Egypt, with its pyramids and the majestic Nile, is unsurprisingly popular with visitors, and visitor numbers are growing. However, many visitors are still concerned about Egypt’s safety, wondering if travel to Egypt is safe or not. Civil upheaval, tourism scams, and terrorism have all presented hazards to travelers in the region in recent years. Despite the recent calm, portions of Egypt, especially the Sinai Peninsula and all land borders, remain dangerous for travel. Egypt may face terrorism and be politically turbulent, but the thousands of visitors that visit the country have mainly trouble-free experiences.
Travel to Egypt is it safe to visit?
Terrorism is a big concern in many places in Egypt, and the Egyptian government is battling it every day. Though most tourist attractions are safe, you should be aware of the ones you should avoid. Before visiting, make sure you are aware of any high-risk regions and conduct extensive research. So, how safe is it for travelers to visit Egypt?
Pickpocket Risk
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are common in Egypt, particularly in busy areas, near tourist attractions, and on the metro, railway stations, or airports. Be cautious and keep your stuff close to hand.
Terrorism Risk
Terrorism is one of the most serious issues for visitors. Terrorists are expected to attempt strikes, with the primary threat coming from radicals associated with Dash-Sinai. You must maintain constant vigilance.
Scam Risk
Scams are Egypt’s most serious problem. There are so many that they cannot all be included, but here is a handful of the more notable. Never get into a taxi without first negotiating the price, since they may and will overcharge you. If you wish to get into a museum, you may be stopped by someone who tells you that you must wait for the museum to open and that you may go into their shop and have some tea while you wait. It’s a ruse to get you to buy stuff from their store. Don’t trust people who behave like your friends at amusement parks since they frequently befriend people and then offer to store their luggage while they’re on a ride, only to vanish the moment you go on the ride.
Is it safe to walk around Cairo?
It should come as no surprise that Cairo is the greatest city in Egypt to stay in. Cairo, Egypt’s capital city, serves as the country’s nerve center. Cairo is a megacity, by far the largest in Egypt, with over 19.5 million residents in just the city of Cairo alone. Furthermore, Cairo is located directly on the famed Nile River, which runs across the huge metropolis.
Obviously, the finest thing to do in Cairo is to visit the Great Pyramids and pet a camel! Because Cairo is Egypt’s most populous city, you may expect a large number of visitors. This suggests that pickpocketing is a common crime. However, as long as you are mindful of your surroundings and do not leave your belongings unattended, Cairo may be a secure destination to visit. Tourists visiting high-profile monuments such as the Giza Pyramids may be aggressively approached for money or business, even if they are traveling by automobile or cab. Visitors who use a pre-booked guide or go on an organized trip to see the Giza Pyramids are more likely to have a better experience.
Cairo is one of the safest cities in Egypt, owing to the fact that it is also the most developed. Aside from pickpocketing and beautiful stealing, you won’t have to worry about your safety too much. Expect a large number of tourists, fantastic sites, and pleasant residents.
Traveler’s Checklist for Egypt
Your safety matters wherever you are. Before you go, it is very important to make sure you have completed the following checklists.
1. Get Informed
You should be well informed on your destination’s safety and security facts. Examine entry/exit requirements, visas, medical care, road safety, local laws, and customs, among other things. Make a note of the contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate to have with you in case of an emergency while abroad. Furthermore, before traveling abroad, advise your bank and credit card providers of your plans, and check exchange rates because money is important.
2. Get Required Documents
In case of an emergency, make two copies of all your travel papers. One duplicate should be left at home with a trusted friend or family, and the other should be carried separately from your original documents. Keep your passport apart from your money and do not carry it in your back pocket to assist against theft.
3. Get Insured
Health insurance and emergency evacuation are at the very least required. Numerous overseas medical providers and facilities request cash payment upfront and do not accept U.S. insurance coverage. Outside of the United States, Medicare does not offer coverage. Check your U.S. health insurance coverage to discover if it covers you abroad. If not, think about purchasing extra insurance. Make certain that any unique medical requirements or dangers you foresee on your vacation are covered by the insurance you purchase.
Meanwhile, evacuation to another nation for medical care or to flee a disaster region might cost more than $100,000. In the event of an emergency when traveling abroad, you should definitely consider getting evacuation insurance. You should also budget for unforeseen expenses, such as trip interruption or cancellation, aircraft delays, lost or stolen luggage, and other unanticipated travel charges. Check with your credit card company and home insurance provider to see if they offer coverage. If not, try purchasing supplementary insurance.
So, travel to Egypt is it safe or not? It is your decision to travel, and you are responsible for your personal safety while overseas. Due to terrorism issues, the US embassy may advise American tourists to reconsider travel to Egypt. There are several places you must not visit such as The Sinai Peninsula, The Western Desert, and Egyptian border areas. Visiting tourism spots is considered safe in general as long as you follow the tips and guidelines above. It is also recommended to take a tour to Egypt organized by a professional and reputable tour agent like Exodus Travel. Visit https://blog.exodustravel.net/ for an organized and safe tour so you won’t face any difficulties while in Egypt.
Read more: American Tourists Need to Bring When Tour to Egypt