How Does Crime & Safety Work in Egypt?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Major tourist areas are generally safe, but harassment — especially of women — is a genuine and frequent concern.
2What You Need to Know
Egypt's main tourist zones (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) have a visible police presence and violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft such as pickpocketing exists in crowded areas like markets and Metro stations. Sexual harassment of women (verbal and sometimes physical) is unfortunately common in public spaces, and solo female travellers should be prepared for persistent unwanted attention, particularly in Cairo. The Sinai Peninsula requires careful research before visiting — the Egyptian government restricts access to some areas, and some foreign governments advise against all or all-but-essential travel to parts of North Sinai.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Women travelling solo should consider hiring a licensed local guide for visits to crowded sites like Khan el-Khalili — it significantly reduces harassment
- 2Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and large amounts of cash in crowded markets and the Metro
- 3Check your government's travel advisory for Sinai specifically before booking — advisories change and some zones are genuinely off-limits
Important Warning
Parts of North Sinai are subject to active government travel restrictions and ongoing security operations. Several Western governments advise against all travel to specific Sinai zones — check current advisories before any Sinai itinerary.
How does this compare?
Crime & Safety rules in nearby and similar countries:
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with extremely low crime rates — road accidents are a greater real risk than crime.
Morocco is generally safe for tourists with violent crime being rare, but solo women face significant street harassment in medinas and pickpocketing is a concern.
Saudi Arabia has one of the world's lowest violent crime rates and is extremely safe for tourists, including women traveling solo.
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More About Egypt
Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and expected for almost every small service.
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Use the Cairo Metro for cheap city travel, and Uber or Careem for safe, fairly-priced taxis.
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Private hospitals in Cairo are good, but healthcare in rural and desert areas is very limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
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Drug possession, LGBTQ+ activity, photographing government or military sites, and criticising the president are all serious criminal offences in Egypt.
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Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Tourist Police: 126.
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Cover shoulders and knees in most public areas; swimwear is fine at Red Sea and Mediterranean resorts.
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