Is it dangerous to go to Egypt right now – Areas to avoid

You want to travel to the land of the Pharaohs and the Pyramids but you don't know if it is dangerous or not to go to Egypt right now.

Egypt is, indeed, a beautiful country, rich in history and culture, which attracts millions of tourists every year. However, the country has been plagued by turmoil since the 2011 revolution and the ensuing political instability. As a result, many tourists want to go there but wonder if it is possible to travel to Egypt safely at the present time.

It is true that it is important to do research before going to Egypt. Indeed, it is necessary to keep abreast of the risks according to the geographical areas and to follow the travel advice issued by its country of origin. By taking these precautions, travelers will be able to serenely enjoy the beauty and history of Egypt while remaining safe.

In this article, you will find out whether or not it is dangerous to travel to Egypt today, which areas to avoid, advice on safety and recommendations so that your behavior or clothing does not offend Egyptians.

It is a summary of sourced web data (rankings, government recommendations, statistics, press articles) and therefore does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.

Due to the current situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, it is appropriate to stay informed directly and regularly on the site: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr (see also last paragraph on this article Updated travel recommendations in Egypt).

What are the risks of traveling to Egypt?

One of the main risks in Egypt (as in many other countries) is terrorism. In recent years, several high-profile attacks have been perpetrated at tourist sites. We remember the2019 tourist bus bombing or more recentlyterrorist attack of December 30, 2022.

Another problem a tourist may have in Egypt is the risk of crime. Indeed, as in all highly visited sites around the world, scams and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas.

On the other hand, tourists, especially women, should also be aware of the risk of sexual harassment and assault at night in certain places (see more detail below).

Despite these risks, Egypt remains a popular destination for tourists, and many visitors have had wonderful experiences in this country. The key to a safe and enjoyable trip is to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

This may include hiring a tour guide to accompany you everywhere, learning about areas to avoid (see below) and taking out a good travel insurance. Indeed, in some countries, it is safer to know that you are insured, especially if you have to be quickly repatriated, if you are the victim of theft or if you have to be hospitalized.

Is Egypt a dangerous country?

According to Numbeo.com world ranking (Crime Index by Country 2024), Egypt is not at the top of the most dangerous countries in the world but neither among the safest countries.

Indeed, with a crime index of 47.24 (in the high average), Egypt is ranked 62nd out of the 142 countries on the list.

When we compare with other nations, we can say that Egypt is a more dangerous country than Jordan, the Philippines or Turkey. But it remains less dangerous than the United States, the Tanzania, Jamaica, France or theItaly.

Is it dangerous to travel to Egypt in 2024?

While Egypt has experienced its share of political and social unrest in the past, the situation has improved considerably in recent years. The government has taken several measures to ensure the safety of tourists, including increasing police presence in tourist areas, improving security measures at airports and tackling crime.

And even if risk 0 does not exist, in 2024 the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt are considered safe. Indeed, this is what can be read on many travel forums. Tourists returning from Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea, give favorable opinions on safety.

However, it is still important to exercise caution especially if you venture off the beaten track. In general, the best way to travel safely in Egypt is to stick to the busiest tourist routes and avoid areas known to be dangerous (see below).

Dangerous areas in Egypt

In 2024, on its France Diplomacy website, the French Government placed Egypt on heightened vigilance for most of the country.

In addition, this site indicates the dangerous areas which are formally not recommended for tourists:

• The Western Desert from the Libyan border in the west to the Sudanese border in the south;
• Northern Sinai Peninsula: The part north of the line between the cities of Suez and Taba.

These are the 2 most dangerous areas in Egypt. But there are also other areas to avoid on a tourist trip.

See in the comments the advice of a national who regularly stays in Luxor.

Map of dangerous areas in Egypt

The most dangerous areas in Egypt are indicated in red on the map published by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: Egypt security card

Areas to avoid in Egypt

In addition to the two dangerous areas we have just listed above, here are the other areas to avoid in Egypt:

“The strip located between the desert area, formally not recommended, and the south and west of the town of Marsa Matroûh, the west of the town of Medinet el Fayyoum and the west of the Abou Simbel site is not recommended, except for imperative reasons, taking into account a lesser security network by the armed forces and trafficking. Likewise, the strip located between the north of the Sinai Peninsula and the cities of Suez and Taba is not recommended, except for imperative reasons, due to military operations carried out in the northeast of Sinai. " Source : France Diplomacy

Many other government sites indicate the same areas to avoid in Egypt:

• The US Government, on its website travel.state.gov classifies the Sinai Peninsula as Level 4: Do not travel
• Le British government advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai Governorate beyond the St. Catherine-Nuweibaa road.
• The Canadians also indicate to avoid all travel to the governorate of North Sinai due to terrorist activities and military operations carried out by the Egyptian armed forces, the Western Desert and the border area with Libya. Tourists should avoid the entire area within 50 kilometers of the border with Libya, the Western Desert, including the Bahariya, Bawati, Dakhla and Farafra oases, as well as the White and Black Deserts, due to smuggling , terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups and ongoing military operations.

How to dress and behave in Egypt?

Egypt is a country rich in culture and history and when you have the chance to visit it, it is important to respect its traditions and customs.

For starters, respect comes through dress. Women will need to cover their shoulders, chest and knees. Men should also avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. It is important to remember that Egypt is a Muslim country and the locals appreciate tourists who respect their religion.

Besides dressing properly, it is also important to behave respectfully:

• Always ask permission before taking photos, especially of local people.
• It's also considered rude to touch or point at someone with your feet, so it's important to be mindful of their body language.
• It is customary to take off one's shoes before entering a house, mosque or temple.
• During meals, it is customary to eat with the right hand, the left hand being considered unclean.

By following these few tips, you can show the Egyptians that you appreciate the richness of their history and traditions and can enjoy a safe and pleasant trip!

Updated Egypt travel recommendations

Regarding the conflict situation in Israel and Gaza and the ongoing violent fighting, France updated its recommendations for travelers. She recalls in particular that the border area between Egypt and Israel is located in the red zone. This area is strictly not recommended as in all of North Sinai. In addition, it indicates that it is strictly not recommended to go from Egyptian territory to the Rafah crossing point, which receives wounded and refugees.

As the situation evolves from day to day, I recommend that you consult the site directly and regularly diplomatie.gouv.fr to keep you informed of areas to avoid in Egypt.