[Egypt Travel Safety] Is Egypt Safe Right Now? 9 Anti-Scam Tips
“Is it safe to travel to Egypt?”
As a tour leader, even today in November 2025, this remains the number one question I am asked. The internet is full of “legendary” stories about scams in Egypt, making many people both excited and terrified to visit.
If you are looking for the most honest advice regarding 2025 Egypt Travel Safety, you have come to the right place. Today, I want to use my 20+ years of experience to tell you: “Egypt is safe for tourists, but it is ‘annoying’.”
You need to understand one core concept: violent crime in tourist areas is rare. What is extremely common, however, is the “tourist hustle,” which has been developed into a high art form. These people don’t want to rob you; they want to use a thousand different psychological tricks to make you “willingly” hand over your money.
Don’t worry. Like a magic trick, once you know the secret, it’s not scary anymore. This guide will teach you how to see through the illusions and give you 9 golden rules to stay safe, so you can enjoy a pure, unadulterated journey through ancient civilization.
The Truth About Safety in Egypt: “Dangerous” or Just “Annoying”?
Dangerous: Refers to robbery, assault, or kidnapping that threatens your physical safety. In Egypt’s tourist zones, this is extremely rare. Tourism is the country’s lifeblood, and Tourist Police are everywhere.
Annoying: Refers to the relentless touts, aggressive sales tactics, and creative scams. This is extremely common and is the real challenge you need to manage.
Your goal is to learn how to filter out this “annoyance.”
The Tour Leader’s Scam Radar: Top 5 Common Scams Breakdown
| Scam Name | How It Works (The “SOP”) | The Pro’s Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The “Free” Gift/Scarf | Someone aggressively places a scarf on your head or shoves a souvenir into your hand, saying “Welcome gift!” The moment you accept, they demand payment. | Hands in pockets, keep moving! Firmly shake your head and say “La, shukran” (No, thank you), then walk away immediately. Do not make eye contact. |
| 2. Fake Official/Ticket Check | Near an entrance, someone “official-looking” (sometimes with a fake ID) stops you to “check your ticket,” then begins an “official tour” and demands a tip. | Only show tickets at the official gate/booth. Ignore everyone who approaches you on the street. Only trust uniformed Tourist Police. |
| 3. The Camel Ride Price Trap | You agree on a cheap price (e.g., 100 EGP). That’s the price to get *on*. When you want to get *off*, the price suddenly jumps to 1000 EGP. | Agree on the TOTAL price first! Use your phone calculator to confirm “Total price, per person, include up and down,” and pay only that amount. |
| 4. “It’s Closed” / Secret Way | You’re walking to a site, and a “helpful” local says “It’s closed for prayer/renovation” and offers to show you a “shortcut,” leading to a shop or demanding a fee. | Trust your Google Maps and official signs. Always walk toward the main, official entrance. |
| 5. The “Helpful” Photo Taker | Someone enthusiastically grabs your phone or camera to take a “pro” photo for you, then demands a huge tip, sometimes holding your phone hostage. | Never let your phone leave your hands! Politely but firmly refuse. Ask another tourist to take your photo if needed. |
A Senior Tour Leader’s 9 Golden Rules for Staying Safe
1. Master the Magic Words: “La, shukran” (No, thank you)
This is your most powerful weapon in Egypt. When approached, smile, say “La, shukran” firmly, and immediately turn and walk away. Do not stop. Do not hesitate!
2. Be Discreet, Don’t Flash Wealth
Don’t wear expensive jewelry. Keep your camera in your bag when not in use. When paying, keep small bills in an accessible pocket and large bills hidden in a money belt.
3. Dress Conservatively to Blend In
This is especially important for female travelers. Wearing loose-fitting long pants/skirts and a top that covers your shoulders and chest will reduce unwanted attention by at least 80%.
4. Keep Valuables in Separate Places
Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. Passport, large bills, and credit cards in a money belt. Daily cash in a pocket. A backup credit card locked in your luggage.
5. Always Agree on the Price First
For taxis, souvenirs, or any activity, your first question is, “How much? Total price?” and confirm it on a calculator.
6. Drink Only Bottled Water
This is for your health. Tap water is not safe to drink. Always buy sealed bottled water and check the cap.
7. Avoid Walking Alone in Dark Alleys at Night
In big cities like Cairo, main streets and tourist areas are busy at night. However, avoid walking alone in unlit, unfamiliar alleys or non-tourist neighborhoods.
8. Use Uber/Careem in Cities
In major cities, prioritize using ride-hailing apps (Uber/Careem). The price is fixed, there’s no haggling, and it’s the ultimate anti-scam tool for independent travelers.
9. Check Official Travel Advisories
Checking official government advice before you fly gives you a solid baseline.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory
provides the latest safety info. For other international travelers, the
UK Foreign Travel Advice
is also an excellent resource.
Quick FAQ
Q1: Is it safe for a solo female traveler?
This is a high-difficulty challenge. I would strongly advise against it for first-timers. While you may not be in physical danger, as a “solo female” you will receive a disproportionate amount of harassment and attention, which can make the trip exhausting. It’s best to find a travel buddy or join a small group tour.
Q2: What should I do if I get into trouble in Egypt?
At every tourist site, you will find “Tourist Police” (in white uniforms). They are there specifically to help tourists and usually speak some English. If you have any dispute, find them immediately.
Q3: Is the crime rate in Egypt really high?
Let me be clear: the “crime rate” (major crimes like assault, robbery) against tourists is very low, often lower than in many major US or European cities. The “scam rate” is very high. 90% of Egyptian people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Your job is to learn how to manage the 10% who work in the tourist-hustle business.
Conclusion
Do not let the fear of being “annoyed” stop you from visiting one of the most magnificent countries on Earth. The scams in Egypt are just a big, real-life game. Now that you have this guide, you know the rules and you can win. Keep an open heart, but turn on your “scam radar.” You will find that once you learn to sidestep the hassles, the real Egypt you discover is profoundly welcoming and endlessly fascinating.
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