrorism have seen tourism arrivals fall. But, when compared to other countries in the world, it becomes apparent just how cautious it is. With street food in a small town on the Nile, take the opposite approach and be extra cautious. Hard to say, though Id imagine things are a little different now than they were in 1979. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. Follow official recommendations from Egypt and your home nation. If you just pay attention to your surroundings, dont go into dangerous neighborhoods and avoid traveling at night, you will reduce the chances of anything bad happening. Use trains as they are the safest option. COVID-19 Information - U.S. Embassy in Egypt While there is some danger here in Egypt I wouldnt say its as dangerous as it is portrayed here. This country keeps surprising tourists and travelers by offering them much more than they expected which is why it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 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 . I wouldnt be going without her and without having other friends and contacts in Egypt. People from all around the world want a peak of what ancient Egypt was like, and they've built a phenomenal system to showcase exactly that. May 2, 2014 a bomb on a tour bus in Sharm El Sheikh detonated, killing one and injuring four others. It is also vital to be mindful of local customs and culture. Many places are safe to travel and terrorist targets have been almost exclusively military related. Bottled water in Egypt is cheap and easy to find. Is it safe to travel to Egypt? - Times Travel Your email address will not be published. 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.
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