Egypt has been a must-see destination for travelers for decades now. It’s incredibly rich in history, culture, and natural beauties that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
If you’re planning on visiting this wonderful country sometime in the near future, you’re probably wondering whether it’s safe to do so, especially considering the current COVID19 crisis.
In this article, we’ll discuss this topic in detail to help you prepare for your trip to Egypt in the best way possible.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right to the bottom of it!
Contents
Crime in Egypt
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
When it comes to crime levels in Egypt, you as a tourist don’t have much to worry about. Violent crime levels in the country are much lower than in many western parts of the world.
Most crime that happens is petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, especially at large touristic sites and destinations. Make sure you travel in groups and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
Apart from that, learn how to recognize touristic scams before you book your ticket. These are common in big cities all around the world, so if you travel a lot, you won’t have any issues identifying them in Kairo or Alexandria.
Political stability
Source: middleeasteye.net
Egypt has a complex political situation you should be aware of when you visit the country. Demonstrations and protests aren’t a rarity,
and it’s something you should stay away from as a foreigner. Don’t engage in political discussions and keep your opinions to yourself. You’re there to enjoy your time and experience new things, nothing less and nothing more.
The threat of terrorism is low, but some attacks have happened in recent years, so keep that in mind as well. Avoid large religious gatherings, and travel with someone who truly knows Egypt to keep yourself safe during your trip.
Traveling for LGBTQ+
Source: forbes.com
Egypt isn’t an LGBTQ-friendly destination and it will probably remain as such for years to come. If you belong to the LGBTQ community, you’ll need to take the necessary precautions when traveling to Egypt. Make sure you do not express your sexuality (or gender identity) openly, as it could be quite risky in some parts of the country. As you already know,
Egypt has a predominantly Muslim population, and we all know the Islamic take on LGBTQ relationships and gender theory. So, again, keeping your sexual preferences and gender identity to yourself during your stay is of the utmost importance.
Solo female travelers
Source: lonelyplanet.com
As noted at pyramidsland.com, Egypt is relatively safe for women who prefer traveling alone, but traveling in groups is still what’s recommended. We advise you to at least get a guide, especially if you’d like to explore lesser-known parts of Kairo.
Social media and photos
Source: travelmagazine.rs
It’s illegal to take photos of bridges, canals, and military personnel and buildings in Egypt. Be careful not to break the law while you’re in the country, as you could be fined or detained.
You should also dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Don’t post pictures in revealing clothing, as it’s not socially accepted and it could get you in trouble with the locals.
If you’re in a homosexual relationship and traveling with your partner, keep your social media private during your stay, as you could be prosecuted under debauchery laws. Avoid using any dating apps as well and read up on the local laws before you arrive in the country.
The COVID situation
Source: pexels.com
The country is still far from being COVID-free, so you’d most likely be required to show proof of vaccination or take a PCR test before you enter the country. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and keep your mask on everywhere you go. If you start feeling any symptoms, contact the Egyptian authorities on 105 as soon as you can.
Again, since all countries have specific entry rules depending on where you’re coming from, check the Egyptian COVID regulations pertaining to the citizens of your country of origin before you’ve booked your tickets.
We also advise you to check their official government websites regularly as your vacation approaches to ensure there haven’t been any changes to the current COVID restrictions in the country. Remember to follow all anti-pandemic measures recommended by the World Health Organization while you’re traveling to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you.
More tips for staying safe during your Egypt trip
Source: fodors.com
- Be careful during religious holidays- Egypt has seen a rise in terrorism in the past few years. Nobody can guarantee there won’t be new attacks in the future. The main target is certain religious sites and communities, so stay away from those during holidays and various religious periods happening in the country.
- Do not criticize the Egyptian government- Some foreigners were arrested for publicly criticizing the Egyptian government during their stay in Egypt. As we’ve mentioned before, you should stay away from political discussions when traveling to foreign countries. The same goes for your social media pages – posting political content while you’re in the country is unwise.
- Book your tours as carefully as you can- Not all tour operators follow the necessary safety standards. Make sure you’ve checked their services and your travel insurance policy before you book any tours including safari.
- The period between March and May is when sand storms can occur- if you’re traveling in this period of the year be particularly wary of sand and dust storms in some areas of the country.
- Earthquakes are common in Kairo—If you find yourself in the country during an earthquake, remember to follow the official safety guidelines.
- Don’t swim in the freshwater- To avoid waterborne infections and diseases, avoid swimming in the Nile river.
The bottom line
Overall, Egypt is a relatively safe destination for tourists in 2024. As long as you’re careful about the local laws and regulations, especially when it comes to COVID, you’ll certainly enjoy your stay in this magnificent country.
We hope our article helped you prepare for your trip to Africa properly, and we wish you the best of luck during your traveling adventures!
